| MODEL | KAWASAKI GPZ 900R NINJA 1986 - 1988 |
| Year | 1986 - 1988 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 908 cc / 55.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 72.5 x 55 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 86 kW / 115 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 8.7 kgf-m / 63 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm |
| Ignition | Battery ignition, full electronic |
| Induction | 4 x 34 mm Keihin CVK34 carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Iron, double cradle frame |
| Front Suspension | 39 mm telehydraulic forks, air assisted, 140 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Rising rate link system, single shock, air-adjustable preload, 4-stage rebound damping, 115 mm wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 280 mm discs, single-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 270 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 760 mm / 29.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1425 mm / 56.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 228 kg / 502 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 257 kg / 566.6 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 120/80 V16 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/80 V18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 22 Litres / 5.8 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 40.8 mpg |
| Top Speed | 247.8 km/h / 154 mph |
This profile traces the GPz900R from development in 1980, when Kawasaki moved from an air-cooled prototype to a liquid-cooled, four-valve, four-cylinder design. The bike was shown at the 1983 Paris Salon, went on sale in January 1984 with the Ninja name added for North America, and became a best seller that won Bike of the Year honours in several countries. The page reproduces a 1984 Bike magazine group test in which the Ninja was voted overall winner.
