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1998 Kawasaki GT550 Combination
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot details
Registration No: R76 RGM
Frame No: KZ550G-019950
Engine No: KZ550FE 018885
cc: 550
Kawasaki had something of a reputation for building the hooligans of the motorcycle world when compared to their rivals during the seventies and eighties. Although this is definitely a generalisation there is an element of truth in it. Machines such as the H1 and H2 had one goal in life, to go as quickly as possible, preferably in a straight line, with little regard to the niceties such as fuel consumption, environmental factors and bends, the Z900 and Z1 continued in much the same style promising violence if they were not treated with the respect they deserved and the Z1300 could shred tyres quicker than a bored Rottweiler. It is therefore somewhat surprising that they were responsible for one of the most sensible motorcycles produced during the eighties, the GT550. Derived from the twin cam Z550 four, the GT was equipped with gaiters on both the front and rear suspension components to protect them from dirt and thereby increase their working life, an alloy carrier /grabrail which unlike the items fitted to its rivals was capable of carrying a great deal more than a sandwich box without breaking and shaft final drive. Inevitably it became a favourite with despatch riders and enjoyed one of the longest production runs without major revision of any Kawasaki, entering the catalogue in 1983 and remaining there until 1997.
The example offered was, according to the vendor, modified for use on a long distance endurance event, although it seems that it did not compete. It is fitted with a single seat sidecar equipped with a large carrier and spare wheel. The motorcycle has been fitted with a set of leading link forks manufactured by Unit Forks and a set of engine crashbars. The odometer displays a mileage of 16,965 which is believed to be correct.
PLEASE NOTE: The frame number of this motorcycle is KZ550G 019950 and the engine number is KZ550FE 018885.
Registration No: R76 RGM
Frame No: KZ550G-019950
Engine No: KZ550FE 018885
cc: 550
Kawasaki had something of a reputation for building the hooligans of the motorcycle world when compared to their rivals during the seventies and eighties. Although this is definitely a generalisation there is an element of truth in it. Machines such as the H1 and H2 had one goal in life, to go as quickly as possible, preferably in a straight line, with little regard to the niceties such as fuel consumption, environmental factors and bends, the Z900 and Z1 continued in much the same style promising violence if they were not treated with the respect they deserved and the Z1300 could shred tyres quicker than a bored Rottweiler. It is therefore somewhat surprising that they were responsible for one of the most sensible motorcycles produced during the eighties, the GT550. Derived from the twin cam Z550 four, the GT was equipped with gaiters on both the front and rear suspension components to protect them from dirt and thereby increase their working life, an alloy carrier /grabrail which unlike the items fitted to its rivals was capable of carrying a great deal more than a sandwich box without breaking and shaft final drive. Inevitably it became a favourite with despatch riders and enjoyed one of the longest production runs without major revision of any Kawasaki, entering the catalogue in 1983 and remaining there until 1997.
The example offered was, according to the vendor, modified for use on a long distance endurance event, although it seems that it did not compete. It is fitted with a single seat sidecar equipped with a large carrier and spare wheel. The motorcycle has been fitted with a set of leading link forks manufactured by Unit Forks and a set of engine crashbars. The odometer displays a mileage of 16,965 which is believed to be correct.
PLEASE NOTE: The frame number of this motorcycle is KZ550G 019950 and the engine number is KZ550FE 018885.
Auction: Haynes International Motor Museum, 22nd Oct, 2010
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