| MODEL | KAWASAKI Z 550GP 1983 - 1984 |
| Year | 1983 - 1984 |
| 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 | 65 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 |
By 1983 the GPz550 had gained power and a more developed chassis, reaching about 65 hp on the page's figures. It was a strong seller as a sport middleweight and its chassis was praised for handling and braking. Owners of early chain-driven examples were warned about camchain wear. This entry covers the later years of the 1981-84 family.
