Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki1100 GPZ 1998 Tired of the superfluous

the essentials. The GPZ 1100 doesn't bother with the latest (and expensive) technological innovations to make its mark in the world of road bikes. What's the point of an aluminum perimeter frame? The GPZ has no sporting ambitions. A classic but sturdy double tubular steel cradle will do the trick. A choice that may seem surprising, as is the front-end's high rake and the fork's steep rake. The Kawa seems to take its geometry from the bikes of yesteryear, although its mechanics are thoroughly modern. Looking at the cockpit, you'd have guessed that the GPZ hadn't just taken its dashboard from the 1100 ZZR. It has also borrowed its engine block, albeit toned down to suit a more GT-oriented riding style. A different cylinder head and less nasty timing diagrams bring power down to 129hp.
How do you place the GPZ 1100 in the Kawa range, with its big engine and rather timid fairing for a tourer? In fact, somewhere between the ZZR and the GTR. It leaves ultra-fast touring for the former and Grand Touring for the latter. Its domain is the road at good speed, for those who want a fast, available bike but don't give a damn about carbon, magnesium and other Superbike ingredients.
So, his thing is to ride. And since we're not taking it out on the track, we like to have a few practical aspects. There are adjustable control levers, a fuel gauge (not very accurate), a clock, a trunk and storage for a U under the seat, bungee hooks, a good handle for the passenger and a well-placed center stand. The manufacturer hasn't cut corners with the GPZ, and the finish is beyond criticism

one of the best things about a motorcycle is that there's no need for a manual on the handlebars. The GPZ belongs to this caste. And yet, the first few seconds could give rise to doubts. The beast is heavy, and you can feel it when you push it out of the garage or lift it from its stand. But once you're on the road, the machine is easy to ride. With the seat slightly backwards, the rider finds himself leaning very lightly on the half handlebars. There's no risk of fatigue. As for protection, there's room for improvement. The sides of the fairing lack generosity and the bubble height. Too little protection against the vagaries of the weather. Granted, we shouldn't have stepped on the GTR 's toes, but still...
We expected this engine to have plenty of power, and it didn't disappoint. The mill responds seriously from 4,000 rpm. Slight vibrations are noted for a short period before this rpm, and the engine is available for a large part of the rev counter. It doesn't have the gniak of a ZZR or the sensational side of a GSX-R, and it doesn't care. This mill is a big, strong machine that prefers to show its strength through suppleness and hard work, rather than through the unleashing of watts. Yet it's not a placid propeller. It bears the Kawa hallmark, and a personality far more pronounced than on some machines, such as the Yamaha 900 Diversion.

where the GPZ really comes into its own is in the depths of France, where the DDE goes on strike. It's not the champion of lace-ups, but it's the champion of comfort. It turns right, left, right... and the bike reminds you that its front end is not that of a 900 CBR. Its heaviness makes itself felt when changing angles, and you have to give it the trajectory. The Kawa pays for its geometry and weight, but makes up for it after that. In fact, it's an impressively stable bike. A succession of bumps or isolated roughness are no more than trifles for the GPZ fork. It swallows everything without flinching, never shirks and remains precise even when things are moving underneath. The firmer rear works just as well, if not better. It handles heavy shocks with ease. With this set of suspensions, the bike remains both highly controllable and comfortable. Don't forget, though, that it's important to handle it without rushing it. The GPZ is far from a radical sports bike. The other advantage of its wide-open front end is that you can keep the brakes on until late in the curve. Braking is powerful and adapted to the GPZ's profile.

in use, the GPZ 1100 gradually but surely displays its qualities. It's capable of inspiring confidence, if not passion. Indeed, it lacks that little touch of sex appeal that makes you spontaneously gravitate towards it rather than another bike. It's a pity, because compared to the CBR 1000, GSX-F 1100 and other FJ 1200s, the GPZ has its say.