Back in 1984, Kawasaki launched what turned out to be a motorcycle that defined an era – the GPz900R, or Ninja as it was named in the United States.
Though Kawasaki had already toyed with a liquid-cooled motorcycle in the shape of the giant Z1300 straight six, this was the first liquid-cooled mainstream model, the first 16-valve four-stroke, and for the time a serious sports motorcycle.
The GPz900R was produced in various forms from 1984 to 1996 and ended up being sold alongside other Kawasaki hero bikes such as the ZX-7R and GPZ1000RX.
It claimed a healthy 86kW (115hp) in a package that weighed 228kg dry. Top speed nudged 250km/h, while its best recorded quarter mile time was a blistering 10.55sec.
Over the years, suspension, wheels and tuning were changed. While it’s best-known for its appearance in the movie Top Gun, music buffs might know one was owned by Lou Reed, who referred to it in his album Legendary Hearts.
We bought one in Alice Springs a few years back and rode it home to Melbourne – a trip it did with ease.
Even now, it’s a smooth, surprisingly quick and comfortable motorcycle. Though it was one of the machines caught up in the then great debate over the wisdom of 16-inch front wheels, this is one example that handled well.
The feel is a little gothic in some respects. Its placement of the handlebars and the now hopelessly outdated brakes make it feel very similar to the GPz750 turbo I owned some years ago, where braking hard requires more space and forethought than you require on a current bike. And, when you’re doing it, it doesn’t feel right.
While I have no beef with the 16-inch front wheel, these days the tyre choices are limited.
There is a lot of the 1980s about it, such as the styling and the then hero fitment of brake-actuated anti-dive units on the front.
Though it’s arguably a motorcycle that defines an era, like most 1980s motorcycles it so far seems to have escaped the attention of collectors.
The model to get is the very first, the A1, and somewhere in the mid-teens should see a good example in your shed.
WHAT’S HOT ON THE AUCTION FRONT?
1972 Ducati Imola Replica
One of the more interesting lots in a recent Doniington sale was this, a replica of the 1972 Imola-winning Ducati 750SS.
This is the motorcycle that put Ducati on the international performance stage and the actual bike (which still exists) would be worth somewhere north of $1 million.
Ducati built its own replica in 1974, the ‘green frame’ 750SS. Just 401 were made and a good example is now worth in the region of $300-400,000.
So how do you value a modern replica fitted with lights to in theory make it road legal? That’s a near-impossible task, until one gets to auction. This one sold for $40,000.
The underlying bike is a period 750 with round-case engine, presumably from a GT.
Meanwhile two other lots are worth noting. A 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 Ago in near enough to new condition sold for $55,000 – a little above its new price of $52,000.
Perhaps more impressive was a 1950s Vincent Motorcycles illuminated dealer sign, measuring 47cm (18 inches) that went for a staggering $7300!
Donington – Collector Motorcycle Auction
Date: May 20 – June 2, 2024
Sold: $40,000
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
2024 Ultimate Motorcycle Tours
There is no greater pleasure than swinging a leg over a motorcycle and heading off into the great unknown in a foreign land.
Sure it can be a little scary at times, but the rewards are enormous and, having sampled much of Europe, UK, USA and Asia this way, we can highly recommend it.
This book, written by experienced rider and motorcycle author Grant Roff, gets across much of that excitement, while providing some insights into what to expect and to look for in some of the planet’s great rides.
It covers numerous routes in North America (including Canada), Europe, the UK, Vietnam, India, Australia and New Zealand.
An unusual and worthy addition to the book is a series of profiles of well-known motorcycle travellers.
To quote the author: ”Some of these rides might remain dreams, but others may be possible and forever rewarding.”
Published this year, it takes a refreshing approach to the subject material and we can recommend it. Widely available at the usual online stores, it’s priced at $45.
Paperback book
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Price: $45
Visit: hardiegrant.com