Any Kawasaki GPZ500S owners here?

[Bob]

As the GPZ500S is 18 this year, the magazine I write part-time for is looking to run a feature on the model - or possibly two, depending on the level of feedback. And I've got the 'gig', as I've owned pre and post-94 models.

The plan is for the feature to cover:

1. The history of the model.
2. An illustrated buyers's guide
3. Mini picture profiles of owners with their machines

I already know the history of the model (I have owned both pre and post 1994 models over the years), but if anyone owns a GPZ500S and could assist with parts 2 and 3, this would be hugely appreciated.

What I would like you to do is contact me, advising the following:

i Name
ii. Year and model of bike, plus miles when bought and now if possible
iii. Good bits/what you like most about the model
iv. Bad bits/what you least like about the model
v. Modifications
vi. What to look out for when buying second hand
vii. Need photo of owner with bike if possible – highest possible quality in terms of photo resolution

If you can assist, feel free to PM me and I can let let you know about photo quality - but basically, as it is for a magazine, if you were scanning it, it'd need to be at least 300dpi (preferably higher) - if it is with a digital camera, then it needs to be at the highest specification your camera allows.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can give,

Regards,

Bob

[wari]

MAde this a sticky one furr ya Bob ... :spudbn:

[Waylander]

Bumpin this up, I don't have one but others do and should be able to help ya out.

[camscomponents]

Hi there, yep had one last year as a do up did a complete rebuild photos are at http://www.bikepics.com/kawasaki/gpz500/91/pics.asp mines the Bright Blue one member speed4 I f u have any questions Happy to help Rgds Cam

[scooterboy]

hi ive got a gpx600r if its any help-

[nzkalt61]

sorry bob, had a GPX250 1988 model but have just sold it, happy hunting.

[Bob]

hi ive got a gpx600r if its any help-

Sadly, no. It MUST be a GPZ500S. We are running a feature on that specific model only, to celebrate it's 18th birthday.

No other bikes can be included, for obvious reasons.

Thanks for the offer though...

[Cheddies]

Weirdly enough i am picking up my (new to me) 1996 GPZ500s this saturday!, when i have it i will send you my first opinions/photos etc (i also have a good digital camera so the pics will be good).... My email is eddie@iwantyourtshirt.co.uk shoot me an email as i am not a regular on these forums (got shuffled over from ukbikerforums).

[oldfart]

I have one of these rattly little things. How do I contact you & what are you after specifically.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I had one in 1988. It was an ex demo 1987 model. I swapped Boyle Kawasaki in Wellington my GPz750 and a Honda GB400TT for it. Great little bike. Nimble and light, not powerful but cheap to run. Amazing they are still making them.

I dont have any photos I dont think.. will have a look.

[Bob]

I have one of these rattly little things. How do I contact you & what are you after specifically.

Excellent! I'm still getting people together for the "I bought one!" section of the article, so if you would be happy to help, please do!

You can PM me - or preferably send me an email to info@bobpickett.co.uk, bearing in mind the size of a high-resolution image or two.

The questions I need answering are:

i Name
ii. Year and model of bike, plus miles when bought and now if possible
iii. Good bits/what you like most about the model
iv. Bad bits/what you least like about the model
v. Modifications
vi. What to look out for when buying second hand
vii. Need photo of owner with bike if possible – highest possible quality in terms of photo resolution

Once again, thanks for this - it truly is appreciated. The whole point of the article (aside from celebrating the 18th birthday of the model) is to build a good buyers guide for readers - and feedback from actual owners is invaluable for this.

[Bob]

Amazing they are still making them.

Sadly, they're not. The end of the model came in 2004. In the UK anyway, there was a last-ditch attempt to boost sales by FINALLY giving us the twin-disc front brake setup in 2003, but it didn't work (too little, too late).

There is a rumour I understand that Kawasaki are looking to bring back the GPZ name in the form of a twin-cylinder bike. Now as Suzuki has the SV650 range, being a v-twin, wonder what the potential would be for a 650cc parallel, or maybe even a 750 parallel twin? Just to keep it a bit different.

Personally, I'd go for the 650 capacity - 650cc parallel twin is one of the classic engine configurations and I reckon it'd have potential. OK, it wouldn't give the low-down torque of a Vee, but it'd rev out higher.

I'm currently waiting on a bunch of information from Kawasaki's press team - and I asked them about this. If I hear anything (that I'm allowed to pass on!), I'll let you know.

[Krayy]

I passed one on the way to work this mornng on the Northwestern (he went off onto the Southern), so I might try to wave him down next time I see him

[Bob]

I've now submitted the article to Mr Editor on this, so hopefully he will be happy with everything I provided.

Thanks for everyone's assistance with this.

One thing I did find out - over the lifespan of the GPZ500S in the UK, it sold over 10,000 bikes. Rough maths made that about 625 bikes sold per year on average. So a decent little earner for Kawasaki over the years.

Thanks again for the help. With a bit of luck, there could be some more 'One-Make' reviews in the pipeline... we shall see.

[Bonez]

Personally, I'd go for the 650 capacity - 650cc parallel twin is one of the classic engine configurations and I reckon it'd have potential. OK, it wouldn't give the low-down torque of a Vee, but it'd rev out higher.

They already have one, the W650...............