Kawasaki Dirt Bike reviews

1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 Review The 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 is a legendary machine that marked a significant milestone in the evolution of superbikes. With its bold red color and sleek design, it was a head-turner right from the start. But the GPZ1100 was more than just a pretty face; it was a powerhouse on wheels. Performance and Engine: Under the hood, the GPZ1100 packed an air-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC 1089cc inline-four engine. This beast delivered impressive power, thanks to several top-end changes introduced in 1983. The combustion chamber was redesigned to a polyspheric shape, allowing for larger valves and a higher compression ratio of 9.5:1. The result? More power and better performance1. The engine’s straight-cut primary drive and five-speed transmission ensured smooth power delivery, making the GPZ1100 a joy to ride. The bike’s midrange power was particularly noteworthy, providing a smooth and responsive ride without the abrupt rush of top-end power seen in some competitors2. Handling and Suspension: Kawasaki equipped the GPZ1100 with advanced features for its time, including anti-dive forks and a single-rear-shock suspension. These race-proven components contributed to the bike’s stable and predictable handling, especially at high speeds. However, some riders found the handling a bit heavy at lower speeds, a trade-off for its high-speed stability. Design and Comfort: The GPZ1100’s design was both functional and stylish. The frame-mounted half fairing, sweeping lines, and red wheels with polished aluminum highlights gave it a distinctive look. The cockpit was designed for functionality, offering a comfortable riding position for long journeys. Legacy: The 1983 GPZ1100 was Kawasaki’s statement of intent in the superbike arena. It was a bike that combined power, style, and advanced technology, setting a benchmark for future models. While it faced stiff competition from Suzuki’s GS1100 and Honda’s CB1100F, the GPZ1100 held its own and remains a beloved classic among motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of vintage bikes or just appreciate a well-engineered machine, the 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 is a testament to Kawasaki’s commitment to performance and innovation. Show less

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/zx-10r/2004/ The Kawasaki ZX-10R is sold as the ultimate track bike – the 2004/05 ZX-10R was one of Kawasaki’s first machines after the firm gave itself a kick up the arse in 2002. The 10R’s one wild ride and an absolute weapon in experienced hands. It’s light, makes massive power and handles superbly on the track – a bit of a handful on the road though. 2004-2005 Kawasaki ZX-10R C used buyers' guide The original, hardcore ZX-10R took the world by storm. Light at a quoted 170kg dry with an arm-ripping 181bhp according to Kawasaki, it was always going to be lively and attract a certain type of customer. Nick Morgan team owner of MSS racing simply describes the original bike as, “bloody brilliant bike, 160bhp stock, 175bhp with a fettle and a great chassis”. Back in ‘04 it came with radial brakes on petal discs, fully adjustable suspension front and back and digital dash with lap timer. It was aimed at the racy, track day public and proved to be a big hit. Show less

The first ride on this bike for me was transformative. I have never experienced anything so raw, so pure. The sound of the engine, the engine braking and acceleration. The way you throw it into a corner and the bike says “ what else ya got”? It breaks all speed limits in first gear, but a light hand, will result in 45 mpg. In the age of electrification, for better or worse, this is glorious analog and fossil fuel burning to the highest and finest degree. Show less

I bought new in 1984, had a bunch of engine parts chromed and rode it nearly every weekend from Charleston SC to Jacksonville Fla. for over three years. Never required any extra repairs or maintenance, just routine maintenance which I did most myself. It came with the Vetter fairing, lowers, bags and trunk and a Corbin King and Queen seat. I added the Vetter radio to the fairing and a Radio Shack CB radio. I rode it rain or shine and put nearly 50,000 trouble free miles on it. I have always regretted selling it, it was my favorite until I starting buying and riding Goldwing 1800s. Show less

I've never been a crotch rocket, cafe racer, sport bike kind of dude. To me the Spectre was ugly. Worse, mine was purple. Never got used to hugging the tank (necessary for survival), it just wasn't my style. But what it lacked in aesthetics it more than made up for in performance. I had never, nor will ever again, reach speeds even close to those I achieved on this machine. I'm talking scary fast. You know the feeling. When the adrenaline has your heart pumping and body trembling long after you've dismounted. I can close my eyes and feel it still today, 40 years later. I'm strictly a cruiser dude now, I'll leave the death defying to those still young enough to consider crazy cool. Like I did. Show less

I have loved every second i had with this bike. If you are looking for a sport bike that has power but you’re not looking for a thousand cc, this is the best choice. living in michigan, the roads aren’t the best but the bike handles them pretty well. i highly recommend this bike as a second bike or a beginners if you have the self control for it! Show less

I have a 1996 Kawasaki Voyager xii i have put about one hundred and eight thousand on it and it has always been a great bike. All in all i think it is probably the best bike out their for their buck. And don't think they are slow just because they are big bikes they will flat catch 70 mph in no time great for onramping onto to interstate. Show less

In 2013 the Kawasaki KX450 took first place in all the 450 shoot outs. It is the fastest and nimblest with laser-like steering. Not to mention the excellent suspension, 55 horsepower with a light weight chassis equals incredible acceleration. Show less

We have owned three of these beautiful fun motorcycles. We started with an 87, 2000 and a 2003. Lots of miles and loads of fun. Extremely reliable and easy to maintain. Wish they still made a updated version because I would have bought a new one this year. I not a fan of the Voyager 17 for all the reason most would expect. My husband and I have been riding together for fifty years.(yes that is right - 50 years) years together. Have had significant number of motorcycles and to date the Kw Xii has been the best. We will see this coming year our new the 21 Goldwing will do. Show less

I was once an avid rider when I was younger. Typical story, stopped riding for many decades came back, bought a bike, didn't like it, kept searching until the ZX-9R kept showing up in my results. A circumstantial test ride only caused me to fall half in love with the bike, b/c it was going to be a project. But it didn't take long for me to find what this bike's strengths were; going long distances at decent average speeds. What a fun motorcycle! The ZX-9R should come with two warning labels. One for how addicting it is to ride and another to warn the new owner: Last of the great street sportbikes. You’ll have friends trying to lure you away from her. And as much as your eye will wander, be wise and hang onto her, because you’ll see those same friends’ bikes come and go without a second thought or attachment. Psychologically, you and her might actually be contributing to that. You’ll be revered and jealously despised by other riders at the same time. You can crash her multiple times and come back with only scratches. Kawasaki will not be held responsible for forthcoming fond memories and thrills. Not just a Ninja, the ZX-9R is a sportbike with soul. And lastly, owning just one may not be enough.* * I now own concurrently own three, all registered, insured and ready to ride. Show less