Sport Tourers
1980Kawasaki Z 550 LTD
19 fields on record
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD is a lightweight sport touring middleweight that appeals to riders seeking manageable performance and comfortable ergonomics. Its air-cooled 553cc inline four delivers smooth 50 horsepower with excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for commuting and weekend touring. Known for reliability and balanced handling, it represents an accessible entry point into sport touring.
- Capacity
- 553.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 211.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's best suited for cruiser-style boulevard riding and casual weekend rides rather than aggressive sport riding.
- Built for
- The air-cooled DOHC inline-four with 6-speed gearbox gives a smooth, revvy but modest power delivery typical of early-80s Japanese customs.
- Not ideal for
- It's not a good fit for riders seeking highway touring comfort, off-road capability, or modern sportbike-level speed and cornering precision.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 553.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2370 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 58.0 x 52.4 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-16
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 553 cc | 553 cc | 553 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L | 13 L | 13 L |
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 Z 550 LTD?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD has a Capacity of 553.0 ccm (33.75 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 550 LTD have?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 550 LTD have?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 550 LTD weigh?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD has a Wet weight of 211.0 kg (465.2 pounds).
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