THE NEED FOR SPEED 82' KAWASAKI GPZ1100-B2

[@y4s563]

What a beauty Ken . Just starting the restoration on my 1981 GPZ 1100 out of my friends collection , in storage 32 years .

[@jeffdorsman1175]

Drooled over pictures of GPZ Kawasakis like this all through high school,what an amazing bike.Beautiful survivor.

[@ocavant]

Same! I picked up a 550 to satisfy that urge. I graduated in ‘82.

[@davewestfall1325]

I had a 1982 GPZ 750 that I bought used in 1983. Loved it! As my riding skills progressed, I pushed it harder and harder through corners and discovered that 1982 GPZ 750s suffered from high speed wobbles (most likely due to the rubber mounted engines). I was the wheelie king on that bike, though.

[@kdar93]

i too had an 82 gpz 750 i bought in 84 then in 85 i went with an 1984 1100 gpz

[@jameshendry4208]

Horrible at high speed. I bought mine new in 82 and only kept it 6months /10,000 miles though 😂 . Traded it for and A1 in May 83 and never looked back

[@llwellyn1]

Contemporary "Super-Naked's" may eclipse the 1982 technology in every way. But none can come close in attitude and pure chiseled beauty of the original GPz1100. I revered this motorcycle back in the day and even more so now. It's great to see it again, and in such beautiful condition!

[@brianzaborowski2724]

I remember those! Man that thing is a beauty!!

[@mtyhntr49]

Wow, I had a '81 KZ1100. Best dam bike I ever owned. Custom paint, carb work, 4into1 header, shaft drive. Totaled it into side of car that ran a stop sign @ 50mph impact same day Princess Diana died. Wish I still had it, so dependable always. That will make a nice bike for someone, very reliable always

[@fitzstermoto]

WOW!!! That's all I can say is WOW! That is one absolutely gorgeous bike - it looks freakin' brand new and I can't believe that's a 1982 (40 years old)!!! Awesome bike and thanks so much for sharing!

[@raywalsh5822]

i had a 900r back in the day brings back memories

[@danielnelson8304]

One of the best bikes Kawasaki produced. Great bike!

[@BraapEffex]

This bike sounds so good man! Excellent Sync of that inline 4 , this is the original Crotch Rocket sport bike of the early 80s! This is how we got our Sport Bikes now! Don't ever forget the ROOTS! This bike was definitely ahead of its time for sure!

[@manfromthenorth]

Those were the times to remember ❤❤❤

[@rrf6747]

Restoration shop is what I need wish yall were closer I live in Texas

[@martinkeet8373]

Love it, had an Eddie Lawson Replica and a 1000J many beautiful miles, street eaters, best 4 cylinder sound... Miss it bad...

[@highwayman1218]

What a great bike! 👍👍 Late 80s into 90s FZRs, ZXs, GSXRs hold my heart! Early 80s into mid 80s GPZs and GSs hold my heart! Love those classics!

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Another beautiful Kawasaki GPZ 1100! Just stunning! Had there not been these bikes that Kawasaki created, the Ninjas would have never been introduced, and they are still going strong! The roots of the early 80's modeled superbikes. Definitely a head turner! These bikes are still well loved from Superbike Fans!

[@MegaSkypes]

Stunning and amazing and certainly worth riding then park it up in your lounge room just to look at!

[@y4s563]

I have just acquired my friend's collection 81 GPZ 1100 , 82 1100 Spectre LTD , 3 / 1972 500 H 1 ' s , 2 1973 / 74 HE1 's . All bikes have been stored from the 80's . Excited to open the vault .

[@marchenson412]

Unreal, that thing is beautiful. You have the best job ever.

[@billbright1755]

Mine was a GPZ 550 similar look. That little machine would carry the mail for sure. Sold it because I needed a bigger machine to haul my then new wife around. I bought a KZ 750 82 four cylinder better suited for passenger use. It was navy blue with powder blue pinstripes. It was beautiful as well. Sold it for more power and bought a 91 GSX 1100 G we still ride. Burgundy red still looks brand new and will pull 160 mph. My buddy had that same 1100 GPZ and we film a two GPZ television advertisement around some twistys for the local Kawasaki shop. I wanted the then new six cylinder 1300 Kawasaki but didn’t spring for one. Liquid cooled but I always preferred the finned look of air/oil cooled engines.

[@DetroitFettyghost]

I know brother- these older bikes are gems, my old GSXR 600 96' would do 154 out the box. The newer generation has the impression they are the first with fast bikes lol. My 79 Yamaha XS750 would wheelie forever and it was a cruiser 🤣. We've been going fast forever ❤️

[@chrisbarnes9260]

Please send a link to a 96 gsxr 600 road test with a 154 top speed

[@DetroitFettyghost]

@@chrisbarnes9260 G O O G L E SHOULD TELL U ITS FASTER THAN WHAT I EVEN SAID MINE HIT GOVERNER AT 154

[@chrisbarnes9260]

Was that on the speedo or a official speed test

[@chrisbarnes9260]

Also I am very happy to be proved wrong as I was talking about my Uk bikes and you may be in the USA. My Honda 900cc fire blade and my Yamaha FZR 1000 EXUP would struggle to get to a genuine 154 mph

[@neilh4729]

Those early 80s GPZs are some of the best looking bikes ever made. Still look great 40 years later. ❤

[@Popesontour]

The GPZ and GS1150E were just awsome. I have to give my call to the 83 GS1150E though. That big round headlight meant business!

[@Shinysideup]

What a stunner, I worked in a Kawasaki dealership in the early 80,s this was a great bike back then but it’s a classic now

[@barrythacker7281]

I was a kid when these came out. I could not believe how fast they were. Not many cars can hang with this bike. Way ahead of its time.

[@donniehowlett1185]

Cool and strong running bikes!...for sure fastest in it's day! They followed a style of the Z1R 1000! Had a 1000 LTD bought new! Kaw built some strong bikes with great engine design! Love all you find!

[@richardmorris7063]

I was thinking the same,just a bigger badder Z1r.I bought a 80 1000Ltd new.My favorite all time bike but this 1100 makes me think..

[@Gpzlindy63]

I had an 1981gpz1100. My all time favorite motorcycle

[@bmker5469]

My favourite bike from the early eighties.. loved my X7 and my handful of LC's but these were different class.

[@darrylvohs5526]

Thank you! Reminds me of the 1985 GPZ 750 turbo that I rode for years. Biggest regret I ever had selling that bike. Currently selling my 82 yamaha 650 turbo.

[@steelcityspeedshopj.r6942]

This was one of the first Bikes to make me obsessed with Japanese sport bikes. As a kid. My Dads good buddy owned one. And i would sit in it. All 4 ft of me at the time 😆. Awesome piece here brother. This is 10-10

[@karol_on_road]

Love episodes with this kind of vintage cycles and cruisers , please more - like in old times ;)

[@shaneseccombe8465]

My favourite gpz 1100. I bought mine second hand with a 4-1 and it was bad ass!

[@manfromthenorth]

A big Kawasaki always has been a serious Statement. Great Bike dude ❤

[@ericdebisz9458]

Maverick I'm digging this new mic. I know the tossing of the old mic was a staple of the start of your videos but clearity of the audio is great.

[@oldguyBMX]

Merry Christmas to the Kaplan family! Also to the museum family! God bless each and everyone of you 🙏 🎄

[@TheCravedawg]

80's Best Bikes Best Tunes Best Times!

[@bush600r2]

I love it, and that sound! Oh man they just don't sound anything like that now days.

[@bjwlancashire]

Stunning machine, I prefer this version to the uni-track ones even though I had a black GPz 750. When this was out I had a Pip Higham tuned Z1000J that had been made into a Lawson Replica before Kawasaki did them, even faster than the uni-track GPZ1100, it could pull to the redline in top two up, an indicated 145mph and it didn't wobble which was was a bonus. Currently have a mint 1981 Z1100 shaft and a 2003 ZZR1200, following the lineage.

[@DeereX748]

Gorgeous motorcycle. Back in the day, I owned two Kawasaki's that almost perfectly bracketed that one. I had a 1974 Z-1B 900 in the burgundy paint, and sold it to buy a new 1985 Ninja 900 in the red/black scheme. Both looked as good as that one, even after putting 40K on each one. Keep 'em washed and waxed, Kawasaki always had a great finish that would last. I always wondered why Kawasaki didn't use the digital injection on their later bikes like the Ninja.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I had the 83 cb1100f super sport. Loved it!

[@tessbushell5489]

Stunning 👍🏻

[@merlin4809]

I don't know how you do it Sir. That Husky a couple vids back, DeCoster's RM, And now THIS BIKE!! If you put a GSXR-750 up there along with my current FJ1200, you will have featured over half of the bikes I have owned! Hats off to Captain Kaplan!

[@toddjacobs5660]

Back in the 80's Tim Fillippi a buddy of mine raced A class mottocross, now races senior , had a 550 GPZ, that thing was beating some of the bigger bikes, it was fast for what it was, looks identical to this one 👍

[@tpc3416]

I had a 550. It was just as fast as the 1100 up to 70mph then ran out of steam. Buddy had a built Chevelle 454 and we would race on a half mile road. He wouldn't catch me until 120mph. It was light and quick and very comfortable to ride. Always got compliments.

[@victorgonza4528]

What an incredible looking machine , Just beautiful , damn.

[@DStabs720]

I love the new camera angle on the chest. Awesome bike as usual

[@andybowyer3602]

The beginning of todays superbikes, would you agree Kenny?. 👊✊💥💨💨💨😉👍

[@KaplanCycles]

Oh yes!

[@michaelbrooks2389]

I love the GPZ I had the 750 happy Christmas to u all 👍

[@1970sRacing]

dream bike, the year I graduated high school---WOW

[@MAli-xs2pm]

This bike was the very first motorized 2 wheeler that I had & I remember it having a digital fuel injection system that was controlled by a computer located behind the pillion & all the reviews at the time dreaded it being a problem (was worth £240 at the time) but it turned out no trouble. I think at the time the 1100 katana was the rival , which was promoted with the slogan (have you ever seen a shape like this). Gone memories ,, ride safe bud 👍🙏🏻

[@tormado]

Miss my '82 KZ 1100.. Same motor I reckon. Bike was a BEAST

[@richardmorris7063]

As Sr would say,you had me at hello w/ this thing.OMG that is perfect, always said I'll probably never ride again then you bring this out.Just a guess, north of 30$??

[@orphnemusic6788]

Crazy how small these look now! Back in the day that was the king in my neck of the woods.

[@jonmassey8124]

I'm from UK and owned a GPZ1100 B2 back in the 1980s.. mine had red shock absorber rear springs.

[@mikemet1744]

I gave my 82 GPZ550 to a buddy this summer. He repainted the wheels and did a few other small cosmetic touches. Now I wish I kept it....lol. It looks just like this big brother. Back in the day the 550 could beat my friends Honda Shadow 750. I now own a 2001 ZRX1200R which is the natural progression I guess (had a 1981 CB750F Super Sport and also currently own a Honda 919). My first bike was a Rupp Roadster when I was 5 so I consider myself lucky to have owned and ridden some iconic bikes. I'm not sure how I feel about making a bike a "museum piece" that won't be ridden. I bought my ZRX with 13,000 miles on it 3 years ago. It now has 21,000 miles on it (we have winter here). It is MINT, but better than stock in many ways (won trophies) but I feel like this bike NEEDS to be enjoyed, and by ME. I hope I put 200,000 miles on it if I'm able! So I really hope whoever buys the GPZ enjoys it out on the road. I live in Ct so if I see you at a show I'll vote for you! Have fun all.

[@Stevo736]

Another Beauty Ken looks as good as new from way back when.

[@twowheelterror2925]

Yeah man... that's a beauty right there!

[@augustreil]

Merry Christmas everyone !

[@tetlow2]

I have a 78 kz1000 that my father gave me around 1999. He bought it in 93. I love it. I rebuilt it appetite to asshole. Powder coated the frame and had the engine bored and rebuilt, and the skins repainted. It is awesome, and I will take it to my grave.

[@donniebaker5984]

As back then the factories were building replicas of their team riders motorcycles and it was Eddie Lawson who became Kawasaki's top Rider of course the device and then he rode in the super bikers were there Kawasaki green versions with a bikini fairing that became production along with West Cooley's blue and white Suzuki bikini pairing and not to be left out it was Freddie Spencer's cb1100f and not quoting the exact history but the Eddie Lawson replicas have been produced after as some pretty hot ... And this year you can buy a brand new 900cc version of Eddie Lawson's bike from the 1980s reproduction it's beautiful and you're hearing this from a die-hard Harley-Davidson person that Kawasaki a very Lawson's today is a pearl Kawasaki green with a bikini fairing similar Arleness one quarter race Cafe fairing for his custom Harley-Davidsons and these new Eddie Lawson retro Kawasaki are not that expensive somewhere in the 13k ish a pure traditional heritage of the time of my life where and most important thing in the world was to twist the throttle and turn up the wick wfo ... And here is your eye candy and your Kawasaki Bible.. motofomo.com/kawasaki-eddie-lawson-replica-zrx1200r-zrx1100-z900rs/ of course today bigger is better and you're going to walk right past the rest and go directly to the ZR 1200r or something big bad ass total horsepower crazy that is saying to you go ahead grab a handful just before you go into these twisties come on devil hates your coward we're all along you should be looking at the z900 much lighter weight will already be gone through the twisties and into the next before you can manage to keep the shiny side up on the 1200 and the 900 is much cheaper like way cheaper everything price insurance and able to straighten out a set of Twisties 1200 is daring you to go on and push that throttle just twist it going I dare you just push it right through this twisty twisties and see if that lime green pearl paint job still looks the same as when you bought it... And by the way comparing that quarter race Ace Cafe bearing to the Arlen Ness was an insult to the factory made Kawasaki 1/4 racing fairing on the bike the factory bearing has its own custom solid mounts with rubber isolators there's a bezel around the openings in the edges the Harley-Davidson version from Ireland NASA cheap junk fiberglass piece of crap from China that Arlington ness industries charges $350 for as this the other day I found one brand new direct from China and ordered it and his identical in every way to Arlen Ness customized version direct from the Chinese manufacturer who charged me 50 bucks so there's a $300 markup on the one sold by the world famous son Corey Ness he's pretty cool kid though I met him back in 92 at the trade show have all the aftermarket enterprises they hold once a year Ohio I believe it's Dayton maybe.. has Corey had as far as most people are concerned then head out stage his dad with a whole new lineup of bolt on billet everything for a Harley-Davidson that bit right out of the box no modifications necessary at all energized with CNC milled custom scroll work like you would find on a custom made cap and ball black powder rifle and he had to triple trees and lower fork legs and kick her arms and brake pedals forward controls shifters the kind of stuff that you find today this very expensive he wasn't back then That was all really cool black contrast with gold leaf in the scroll work.. then in the afternoon you can hold on the same styling of his dad that father was spend months at a time to build and Junior could do it in the afternoon with the same effectr Cuz today like everything else is a corporation now prices are back up and beyond anything before and all the easy OEM removing replace with the Master's touch is gone as if it's not Orange county or West Coast choppers.... Also I caught the other day you might want to look at Donald Trump and his day at Orange county choppers to pick up his new motorcycle that they built especially for the president when he was president if that's part of the cars or not I don't know I don't care I'm out here bye-bye I got to go ride

[@Cody_4]

I’d take that bike all day over a new one ✌️

[@Pianissimo1970]

Totally agree with you 👍

[@kalaharimine]

Nice, very nice. the B2 was the 2nd iteration of the GPZ1100.

[@dennisthemenace5150]

Beautiful bike

[@mikespeedyfpv321]

So clean love it .

[@the_flat_earth_warriorz]

thank you

[@purebloodheretic4682]

Some of the Early GPZ's had Fuel Injection back in the Early '80's 20yrs Ahead of Time, I'm Not Sure how well it worked back then, I think they had Issues! Classic '80s Muscle Bike!👍🍻

[@ntstudio28]

I love its sound!!

[@markkus1134]

I had a silver 1984gpz 550 with the digital fuel gauge on the fuel tank great bike cops could not catch even that bike . Then I saw a brand new RZ 350 at the dealership Yellow and Black had to have one !!

[@oldguyBMX]

Wow, I had a 900 that burned on the side of the highway, do to an electrical problem from a wire being smashed! All I could was sit and cry!!!

[@200mmonster4]

Dang that's clean

[@sdime9858]

I had a 1983 GPz 550 cut down seat , Kerker header and that was one quick bike

[@superzuki5831]

That's my kind of bike. I'd love to own it but I would ride it alot.

[@muhammadtauseefrazzaq2429]

Aww man this one takes me back in time, beautiful condition this one is a keeper for sure, but why is it idling so high??.

[@mrmackee123]

POV was awesome😄.

[@michaelcarmean4906]

💥 In 1981 I Bought 2 New Bikes a Kawasaki GPZ 1100 and Suzuki GS 1100 Same Bike Shop For $2500 Each Both Ran 11:30 121 1/4 GS Rode Better But Loved Both💥

[@jamjr5132]

Beautiful bike!!!

[@MrJolly2700]

4 years laters and the best 1100cc bike ever was released. GSXRs forever.

[@ParagonGarage]

Absolutely amazing, how does this bike look so amazing still? Love you guys fantastic content, must be nice to work on and be around all of the amazing bikes you guys get and also must be nice on the East coast, im in Cali and it sucks here🤷🏼‍♂️

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Hehe...I remember everyone had the GPZ550 because most were afraid of the 1100...

[@etherjoe505]

Man those wheels are *technical* ....

[@garycrisp429]

You can't beat these early 80's Classics . I've always been a Suzuki fan. My dream bike is a 1980 Suzuki GSX1100E in Silver with the Green Stripe. The 1982 version is a great bike too, but the styling went over to what was described as European styling with a flowing cover over the air filters & it lost a bit of its classic character in my opinion, though I do prefer the circular headlamp of the later model. For some reason they put a rectangular headlamp on the early GSX1100E which I felt looks a bit incongruous, unless viewed from the left or right side front. I hope you get some more 70's and 80's Japanese Classics soon. You're showing a lot of trials bikes at the moment which I guess must be popular, but as an armchair motorcyclist, my favourites will always be from the 70's and early 80's in era because they're the ones I remember. As always a great video demonstration and dialogue. Thank You.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

I stillhave my ‘80 GSX110E red. Bought it new. I was 20. Had a GS1000E before that.

[@gsxr317]

Pretty sure this beautiful bike is why they invented posters!!!!

[@robcig]

Be still my beating heart! What an amazing machine. What did it sell for?

[@mikestowe6136]

i love these old bikes why because there just like a old muscle car look to them

[@gregtenney7279]

SICK SICK SICK!

[@danstevens2204]

As old as me. My only add ons are grab on grips 😂 and I run a bit rough when cold.

[@kennethhacker1341]

Dam that is a perfect bike!!!!

[@douglasgreninger110]

My brother had one just like that,it only had 8000 miles it had been in a crate until 2003.

[@MartyMcFlyV]

82 was the 2nd year of the GPz series.

[@wastingmymoneyonmotorcycles]

I think I just saw my Christmas present!

[@pbmachines972]

Man killer bike👍🏻I had the identical bike hate myself

[@mikepierce4739]

Turbo that beast. Awesome ride.

[@TheMarcball]

Wow. Thanks.

[@Gavin-sw8rr]

Hey I miss the start of the video intro music and when you say hey it's ken from motorcycle museum

[@stevev2826]

I had an 82 Kawasaki GPZ 550 I wish I still have it too and my brother had a 750 83

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Jaw Dropping, Beautiful Bike. The trend setter for crotch rockets.

[@michaelshay7844]

It's really nice.

[@KUKI_de]

great video, mate!! Thumbs up and keep it up👍 KUKI

[@kiloton1920]

Favorite bike of Pablo Escobars hit men

[@dankrzeminski6370]

81 1100 gpz was the first no 1/4 fairing and was carbureted

[@kenjuicekrajewski9577]

Another monster I never should of sold . worst part was the 85 speedo on a 140mph bike love the eddie Lawson style

[@michaelcarmean4906]

💥 1981 Was First Year ✅ I Have One Today… Original 2100 Miles Hasn’t Ran Since 1984💥

[@ronaldkubert4527]

Nice bike

[@skydiver8163]

I had one of those! What a great year model!!

[@blueheelerfriend8450]

Love it man!!! 😊👍🇺🇸