Simply very dated: The Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

Auto Motor Klassiek » Engines » Simply very dated: The Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
Purchasing classics there

Hypersportivity with little engine capacity. That is one thing. At Motorsloop (and trader) Joost Woesthoff we found a Kawasaki GPZ 500 S. from the early 1990s when all engines were fitted with a lot of bodywork.

He is slender and small

First of all, it is striking that this Kawa is a Kawaatje. The machine in slender and small. And the 498 cc two-cylinder was good for 60 hp in its best days. Only thirty years before it delivered the best sporting 500 cc Triumph more than thirty ... With that power and a not too large pilot, such a Kawa ran around 170. And that is then again ten kilometers less than what such a Triumph was given up. To make all that a bit festive, the Japanese twin with its double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder must have a good deal to do. Under the 7.500 rpm, driving on the Kawa is a difficult activity. There is no power. There is no couple.

The whip about it

But once on track, the roadworthy twin 190 kilo is very easy to handle. He controls stably and tightly. And with the 'limited' performance, the single front disc brake is sufficient. The damping and damping comfort is more solid than comfortable. But that fits the character of the bicycle. He even has so much bite that the front fork twists with very brave brakes. For people M / V of such an 175 cm, the seating position is fine, but a passenger cannot make too many demands.

Limited durability

In terms of durability of the engine, the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S also has some English: The engine does not excel in enormous durability. Of course that is inherent to a power source that only wants to run full throttle to function, but with a Kawasaki GPZ 500 S, the mileage is just as important as its maintenance history. But for people who block the time (certainly 30 kilometers) to get up to temperature and regularly change the oil, mileage of 40.000 + or much more must be feasible. But it can also be completely gone with 20D km. The rattling of the primary chain does not have to be a problem.

Just pay attention

The bearing of the output shaft is quite sensitive (also for the chain tension) and that can hurt. The exhaust gaskets tend to blow through and the vents are rust sensitive. Sanding things and spraying them with VHT paint is a cheaper option than having them enameled. and the secondary chain was worn securely until a copy with O rings was mounted. Funny is that the internal friction of an O ring chain can influence the top speed of the Kawa. And of course a thoroughbred such as this small Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is very sensitive to the condition of the steering head and rear fork bearing.

Costs little is fun

In the meantime, you have such a Kawa starting at a euro or 600. You can expect a lot for 1.000-1.500. And for that money, you don't have a classic classic or the best investment, but a terrific fun frolicking bike.

Well traveled and maintained there are quite a few kilometers in the block

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