hey there my name is Jon and I'm from the sf bay area, and I'm planning to make my first bike a gpz550 since my dad also had one. any quirks or issues I may need to know before grabbing one? thanks in advance!

 

I forgot to mention I'd like an early model GPZ550 (81-84)

 

Welcome to the forum. There are many very knowledgeable people on here, however I am not one of them....

I'm sure somebody will be along shortly to help you with your question.

 

You do realize that the brakes were only ok, the frame was a monster, the engine cases were a mile wide, and your dad probably loved every minute of it. Kind of like someone asking me why would I want the the '88 zx750, or the '90 ZX7? My response to this moment is: The '84 900 that I test rode made me do it! lol Enjoy, gear up and welcome to KF

 

haha he told me it was a pretty good bike, and i like the overall design and I'm doing some more research on them as well. I've been told the kz550 is just as good. what's the difference if any?

 

A google search: KZrider Archives - kz550 or gpz550? Big differences here... - Kawasaki KZ motorcycles of the 70's and 80's era

 

ahh ok cool i just came across a simular post. good to know. i also saw a nice gpz900 i might look into that too.

 

Have you looked at a KLX? Or perhaps a Honda ST 1300? hehehehe Welcome.