Sport Tourers
1998Kawasaki GPZ 900 R
29 fields on record
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ900R kept the classic Ninja formula alive in Japan, with a 908cc four-cylinder engine and a 228 kg dry weight.
- Capacity
- 908.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 228.0 kg
- Seat height
- 790 mm
- Power
- 108.0 HP (80.5 kW) @ 9500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as a fast, comfortable sport tourer that blends highway-eating speed with day-to-day usability.
- Built for
- A charismatic, iconic 1980s-90s superbike-turned-tourer with strong midrange power, a relaxed but sporty riding position, and long-legged stability.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for off-road use, novice riders, or anyone seeking a lightweight, flickable city commuter.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →46
out of 100Average
The Kawasaki GPZ 900 R passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 81.4% of the time, 0.4 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 46% of models.
Bikes first registered in 1998 have 51 tests, too few for their own score, so this covers every year.
81.4%Passed first time
11.8%Failed outright
6.7%Fixed during test
35,000Typical miles
11,171Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
38
42
49
56
39
44
49
40
52
72
64
71
'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'96'97
Against its rivals · ranks 6 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda VFR800 | 77 Good | 130,413 |
| 2 | Ducati ST4 | 61 Good | 4,868 |
| 3 | Yamaha XJ 900 S Diversion | 59 Average | 26,086 |
| 4 | Yamaha TDM 850 | 56 Average | 21,130 |
| 5 | Ducati ST2 | 49 Average | 6,444 |
| 6 | Kawasaki GPZ 900 R | 46 Average | 11,171 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 908.0 ccm
- Power
- 108.0 HP (80.5 kW) @ 9500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4737 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 72.5 x 55.0 mm
- Compression
- 11.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- Battery ignition, full electronic!
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 248.0 km/h (154.1 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1425 mm
- Seat height
- 790 mm
- Dry weight
- 228.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 22.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Iron, Double cradle frame
- Front suspension
- 41mm Telescopic forks, air assisted four way anti dive.
- Rear suspension
- Uni-Trak air assisted, single shock, 4-way adjustable damping.
- Trail
- 91 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single 250mm disc 2 piston caliper
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 150/70-18
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1998 | 1999 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 908 cc | 908 cc | 908 cc | 908 cc | 908 cc | 908 cc |
| Dry weight | 228 kg | 228 kg | — | 228 kg | 228 kg | 228 kg |
| Seat height | 760 mm | 760 mm | — | 790 mm | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L |
| Bike Reliability ⓘ | 38 Below average | 39 Below average | 52 Average | Too few tests | Too few tests | Too few tests |
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 900 R?
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ 900 R has a Capacity of 908.0 ccm (55.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki GPZ 900 R have?
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ 900 R has a Power of 108.0 HP (80.5 kW) @ 9500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 900 R have?
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ 900 R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 900 R weigh?
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ 900 R has a Dry weight of 228.0 kg (502.7 pounds).
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