GPz550 Newsletter 12/19. The enchanting 4-cylinder 550cc that most people never experience. What’s the GPz550 really like?

Right then! Continuing from last time.
For those who think bigger bikes are a bit heavy, I reckon a 550cc is a really good option.

You want to hop on and head out more casually, don’t you?
I never thought I’d end up adding another 550cc bike to the collection.

Basically, old bikes have limited availability.
Once you decide to buy, “pick out the necessary conditions” and if they’re met, it’s a go.
When you’re thinking about buying a bike, it’s good to write out your requirements.

The riding position is just perfect, and I really like it (*´ω｀*)

To be honest, I had no expectations at all.
I had a bad impression of the Zephyr 550 for some reason, and maybe my expectations were just low to begin with.

The seat is slippery as anything, but setting that aside…
the handlebar and step positions are incredibly well-tuned,
“just where you naturally sit” the handlebars and steps are positioned.
It might be hard to convey, but
“the position where you can ride and operate without thinking or worrying”

when it comes to riding position, it depends on personal preference and body type, so I can’t say for everyone,
but for me, it’s a really great impression.

With the slim bodywork of a 550cc,
“the tank shape and how easy it is to grip are exceptional.”
That’s where the appeal of a compact, slim bike really shines through.

And the screen height is just right too.
Just leaning forward a bit gives you a wind-free zone, and I really felt the benefits of a half-fairing.

Also, I can’t find an aftermarket clear screen, so if you know of one, let me know.
I have a feeling the 750 version might work…
I’ll give it a try.

The shift touch is excellent! The operation is outstanding.

The shift is in really good shape, “the stroke feel and touch are outstanding.”
This design is actually quite brilliant.
The subtle tuning using both the shift arm length and shift pedal length is delicious.
It’s completely different from the Zephyr 550.

When it comes to shift touch,
there are lots of factors at play like clutch condition and wear in various parts,
so you can’t generalize, “but it’s definitely a better impression than the Zephyr.”

As you get older, stock steps are really nice and easy to use.
The brake pedal is easy to press too, and the operation feel is outstanding.

A Kawasaki with appealing compatibility

The back mirror mounting pitch is shared with the GPZ900R and others (around 58-59mm?)
so you can adapt them to look stock.

Users really appreciate this kind of thing.
It’s depressing to have to stock up on discontinued used back mirrors.

Fuel gauges and fuel cocks are still being supplied

52005-1025 The fuel sensor from KZ 550 and Z400GP can be adapted. *The original is discontinued.
The fuel cock is available new, and the O-rings inside are obtainable too.
There’s no doubt these are parts you can use long-term.

This kind of attention to detail is why Kawasaki is loved.

Throttle and clutch cables are best adapted from other models

The throttle cable is short on the TK carb, so “the GPZ 400 F repro won’t work.”
I’m planning to swap the carb to a Keihin, so for now I’m making do with a used one.

The original clutch cable is ridiculously long and has huge friction.
I put on a new repro, “but it’s too stiff to use.”
By adapting the Katana (GSX600F) cable assembly, clutch 58200-08F01-000, the layout becomes simpler
and the operation feel is dramatically lighter.

When riding a motorcycle, you want the position and controls to be simple and operate smoothly.
If you can get a machine set up so you can focus just on riding,
riding a motorcycle becomes even more fun.