1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
Miles: 12,557
Asking: $10,499 OBO
Where: East Syracuse, NY
SELLER
Up for sale is a 1984 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo, built in August 1983. This is an early-production example with low serial numbers. The frame and engine numbers are correct and are shown in the photos.
This was a one-owner motorcycle and comes with its original 1984 title. It also includes the owner’s manual, original toolkit, and two correct GPZ keys.
The bike appears to be completely original and unrestored, with 12,557 miles. It was last on the road in 1999 and was kept in heated storage. It was also started periodically over the years.
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The motorcycle does not currently run.
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I have not been able to get the motorcycle to fire. Based on what I have checked, it appears that fuel is not reaching the spark plugs, so the fuel system will need to be addressed before the motorcycle can be put back into running condition.
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All wiring is stock and uncut.
All of the bolts on the motorcycle appear to be original and correct.
RSBFS
One owner, original title, stock wiring, original-looking bolts, toolkit, manual, and both keys. That’s a survivor checklist most collectors would sign off on without reading the rest.
Then comes the catch: it doesn’t run.
The seller deserves credit here. They didn’t hide it, and they didn’t just write “ran when parked.” They went through it: compression, spark at all four plugs, fresh fuel, new battery, good flow from the petcock, clutch, brakes, gears, throttle. They even included a close-up of the seat.
What’s left is fuel getting from the petcock to the cylinders. Look at the warning panel in the cockpit photo and you’ll see “DFI.” This is Kawasaki’s early digital fuel injection, not a set of carbs you can pull and dip on a Saturday. It sat from 1999 with periodic starts, so the likely suspects are pretty boring.
Still, whoever buys this needs to know ’80s Kawasaki injection or know someone who does.
The upside is everything else. The Turbo was Kawasaki’s answer in the early-’80s turbo wars, and plenty of people think it was the one that got it right. A low-serial, August ’83 build with this much original equipment is a rare find.
At $10,499 OBO for a non-runner, the “OBO” is doing a lot of work. Pay attention to the seller’s terms too: no payment through eBay, a $250 non-refundable deposit, and the balance due within 7 days. We’ve seen these terms before, but as always, make sure it’s legit.
Is a stuck fuel system on a one-owner Turbo a weekend fix or a winter project? And is it worth ten grand as it sits?
Good luck to the buyer and seller!
If any one needs it I have a printed out original authentic factory workshop manual for the 750 cc Kaw turbo / this model bike. I sold my 750 turbo years ago , nice bike but not as fast as a 900 ninja ! I’m still looking to buy a 1989 Honda NC 30 V 4 in red and black color livery..HELP best of luck to the seller and buyer of this listed 750 the 750 Kaw is the turbo bike to have next best is the 650 Honda the 500 Honda turbo had teething problems which were resolved in the 650 build.
Looks like a worthy project. Still lots of argument over whether this one or the GPZ900 was the fastest.
Please, at that asking price, do the basic work and get it running. Otherwise, cut the price ~40%
Indeed this bike can be a nightmare because of the unique bits. This is the only streetbike model on my short list to own before my clock gets punched. But there are parts unobtainium if you need them. The fuel injestion is one and the CPU for it all is another. Lastly the fuel pressure return line for the injectors goes back to that tank. If the inside of that tank is a problem, walk away. A rusted out tank sitting for 30 years may spoil the party. The tank can’t easily be substituted from something else. But see below for the only possible alternative.
I had the fuel injected GPZ1100 which also featured those bits. That one is the ordinary version that might still be out in the wild. All those bits are impossible to find for that as well. But maybe you’d find an organ donor…
Some hope? There is a pressure regulator for the fuel return line to the tank. If that isn’t right, it could be the culprit. If so, the seller could give a 40% discount and I’d still walk away. Doubt your dealer has any of that simple but essential part.Just saying