Sportbikes
1988Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX
18 fields on record
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX is a heavyweight sport bike designed for experienced riders seeking raw performance and aggressive styling. Its potent 997cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivers 125 horsepower with a 10.2:1 compression ratio, making it one of the era's fastest superbikes. Known for thrilling acceleration and sharp handling despite its 588-pound weight, the GPZ 1000 RX remains an iconic symbol of 1980s sportbike dominance.
- Capacity
- 997.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 267.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 125.0 HP
What’s new for the 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX
vs the 1987| Spec | 1987 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 997.00 ccm (60.84 cubic inches) | 997.0 ccm (60.84 cubic inches) |
| Power | 125.00 HP | 125.0 HP |
| Fuel capacity | 21.00 litres (5.55 gallons) | 21.00 litres (5.55 US gallons) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Fast-paced sport touring - covering big miles at speed with occasional spirited sweepers, plus a passenger and luggage.
- Built for
- A muscular mid-80s Kawasaki flagship: smooth, torquey inline-four with genuine high-speed capability wrapped in touring practicality.
- Not ideal for
- Not for beginners, off-road use, tight-city commuting, or riders wanting a light, flickable machine.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 997.0 ccm
- Power
- 125.0 HP
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4682 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 74.0 x 58.0 mm
- Compression
- 10.2:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 120/80-16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 997.00 ccm (60.84 cubic inches) | 997.00 ccm (60.84 cubic inches) | 997.00 ccm (60.84 cubic inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 21.00 litres (5.55 gallons) | 21.00 litres (5.55 gallons) | 21.00 litres (5.55 gallons) |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX has a Capacity of 997.0 ccm (60.84 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX have?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX has a Power of 125.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX have?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX weigh?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX has a Wet weight of 267.0 kg (588.6 pounds).
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