kawasaki Touring 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

1200cc of torque to the street, Smooth turns, sold response - Super Power response ZZR1200 arrived with a mildly bewildering split personality: part 145-horsepower cruise missile, part comfy long-haul sport-tourist. Was it a kinder, gentler ZX-12R or a slimmed-down Concours with anger-management issues? Both, actually, which is hardly a bad thing if you slow down long enough to think about it. After that, this one runs as fast as physics and the local constabulary will allow. Kawasaki figured a stronger, more comfortable version of the beloved ZX-11 would bury entrenched 'Bahnstormers like the Ducati ST4S and Triumph Sprint ST under an onslaught of sweet handling and Japanese horsepower. Especially when it cost about $5000 less. Adding 3mm more bore and a 1.6mm longer stroke bumped displacement to 1164cc. And those horses arrive in methodical fashion from idle to 6000 rpm, followed by an eyeball-flattening stampede from 8000 to the 145.2-bhp peak at 9750. That's stronger than Honda's CBR1100XX or an equivalent Suzuki GSX-R1000. Those ponies live in a stout twin-spar aluminum chassis, complete with a steel subframe designed to carry a passenger and the optional Givi hard luggage. Roomy, upright ergos are more humane than a ZX-11's, and the 609-lb. 1200 still covered the quarter-mile in 10.12 seconds at 136.9 mph. Land Rocket 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

Unbelievable smooth power throughout gear range. Handles extremely well, solid feel on the road and nimble response.comfortable seat and upright seating position for long ride/touring comfort. Reliability and safety features inherent to the Kawasaki brand. 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 don’t have any comments on this motorcycle as I can’t Find the 2023 H2 Base . Not actually true I can find The H2 naked for 18-20K Or the 2023 H2 SX SE for 28K! The H2 Base 31,500, The H2 Carbon 35 K and finally the H2R 57,500, You’ll find them all day long the 3 over 30K that is But you won’t they don’t have them!! Has a price etc But when ya look closely it says it’s new but no mileage, no stock number, Most importantly no vin number!!!! Why try to sell you something they don’t have and that you have to order in June till December for the next model year!! I hear Cycle Trader saying they have no “Control” Over it I’m a betting man I bet they have them advertise for sale every model of said manufacturer Kawi,Suzuki,Yamaha Etc I’m calling out Cycle Trader. So No mileage No stock Number no vin Don’t waste your time!!!! Unless ya wanna order a 2024!! They’re out there my 1394 bikes nationwide found 6 North Carolina, Texas and California 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

Purchased it used to use during rainy days so not subject my Harley Street Glide to those rides! Kind of a alright bike built at a price point only the Japanese typically build, crappy suspension and frames. Strong motor though. Show less