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Bargain of the Week: GPZ500S

1DOWN 5UP
Feb 18, 2017
2 min read

Kawasaki GPZ-500S Bargain of the Week

The kawasaki GPZ is another of those bikes that is a contender for people looking for their first "big" bike on a budget.

The GPZ is long in the tooth now but I think it has that 80's retro charm. They are meant to be fairly quick considering their 47hp output. Which won't set the world alight but should be plenty to learn on. A claimed 44mpg is good but take one really steady and you could see 200miles from a tank. If you thrash the GPZ however you'll see 35mpg or less, which can get addictive as the GPZ produces a lovely wail on full chat. This weeks budget bike has a micron slip on which should improve the noise further!

Owners of the GPZ say its bullet proof, has predictable handling and that you'd think its a 4cyl. The Kawasaki twin is smooth and takes off about 7000rpm it can be lumpy in low revs around town but its not to much of an issue. The handling is as the owners describe however the front end can be a little skittish on bumpy stretches of tarmac.

Kit wise there ain't much to shout about but the bike does have a decent and useful fairing. Out back a grab rail and a decent sized pillion seat means its rather good at carrying a pillion. The clocks are basic but they are clear to read on the move. This example has a luggage rack fitted which is a useful addition.

This example looks mint for the money. Most of these bikes now will however need their forks serviced, and as these are often learner bikes, check for signs of low speed drops and dents in the tank. The colours on this weeks bike is one of the more restrained colour options available and looks quite smart.