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The Kawasaki GPZ400R '85 is a Street bike produced by Kawasaki. It only appears in Tourist Trophy.

Colors[]

There are two color schemes available for this bike:

  • Ebony/Firecracker Red
  • Firecracker Red/Pearl Alpine White

Description[]

When unleashed by Kawasaki in 1979, the Z400FX was an instant hit that revived the 400cc class multi-cylinder category, the last such machine being Honda's CB400-Four in 1976. Although the Z400FX gave way to more and more advanced successors—the Z400GP in 1982 and the GPZ400F in 1983—the line's air-cooled 2-valve engine was gradually losing ground to its technologically more advanced competitors.

1985 was the year Kawasaki fought back with the GPZ400R. The domestic version of the GPZ600R export model, tne GPZ400R still had the same type of aluminium frame and plenty of upgrades for the Japanese market.

The newly designed liquid-cooled four-valve engine cranked out 59 hp—the upper limit imposed by the government at the time. This engine was enclosed by the tubes of the unique double-cradle aluminium frame, also called an aluminium cross frame. The bike's aerodynamic drag factor was an impressive 0.29.

What really makes the GPZ stand out in a sea of racing-oriented machines is its combination of high performance and practicality. The low seat makes for a comfortable riding position, especially in the lower back, and the excellent wind protection is perfect for long, high-speed cruising. Low to midrange torque is plentiful yet easy to handle, but high-speed power is there, too: the bike's power increases beyond 8,000 r.p.m., and the power keeps coming even beyond peak power at 12,000 r.p.m. Even at such high speeds, stability is excellent. With 16-inch wheels on the front and rear, the bike responds faithfully but requires active body shifting by the rider.

The GPZ400R is like a big-bike experience in a 400cc package. Inheriting the GPZ's spirit—right down to the aluminium cross frame—was the ZZ-R400, released in 1990.

Acquistion[]

  • This bike can be acquired by selecting it in Challenge Mode, and completing the event: 2-lap Pass - Clubman Stage Route 5

Notes[]

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