GPZ400R(398cc)
Owner: Mambu
This corner introduces one unit from MY BIKE posted to Webike Community every week. The model introduced this time is "GPZ400R" and the owner is "Mambu".
The GPZ400R introduced here is an early model in the GPZ family. The middle tourer was released in 1985, which became popular as a practical and almighty model in the racer replica boom that was at its peak at that time.
The liquid-cooled four-stroke, four-cylinder DOHC engine is a complete sports engine that delivers an output of 59 PS at 12,000 rpm, which is at the upper end of its class. The top speed is 205 km/h, and the styling is also impressive, with Kawasaki's first 400cc model equipped with a full cowl and the AL-Cross frame, a highly rigid aluminum frame, and 16-inch wheels. No matter how you look at it, it is anything but docile.
Yet, the upright arrangement of the clip-on handlebars mounted on the top bridge and the low seat height made for a comfortable ride, and a cargo hook was available as an added bonus. It was an excellent model that could be used in any situation, from sports riding to long tours. However, 37 years after its debut, it has already entered the realm of old motorcycles. Used motorcycles in good condition are becoming scarce, and there are also concerns about breakdowns and parts supply.
However, "Mambu," who is introduced in this article, created a GPZ400R from a frame and engine he received as a gift (!) and participated in this year's "SSTR". This is a large-scale touring event, "leaving the Pacific Ocean at sunrise and aiming at Senrihama (Ishikawa Prefecture) on the Japan Sea side by sunset," and the distance to be covered is quite long. The lime green GPZ400R completed the event without any trouble! The endurance racer-like sticker-tuned body and heavy equipment of pannier bags are the fearless looks of a long tourer!
This is Sakakin's GPZ400R. However, just like the original 900R, there are some 400R models that have "Ninja" stickers and some that do not. In 1985, the first year of sales, there was no "Ninja" sticker, but in 1986, when the color was changed, a smaller sticker appeared. Later, in 1987, the sticker was made larger and claimed "Ninja".
The "naked" model of the GPZ400R is the FX400R. It was a sports model with a catchphrase such as "The time has been waiting for you." The frame and exhaust were redesigned in various parts. However, it didn't seem to be so popular at that time. This is "ZOOMER50's" FX400R. Although it is a street fighter that came too soon, its martial style will be popular in the modern age!
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