Finally, finally got my hands on the GPZ 550 I’ve always wanted.
Last year, I impulsively bought a Zephyr 550, which was the trigger for all this. I had never ridden an air-cooled 4-cylinder 550cc motorcycle before. None of my customers owned one either, so there was really no opportunity for me to experience it. I understand why it’s not popular—it’s kind of an in-between displacement that feels half-hearted.
But after riding the Zephyr 550, I realized it “runs better than I imagined.” I was honestly surprised. A 550cc bike seems to have everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Of course, it all comes down to personal preference, so take this with a grain of salt.
I bought it on Yahoo Auctions for 480,000 yen (*´ω｀*)
Yesterday, I picked it up from the dealer. Even though the distance wasn’t that far, I realized how long it takes without highways or bypasses. It was basically a half-day job.
The purchase price was 480,000 yen. I’m not really into talking about whether it’s cheap or expensive, so let me be clear: When people ask me in person, I tell them it was 1 million yen so please keep that in mind (*´ω｀*)
Since it’s an import registration, the paperwork is a bit more complicated than a regular used bike. It’s not an easy category for individuals to get into. And since they’re all sold as-is based on the original used condition, there’s some risk involved. Personally, I’m happier with the original base than a bike that’s been repaired.
Basically, I’m the type who buys without seeing the bike in person, so I carefully check all the images and videos. The things to watch for are “the engine and carburetor” condition and the overall vibe. With a typical used bike, I don’t think dealers clean up the engine and carburetor from the outside. It’s different for high-end models, but… I don’t think the unusual bikes I’m interested in are worth that much effort.
Also, if it’s basically all original with bolts that are as close to OEM as possible, it significantly reduces any red flags.
It has the long fender I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m really happy about it. The only other bike I’ve had without a fender is the GSF 1200.
I’ve always strictly adhered to the 1000cc superbike regulations of that era. Interestingly, the older you get, the more you appreciate the original design. There’s something like a sneaker vibe—easy to ride and full of character. You know?
Most air-cooled 4-cylinders in this class have a redline under 10,000 RPM. I think that’s a very manageable range.
Somehow, “a high redline RPM gets tiring for me.” A sub-10,000 RPM redline is similar to older oil-cooled 1200s and older air-cooled 4-cylinders. That feeling stays with you, and it’s a very familiar sensation.
Revving a 1200cc to 10,000 RPM for city riding isn’t realistic. You’d ride it mostly on torque with barely any throttle.
With the 550, the low end is a bit lacking, but the mid to high range pulls strong and feels great. Since the redline is under 10,000 RPM, you can rev it freely. And it’s incredibly comfortable on the highway. You might think passing would be difficult, but it’s not a problem at all. With a 6-speed transmission where 5th and 6th are overdrive, the RPMs stay relatively high, but touring with a liter bike shouldn’t be a burden. *Of course, it depends on who you’re riding with.
My rough impression of the Kawasaki 550 is “an RVF 400 with a beefier mid-range that only goes to 10,000 RPM.” Maybe I’m overselling it? Or maybe RVF owners will get mad at me… So, it accelerates without excess or shortage, handles the highway with no problem, and the riding feel is maxed out. Plus, fuel economy over 20 km/liter *in the case of the Zephyr 550, excellent ground reach, relatively light weight, reasonable used prices, and surprisingly good status appeal. And the availability of Kawasaki parts, used parts, and new parts is incredibly stable.
If you’re not particular about the manufacturer, I think choosing a Kawasaki 550 is a great option. You’re probably getting interested now, right?
Don’t underestimate a bike from the 80s—it’s 40 years old now.
If you want to ride without worries, the Zephyr 550 is the safe choice.
The GPZ 550, frankly, is a 40-year-old bike. It has some archaic features like pressurized forks and AVDS that are pretty unusual. If you know what you’re getting into, it might be fine, but newcomers could run into various issues. The ignition and charging systems need careful attention too.
I haven’t ridden the GPZ 550 yet, but it boasts an impressive 65 horsepower. I think it’s quietly a good choice as a second bike. Choosing a practical machine without worrying about the brand is also a good idea.
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