1989 Kawasaki GPX600R review from United Kingdom
"20 year old technology (& it shows)"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Nothing really, it's just gutless (nothing wrong with the bike at all, just needs more power) & doesn't handle well enough.
Fine as a rainy day commuter, but distinctly lacking any sort of presence or character.
Rear suspension is far too hard even on the softest setting, front end is OK, but anti-dive wouldn't work.
Fitted braided hoses all round & got all the air out, but the brakes were still not that good (calipers were all stripped cleaned & freed off properly.)
Frontal area looks like a 250.
Tappets are a pig to adjust without a special tool.
General comments?
Would I have another one?
No.
The handling (stiff rear shok aside) was OK, but it had a propensity to throw itself down a bit too quickly in a bend, which could be compared to a hot labrador flopping itself on the floor.
Even with good tyres, it runs out of tread on the rear if you try to corner faster than it wants to go.
A yawn factor of 7 if you want to try & keep up with the bigger boys.
Recommended reviews
 | A good all round motorcycle if your budget is low, and you want to keep running costs down |
 | A cheap, underrated bike that still cuts it |
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Acceleration marks | 5/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Handling marks | 4/10 |
| Braking marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 34000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 35000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Kawasaki Yamaha RD350LC |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2006 |