1987 Kawasaki GPz900R (“Ninja”)
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Beauty, stance, renown, legendary presence and power; still an awesome ride today
- Colourway and decals presented to achieve replica appearance to the machine featured in 1986’s Top Gun
- Fastest production bike in the world, 1984-88
- Seven owners, with 32,800 miles only
The Appeal
- A rare opportunity to acquire an innovative legend: truly an iconic, ground-breaking bike
- Instant reverence and recognition amongst bike (and Top Gun) fans
- First production bike with official top speed of 150+ mph and standing quarter under 11s
- Excellent investment opportunity
The History and Paperwork
Kawasaki’s GPz900R was unlike anything the motorcycling world had ever seen. It was a big leap for bike engineering, and is considered to be the grandfather of the current generation of superbikes. Unveiled to the press in December 1983, within six months the machine was off to race in the Isle of Man TT, where it came 1st and 2nd overall.
The firm had mounted the world’s first 16-valve liquid-cooled inline 4 engine lower in the frame to bring down the centre of gravity, achieving better agility. The engine itself was also employed as a stressed member, making the bike lighter and improving dynamics.
Amongst other innovations: first large-scale production motorcycle to use a crankshaft counter-balancer (much smoother), and front suspension with variable dampers so that riders could brake hard without worrying about nose-dive affecting the bike’s balance. Even the spring-loaded fuel cap was aircraft-inspired as it sat flush in the fuel tank, making the bulky, twist-style fuel caps seen on Harley-Davidsons (and other competitors) look ancient.
Amongst other innovations: first large-scale production motorcycle to use a crankshaft counter-balancer (much smoother), and front suspension with variable dampers so that riders could brake hard without worrying about nose-dive affecting the bike’s balance. Even the spring-loaded fuel cap was aircraft-inspired as it sat flush in the fuel tank, making the bulky, twist-style fuel caps seen on Harley-Davidsons (and other competitors) look ancient.
And talking of aircraft, well there’s that wonderful scene early in Top Gun where Maverick (Tom Cruise) rides his GPz900R next to a USAF F-18 taking off. As iconic as that scene is, and as iconic as the actor riding that motorcycle is, the motorcycle itself also became an icon. GPz900R didn’t just open a new era of motorcycle craze in America, it put Kawasaki on the map as a big player. Demand exploded: suddenly, everyone wanted a light, agile machine with a forward riding stance.
E975 JAJ’s seven owners have clearly looked after the bike, respecting the heritage. The present vendor bought it in July 2016, and has covered only approx. 900 miles since then.
- V5C present and correct
- MoT to July 2023
- Some service history and paperwork from independent specialist
- Speedometer cable replaced March 2018 and again September 2022
- Rear brake pads and caliper seals done March 2018 at 32,630 miles
- Two original owner manuals
- No insurance markers, and HPE clear
The Interior
- Seat condition, bars, mirrors, pedals and dash all excellent
- Renntec rear pannier has a few rubs and small scratches
The Exterior
- Overall condition and appearance is very good
- Faring and cowling show no signs of damage aside from minor stone-chips
- Some areas, to be expected, are more commensurate with the bike’s 36 years than others
- Exhaust outlets have some minor scrapes, and there’s the usual surface rust on the underpipes
- The red and black paintwork is of course not original, but is generally excellent and looks genuinely effective as a “Top Gun” replica, complete with appropriate decals
- There is a little paint bubbling on the fuel tank
- All the chromework, badges etc. present and correct, showing weathering commensurate with age
The Mechanics
- 908cc capacity, 115 bhp liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder pulls extremely well, accelerating smoothly through the gears.
- Matching numbers: engine ZX900AE047267 and chassis ZX900A-037425
- Starts with choke, but soon settles to steady, healthy burble
- No mechanical work has been undertaken during the present vendor’s ownership, due to the very modest mileage run – but there is nothing untoward to report in terms of noise, smoking, or feel on the road
- You’ll probably want to give it a mechanical health check due to the very low recent mileage
- Wheels are in excellent condition, and the tyres are new
Summary
Who wants to own a legend? OK, this particular bike isn’t THE one running alongside that F-18, but if it was you’d think twice before taking it out or parking it anywhere. What E975 JAJ is, however, is a fine example of THE bike that in 1983 started a new superbike trend for lightweight, forward-stance machines.
TC riding it in TG simply propelled the machine into motorcycling superstardom, even for those who hadn’t already noticed the innovations and experienced the supreme balance of performance and handling. The cosmetic conversion to Top Gun replica has been very well executed, and you can be assured this bike will get the attention it deserves from those who know. Not so many about now, either: the rarity value and heritage combine to make this an excellent investment. Grab your helmet (and one for Kelly McGillis) and prepare to bid!
TC riding it in TG simply propelled the machine into motorcycling superstardom, even for those who hadn’t already noticed the innovations and experienced the supreme balance of performance and handling. The cosmetic conversion to Top Gun replica has been very well executed, and you can be assured this bike will get the attention it deserves from those who know. Not so many about now, either: the rarity value and heritage combine to make this an excellent investment. Grab your helmet (and one for Kelly McGillis) and prepare to bid!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1987
- Make Kawasaki
- Model GPZ900R
- Colour Black and Red
- Odometer 32,941 Miles
- Engine size 908
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Weston-On-Trent
- Location Derbyshire
- Country United Kingdom
1
bid
- Ad•••• £3,500 02/12/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.