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Introduction
editKawasaki released 5 motorcycle models under the GPz1100 marketing brand from 1981 to 1985. All featured Fuel Injection and 1089cc engines all were short lived and were an attempt to fill a market segment that was rapidly changing[1]. Below is a brief outline of the models.
1981 B1
editThe 1981 GPz1100 was the first 1100cc motorcycle released by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It was officially marketed as the GPz1100B1. It's frame design was a typical cradle design and the engine was based on the earlier Mk2 engines of the z1000H and z1000J but the engine capacity was increased to 1089cc.
Rather than featuring carburetors, the B1 was fitted with Electronic Fuel Injection as used on the earlier 1980 Z1000G/H models. The key cosmetic change was the paint scheme and the return to a painted black engine similar to the original Z1 released in 1973.
Suspension and braking was similar to earlier models, the front forks featured 38mm tubes, the frame design, based on the z1000H and J models was made from larger diameter steel in the section between the steering head to rear of the tank). To reduce weight, the tube walls were thinner. It was a heavy bike at 255Kgs (full tank) and the power output was claimed to be 108BHP[2].
1982 B2
editThe B1 was followed the following year by the GPz1100 B2, the B2 featured a cockpit fairing and the use of LCD warning lights and improved engine coating using a black chrome finish instead of the previous black paint. The B2 was also offered in a gold colour finish called "Sonic Gold".
The B2 came with a totally revised fuel injection system called DFI using a microporcessor to meter fuel based on throttle position not air flow. The DFI was far superior to the early EFI system and lasted on other models for many years. The B1 and B2 were the last of the large capacity dual shock motorcycles from Kawasaki.
1983 ZX1100-A1
editIn 1983 a new GPz1100 design was release that featured Unitrack single suspension, anti-dive units on the forks and a major styling overhaul often called the "swish" look. Known as the ZX1100A1 model, the 1983 model featured a larger fairing (with a lower fairing section as an option to give a full race fairing), different instrumentation and a warning panel mounted on the redesigned petrol tank. This model contained many features that were to appear on the GPz900R model leading to the suspicion that it was used to test the acceptability of newer technology such as Unitrack and Anti-Dive forks and the newer styling. The 1983 model featured the same EFI design with one small modification, the inclusion of a warning light that flashed service codes when the DFI system was having a problem.
The engine design changed in the 1983 model to use underbucket shims similar to the z650 and the profile of the cam shafts was changed to increase power output. The power output was now claimed to be 120 BHP at 8750RPM[2]. This model was release in a Red paint scheme with Blue and Silver stripes. Fundamentally the engine was still the same as earlier air-cooled engines.
1984 ZX1100-A2
editThe 1984 model deviated little from the 1983 model but featured a new paint scheme called "Galaxy Silver", the original Firecracker Red scheme was still available. Revisions were minor and include a revised exhaust system and the addition of panels under the instrument cluster. Sales were now in direct competiotion to the smaller, lighter water cooled GPz900R model, which by the end of 1984 would win first, second and third place in the Isle of man TT races.
1985 ZX1100-A3
editIn 1985 the last GPz1100 was released, competition from sales of the Gpz900R released in 1984 had well surpassed the now primitive GPz1100 so the 1100 was discontinued. All specifications from previous models were retained. This was also the final year for the GPz750 Turbo which used much of the technology from this series of motorcycles.
Later Models
editIn 1995, Kawasaki re-released the GPZ brand, basing the motor on the zzr1100/ZX-9R/ZX-10 water cooled engines. There is no similarity between the later models and any earlier models.
Additional Information
edit- See Kawasaki GPz1100 general page for model details.
References
edit- ^ "Staff" ("July 1981"). "1100 Comparison". "Cycle magazine".
The right to be called super bike king...
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