| MODEL | KAWASAKI Z 550GP 1981 - 1982 |
| Year | 1981 - 1982 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 553 cc / 33.7 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 58 x 52.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 58 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 35.5 lb-ft / 48.1 Nm @ 8000 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 4 x 22 mm Teikei constant vacuum, main jets #94 |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiplate |
| Final Drive | #530 O-ring chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Double down tube, full cradle, box-section aluminium swing arm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks, 165 mm / 6.4 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, swinging arm, 100 mm / 3.9 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 260 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single 260 mm disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 800 mm / 31.6 in |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | 147 mm / 5.8 in |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 210 kg / 461 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.25 H19 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.75 H18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 Litres / 3.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 46 mpg (average) |
| Top Speed | 191.5 km/h / 119 mph |
The GPz550 name was introduced for the 1981 bike, a 553 cc sport-middleweight built on the Z550 engine with higher compression and revised cams. The road test on the page praises its handling, brakes, riding position and fuel economy. This page covers the early years, before the model moved to a single-shock rear suspension.
