KAWASAKI GPZ1100 (1995 - 1998) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost: £290
Power: 123 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm)
Weight: High (534 lbs / 242 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £5,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Kawasaki GPZ1100 is more sporty tourer than sports tourer. Launched with zero cutting edge technology but a honking great engine with a hearty midrange that makes rapid riding easy. On the spec sheet the Kawasaki GPZ1100 is an overweight dinosaur but on the road it’s actually a great machine. Just don’t go chasing the latest GSX-Rs on a twisty road.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Kawasaki GPZ1100 is heavy plus that weight’s carried quite high. The GPZ1100 can feel a bit of a handful at walking pace but get moving and it carries itself with amazing poise. Great all day the only problem comes if you try and chase sports bikes on the Kawasaki GPZ1100 – the suspension and extra bulk means its hard work.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Straight from the Kawasaki old-school GPZ900/1000/ZX10/ZZR1100 family – and none the worse for it. The Kawasaki GPZ1100 is gentle at low revs but comes out swinging like a healthy prize fighter by 4000rpm with more to come the higher up the tacho you go. The top end of the Kawasaki GPZ1100 can’t match the latest tackle but who cares? Carbs means smooth delivery, good economy and occasional icing.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
2 out of 5 (2/5)

Reliability-wise it’s good news. The Kawasaki GPZ1100s engine’s strong and easily capable of six figure mileages. There’s no major mechanical problems with the Kawasaki GPZ1100 but build quality was poor. Brake callipers, wheels and the exhaust all corrode easily on the Kawasaki GPZ1100 and the motorcycle can look tatty fast.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Never flavour of the month and quite rare on the used market – but Kawasaki GPZ1100s are often at bargain prices. Owners are more likely to be older gents and unlikely to thrash or neglect their GPZ1100s. Watch out for high-mile commuters – the suspension and chassis bears will be tired. Yamaha’s XJ900S Diversion is cheaper to buy and run but slower. Find a Kawasaki GPZ1100 for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Kawasaki GPZ1100 screen, riding position and seat work well. That means long days in the saddle can be achieved without aches or a numb-bum on the GPZ1100. Pillions are pretty well catered for too. An ABS equipped version of the Kawasaki GPZ1100 was available but at just over a grand more than the standard bike few were sold and the plug was quickly pulled.

Specs

Engine size 1052cc
Engine type 16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame type Steel cradle
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Seat height 795mm
Bike weight 242kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload, rebound
Front brake Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 250mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 170/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 38 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £290
New price -
Used price £5,000
Insurance group 14 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 123 bhp
Max torque 74 ft-lb
Top speed 155 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 11.1 secs
Tank range 38 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1995: Original Kawasaki GPZ1100 model launched.
1998: Kawasaki GPZ1100 siscontinued.

Other versions

GPZ1100ABS: Offered during 1996 and 1997 but at £8995 few were sold.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI GPZ1100 (1995 - 1998)

14 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI GPZ1100 (1995 - 1998) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI GPZ1100 (1995 - 1998)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £290
5 out of 5 Buy a fixable 90's classic!
30 January 2024 by KawaClassic Man

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £350

Best features for a start are its classic lines. The total geometry of bars, seat, pegs is spot on for me at 5'10" 13 stone. Luggage hooks and wide seat aid the fitment of luggage. If you can still find one, I'd recommend one. The ZZR1100's are mostly rust buckets now.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It's akin to a Jaguar S type. Big and wafty. Rides bad pot holed roads absolutely lovely. You can really just concentrate on the road on this bike.

Engine 4 out of 5

I've only knocked one star off as mine is slightly woolly below 3000. That's probably just me in too high a gear. Otherwise it's really a pleasant place to be. Classic cockpit clocks and dials. Just a lovely combination of power and class.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Having bought a well looked after mint bike out of kawasaki collection, I can't comment on durability or wear, as it's only done 12,000 miles!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil, filter, carb ballance, airfilter and a set of tyres.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Having liked older bikes from the 90's and early 2000's, I find small things handy, like luggage hooks are a bonus as is a fuel gauge. I would buy the latest tyres as it makes no difference in ride or grip on this bike. I've had 60 bikes in 35 years. My conclusion is the only difference you'll find in tyres is on sports bikes.

Buying experience: I found a showroom condition bike, that had been in someone's Kawasaki collection, from a regular common garden all dealer for £3000. No warranty, as its too old apparently. Straight swap for my 2012 Honda Crossrunner 800. Modern rubbish!

5 out of 5
05 December 2022 by steve

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £150

This is a "basic bike" with "old-tech" when released. But that was exactly what I wanted (original buyer)! The engine is awesome for what it is designed to do... a somewhat de-tuned zx1100 with the power curve shifted towards the lower rpm range. The result is a very solid bike for around town and shorter road trips. For those chasing "the best, fastest, coolest, or "whatever du jour," it may not be your cup of tea... But for a fun bike that is solid as a rock, tracks well for its heft, reasonably comfortable (I do have a Corbin seat), and demands little in maintenance - I say its just fine. My wife refuses to ride on it (she says it has a front-end problem - it comes up too easily!), so for her - we ride the Harley Soft-Tail... but for me solo - its the GPz!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Its heavy and high, but you get used to it quickly. The brakes are confidence inspiring.

Engine 5 out of 5

Its a somewhat detuned zx1100, with the power curve moved down the rpm range. It doesn't have the hi-end capability of its flag-ship cousin, but for real-world road use, its perfect.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The ONLY issue I've had is servicing the carbs due to inactivity. This bike needs to be ridden regularly, or properly stored. Aside from that, It has been absolutely solid for 25 years!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Functional, but basic... I augmented with USB and Power ports. Xenon lighting was removed for modern LED lamps. Bust aside from that, its mostly stock.

5 out of 5 Criminally underrated motorbike.
11 June 2021 by R plate GPZ

Version: R plate

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £300

Engine, hands down is best feature. Very comfortable. Great all rounder, loves motorways. Can be tiresome in town traffic as its a heavy machine but on the move its superb. Looks arent to everyones taste (in comparison to its better looking and faster brother the ZZR) but time has been kind to this no nonsense 90s GPZ 11. The GPZ900r lines are evident and thats no bad thing.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Really, really comfortable. Can cruise all day at motorway speeds. Likes B roads too but they become hard work if pushed hard. Great seating position. Heard complaints about the seat but no complaints from me at 6ft and 90kg. No ABS on mine (or anything else apart from a petrol guage) so its a pure driving experience. Techies will need to look elsewhere.

Engine 5 out of 5

Theres Nothing i dont like about the engine. Power in all gears at all revs. Sounds fantastic between 2-3k RPM. Exhausts arent the originals (nexxus i think) and suit the engine. Puts the power down nicely almost all the time but watch out at slippery junctions.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Its 24 years old with 16k miles on the clock. Never misses a beat. Starts in all weather. Once these bikes are serviced theyre as reliable as any newer stuff. Just look for the words "Made in Japan", I still smile everytime I polish the words.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Depends how they are driven. Trashing this bike will trash your wallet so dont. Likes a drink but for me its smiles per gallon.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Nothing fancy here, no electronic anything, its just bike and driver with the driver making all the decisions period. Get a good high screen if touring is on the cards. The standard one is fine for me. This bike is a blast. Bridgestone are my preferred tyre choice but i havent used anything else, they go, stop in the wet and wear well. Its unlikely that a 25 year old bike will be bought for serious touring but this bike can do it. Mines a weekend bike, so i dont clock big mileage.

Buying experience: Good. Great value. Wanted one for a year but most had galactic mileage, rough or were seriously expensive (on par with a much newer ZZR1200).

5 out of 5 The greatest GPZ
23 December 2020 by southcal

Year: 1995

Annual servicing cost: £600

Smooth, powerful and a great long distance tourer I have owned 6 Kawasaki’s - and this is the best. Real world power and comfort

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Monster motor that will hit 150 mph!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

77,000 miles and runs as good as new!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought new from dealer in Hawaii in 1995

4 out of 5 Hot rod mods = awesome bike
30 July 2018 by Bad Kaw

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £500

I'd go "5/5" because it's that good, but I don't want to appear biased.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I'll go 4/5 because the front brakes aren't radial brakes on inverted forks (ha!). IF they were, it'd be a 'nothing better out there' response. The weight of the bike actually makes the thing a joy to commute on.

Engine 5 out of 5

Can you go 6/5? The motor is that good. As noted before, my engine sports an 1109 big bore kit that really wakes the motor up. My ZX1100 Ninja (ZZR1100 in Euro-speak) makes 129 bHp at the rear wheel with a header, jet kit, and ignition advancer ... the GPz is stronger, so I'm going to conservatively guess 130. Carbs are re-worked with a jet kit and pods running through the V&H exhaust. Personally, I think the exhaust is leaving a few ponies in the motor, but it's plenty strong.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

ZZR/ZRX based motor is a rock. Mine actually has an 1109 kit, carbs have been re-worked with K&N pods, running a V&H pipe. The pipe is the only thing I'd change, the pistons and carb work make this thing surprisingly fast. My bike is a former track-day mount for the group control rider. It's got straight rate fork springs and a Race Tech modified rear shock; do those two things to your GPz and your heavy-weight will handle like a middle weight ... it's THAT GOOD. Imagine this bike flying around a race track, it did, and it's got over 70,000 miles on the motor. What a champ.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do all my service, including mounting and balancing tires. I run through about 2 sets a year and I wait for the high-end sport tourers to go on sale and offer rebates. At less than $200 a set, and doing my own work, the only other expense I have is oil changes. If I wasn't so hard on tires I could spend quite a bit less.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Braided brake lines, grippier brake pads, sticky tires, straight rate fork springs (for those tempting track days), and a re-worked rear shock makes the big GPz a different bike all together. I may try a Corbin seat, but the stocker is so good I haven't been able to pry the money out of my wallet for the seat.

Buying experience: Fine. Purchased from a friend who bought it from a control rider at a track day school in Southern California.

4 out of 5 Great heavyweight bike getting rare
26 June 2018 by Stockers

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £150

Heavy bike to ride around town but pulls away effortlessly leaving everyone behind. Get it on the open road and its superb, effortlessly climbing hills in top gear with limitless acceleration. Reliability is excellent sailing through the last few MOTs without a hitch. Parts are getting harder to come by but do come up for sale. Original new parts are mega expensive but if you're ok with pattern parts you can keep this bike running for years.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

High ride height even on lowest rear suspension setting. Top heavy but comfy in the seat. Twin disk with twin-pot calipers are pretty good at stopping this heavy lump.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is powerful and smooth. Pulls well across the rev range. Discover can be lumpy and the idle adjuster needs using when riding. Bullet-proof block.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Regular oil change and a chain oiler are essential. Occasional lubrication of other moving parts helps keep things running well.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Private sale. Test rode and was hooked. Was on a Honda Goldwing 1000 but this is a different beast altogether.

5 out of 5 Surprise deal GPZ1100
17 May 2018 by KR from Kansas

Year: 1997

I knew what I wanted when I picked the big GPZ up, so there is no "let down" as some would post. It's a sport-tourer, which is basically the same thing as a 70s-80s UJM; and THAT is what I am after. Big bike, big weight, big power, big dependability, and no surprises. Perfect bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Again, I know what this bike is; so for me it's a 10 on the '10 scale'. BUT, the brakes could be better, and the big bike could benefit from some USD forks ... hey, maybe that's something I need to do. ;)

Engine 5 out of 5

Seriously. Ride one.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It's a Kawasaki; you can beat on it all day and it will just keep on keeping on. I didn't buy it for a 'glassy finish' but for all its other qualities.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

It needs nearly nothing. Adjust the valves in the spring and ride for a year. Repeat. I like to push the thing pretty hard, so sporty tyres get retired about every 3,000 miles; for most with this bike that is a lot, but I do the occasional track-day with it ... yeah, it's that good, just get a good rear shock and straight-rate front fork springs, and good tyres.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The bike as standard is brilliant. Especially for the money. However, I've done some things to make it 'my bike': fork springs, rear shock, full exhaust, jet kit and individual filters, and full sport tires ... oh, and an 1109 piston kit (surprise for all the big sport bikes out there). It's a daily commuter with full-sport ability; not the best at either, but very good at both.

Buying experience: Private owner. Got it cheap at $500 ... seriously, that's CHEAP!!! I had to put a bit in it, clean the carbs, new fork seals, battery, and tyres ... but it's one of the best deals that I've ever got.

4 out of 5 Best bike I've ever had in fifty years
26 November 2017 by WP Zelelr

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £100

I bought mine with a couple of thousand miles from the original owner who did not like the standard seating/bars arrangement. Neither did I- the bars are way too far forward for all-purpose work. The stock saddle is downsloped and narrow. So on went Heli Bars and a Corbin, along with a full set of Givi hard bags. Now past 101,000 miles, the bike is the most reliable machine I've ever owned and still runs very close to perfectly. The engine is a dream to work with in all kinds of conditions. Smooth above 65mph. Outstanding mid-range, gets you out of anywhere in a hurry without having to search for thrust.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Rides well, but tallish and rather top-heavy. Obviously, I've adjusted and being a long-time Kawasaki guy, I'm used to the tallness anyway.

Engine 5 out of 5

Never a hiccup and power everywhere.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

At 101k mi., still no repairs. How much better does it get?

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Still on the second chain and third battery. Third set of steering head bearings- the roads around here are pretty bad.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Love the traditional, easy-to-use instrumentation. Heated grips a must in this region (north central US) and not hard to add. The horn was a joke so on went a Fiamm.

5 out of 5
22 November 2016 by Rollin

Year: 1996

Great touring bike for long travel on back-roads. Plenty of power but the bike can't handle with a real sports bike. Comfortable riding position, but a Corbin-type seat and handle-bar risers are necessary for more than 500 miles a day. I've been looking for a new bike for the last year (new Thruxton or RnineT??) but I still haven't ridden a bike I enjoy more for travel.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Decent overall ride, despite minimal suspension adjustment and modest quality parts. Turn-in requires more effort than most bikes, but it is really stable in the corners. Steel brake lines help.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is the best part of the bike. Smooth with great power at any rpm.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Owned the bike since new in 1996. 57K miles. I had a transmission bearing blow out at 37k miles. No other major failures.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Valve shim check every 6000 miles.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The engine. Handle bar risers for old men like me.

Buying experience: I paid $8000 full retail in 1996 and I still am riding it regularly. Local small-town dealer isn't cheap but works with you. The kid at the dealer who put the GPZ together out of the box 20 years ago is now the service manager. The salesman coached my kid's soccer team.

4 out of 5 best big engined bike I've ridden so far.
06 June 2015 by Stockers

Version: 1

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £200

Awesome acceleration even with all that weight. Better on a straight road or motorway, just eats the miles but cumbersome around town and very twisty lanes. If you can find one at a good price it will just keep going even if it doesn't quite match the new boys today!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Been in the saddle for a couple of hours with no issues, and a pillion doesn't really make much difference to performance although because of the relatively low pillion position, they will often ride side saddle, peering around the rider. It's a high bike so anyone less than 6 ft will need to set the rear damper on the lowest setting and even then you can't quite get both feet on the ground. Brakes are superb, the twin disks and 2 pot callipers mean some serious braking when required. Definitely a straight road and gentle curve bike though!

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine packs some grunt. You don't even need to wind it up to pull away, just drop the clutch and open the throttle and she'll pull. The GPZ has a very even power delivery (ZZR was a little to peaky) across the range. I challenge you to red line this engine - you'll never need it and it'll see off any sports car and most other bikes (they'll take you on the curves though!)

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Reliability is superb, mine has never let me down - even with a battery a bit flat it still turned over and started. The aluminium parts are starting to corrode especially the brake callipers, but a quick wire brush and spray and they look OK again. With all that plastic, it still looks good with very little tatty stuff visible.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

It's easy to service the bike myself, all I have done are oil changes, strip and flush the hydraulic brake system, two new tyres fitted and clean the air filter.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Bought the bike with a Givvy rack - wish I'd kept it and bought the bags - can't get one for love nor money now. Not a great bike for load carrying unless you take out shares with a bungee company! The two little hooks bellow the seat are quite handy. The space under the seat is limited so you might fit your fags in there! One problem with a bike that was only produced for 4 years is it's tricky getting parts for it. Plenty in the US though.

Buying experience: Bought this bike privately with FSH and a great price - Kept hold of it as it's fun for any event and getting a bit rare now.

4 out of 5 Cheap wheels
17 January 2009 by nickodemon

Good bike. Does what is required of it. Plenty bottom end and midrange. Comfy, good for touring. A bit heavy.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 Good value
13 June 2007 by GaryLondon

I've had the GPZ/ZX1100E for 3 years and have had heaps of fun on it. It is heavy but when you get rolling the power is quite effortless. It is reliable but the exhaust fell apart, corroding at the welds. A new Remus 4-1 sounds better and looks the biz. Apart from that I've only replaced anything that perishes apart from an oil seal on the gear selector. You can't twist through canyons like an R1 but open it up on a motorway and 'it'll go stink'... The Goodridge metal hoses have given me fabulous breaking, a must if you want to avoid break fade.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Good value
13 June 2007 by GaryLondon

I've had the GPZ/ZX1100E for 3 years and have had heaps of fun on it. It is heavy but when you get rolling the power is quite effortless. It is reliable but the exhaust fell apart, corroding at the welds. A new Remus 4-1 sounds better and looks the biz. Apart from that I've only replaced anything that perishes apart from an oil seal on the gear selector. You can't twist through canyons like an R1 but open it up on a motorway and 'it'll go stink'... The Goodridge metal hoses have given me fabulous breaking, a must if you want to avoid break fade.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 Simple but effective
17 March 2007 by Wozza1973

The GPz1100 is a bit of a simple bike by today's standards, no real frills here. It is very comfortable for long rides and the engine is a real gem with lots of torque. It's very hard to find parts as not many of them were sold, so nobody really carries them. The engine is very similar to the ZRX1100 though, so that does help. The bike can be a bit ponderous at low speeds and it also prone to head bearing wear, which makes matters worse.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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