1984 KAWASAKI ZX900R taking shape
Click on photo to see the progress
The GPZ900R or ZX900Rwas a revolutionary design, in that its 908 cc liquid cooled 16 valve engine was a first for Kawasaki, and delivered 115 brake horsepower. Although its steel frame, 16 inch front and 18 inch rear wheels, air suspension, and anti-dive forks were fairly standard at that time, it took Japanese Superbike performance to a new level. Water cooling and 16 valves allowed additional power, and the frame used the engine as a stressed member for improved handling. It had a top speed of about 155 mph (248 km/h) (holding the record for the fastest production bike at the time), and a standing quarter mile time of just 10.55s was recorded by specialist rider Jay "Pee Wee" Gleason. It won the 1984 Isle of Man Production TT at an average speed of 105 mph ridden by Geoff. It became a movie star in the film Topgun. |
