Kawasaki KZ550 information
First launched in 1979 as the Z500, a scaled down version of the Kawasaki Z1R.
The model had all the features of its larger sibling with a DOHC air-cooled four-cylinder engine planted in to a well-braced double cradle frame.
The model was soon bored out to 553cc becoming the Z550; a 400cc version was also produced and was almost identical.
The model improved and evolved over its life, gaining double disc front brakes, mono-shock rear suspension and a shaft drive version.
Most famous was probably the GPZ550A1 with power increased to 68bhp thanks to revised valve timing.
The most popular model though was the shaft drive versions, especially with despatch riders in London, where the GT550 would regularly cover over a quarter of a million miles.
As a note of interest, ex Formula 1 star, Britain’s Damon Hill, started his racing career on bikes, the Z500 being his first race machine!
Kawasaki KZ550 photo
Kawasaki KZ550
Kawasaki KZ550 owners
Here is a list of machines proudly owned by our community members, that are the same or similar to this machine.
