Terrific styling, power and rideability
Cam chain tensioner needs replacing.
Fork service, seals, anti dive, springs.
Chain, sprockets.
1984 A-1 Ninja GPZ900R.
Classic style and looks, top marks.
26 years old, but still viable.
Great sports tourer.
Mid sized and comfortable to tour on.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd November, 2010
Smooth and safe. Not a wheelie machine
Header pipes rotted - had to replace the entire system. But now it feels like a new bike, such a throaty roar.
It had been 30 years since I had owned a bike, but the itch was there, and I spent about 3 months trying to find the most suitable ride. Then I saw her, in startling black but in need of some TLC. I rode her from the dealer to the ferry. From arriving in Rosslare, the ride to the Dublin was a joy. The bike felt so smooth and did not threaten to spin her wheels.
Okay, it has cost me a lot of money to get her to where she will require little maintenance for a while (I hope) and people have cast aspersions on my sanity. But to get the admiring looks from fellow bikers makes it worthwhile. They recognise a classic when they see one.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st April, 2010
Mind bending acceleration with dubious handling
Nothing went wrong. It was bullet proof.
Iconic bike and blisteringly fast, in a straight line.
I never had the opportunity to see what 'warp factor' it could attain... road conditions or bottle? Bottle probably, the bone yards are full of people with more bottle than me!
Handling; I took this machine on a long road trip to Scotland. The bike was heavily loaded as we were camping. We encountered a traffic jam and I experienced a nasty dose of tank slap.
Once off the motorways, I adjusted the tyre pressures and suspension for twisty roads. I obviously got something wrong. It handled like a stubborn, angry pig-weasel.
I asked my fellow motorcyclist to try it, in case it was just me being a plum. No! He agreed that it was indeed, 'horrible.'
The riding position though, was very comfortable and the seats soft and not too high. My wrists, after eight hours on the bike, didn't feel as if I'd been punching walls all day and my neck didn't feel as though I had just survived a hanging.
Although reliable and very fast, the engine sounded like someone applying a chain saw to a bucket of bolts... Who cares? Light the blue touch paper and hold on tight!
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th May, 2008
The best bike I have ridden so far
The oil cooler leaked when I first purchased it.
The starter needed to be repaired.
The bike is like a rocket, and never seems to quit on any given challenge.
Keeps up to the super bikes of this time (somewhat).
To me, it is a very nice bike to look at, and has the motor to keep up.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2007
I don't see ever selling this bike
Thermostat.
Fork seal.
Purchased while on vacation in Australia. With no more than an oil change, I took this bike all over the east coast of Oz. And Heaven only knows how long it had been sitting unused by the middle aged guy I bought it from. With saddle bags, a tank bag, and the gear rack it had, I was able to travel around Australia freely and on the cheap.
New tires brought back much of the original handling.
After three months, it was time to come home to the States. Knowing that I had to 'Federalize' the bike in order to import it didn't slow me down one bit. The 900R had made such a positive impression on me, that it was a non-issue. I paid for this bike almost three times over after all was said and done.
Since my return I have ridden this bike on several long distance trips. Laguna Seca, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, all in comfort and speed. Replacing the chain and sprockets has helped much. I feel as though I have a new bike.
The mid-80's GPZ may not be as well built as a Honda Goldwing, but it has proven itself a wonderful compromise between sport and touring. It is THE reason that I WILL buy a Concours.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th May, 2007
A very fast bike at a very affordable price
Seat cover erodes quickly, especially if kept outside, and the over complex cooling system often needs attention.
Brilliant bike in its day, and it still keeps up with modern superbikes. If you want a fast superbike, but do not have thousands of pounds, this bike is the business. Capable of 160 mph with acceleration to match.
Very reliable and easy to maintain.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th September, 2006
13th May 2010, 14:01
I have a 1984 GPR 900, a great classic bike. My previous GPZ1100 with a kit was fast, but the 900 not far behind. More compact, better handling.
At $2500 for a good clean one here in Oz, it's great value.
Yes it turns heads. Has 4 into one, a bit loud, may get an original system.
I too am reluctant to part with it, have a 1999 XJ900S Diversion, and getting an XV1100 Virago. Think the Diversion will be sold.
GPZ900s look fast just parked up.