Is a GPZ 500 worth swapping for?

[Mez]

Having a dilemma with what to do over my bike right now.

As you know I'm riding a ZL400. It's given me plenty of niggly problems one by one and I reckon I'm just about there with the mechanical side of it, just need to tighten water pipes and redo the front forks and I think it'll be the best it can be, never mind I have about 70% of another in spares. Oh and it'll do with a front tyre a few months down the line.

I was out on Sunday when a guy with a GPZ 500 comes over and asks to swap for my ZL. His neck's buggered and needs something that he can see behind him, keeps pinching the brother-in-laws LTD 454. Now, my other half is sick of doing work on the carbs for me but I've watched/helped him do works enough to know how to do it myself now, and he is urging me to swap for the GPZ. I personally find it fairly straightforward to do stuff to. I do like the riding position of the GPZ more, and it feels mega light in comparison, but I'm having difficulty letting go of my first >125cc bike.


So, my 1987 ZL has 20k (less actually, second hand engine), 11 months MOT (clean sheet too!), 4 months tax, and I know it intimately now. It's naked so easy to work on, and I know what's been done to it in the 13 months I've owned it. I have the original engine. Had several people comment on the sweet engine, while OH expresses concern for the noisy clutch when cold.

The GPZ is a 2003 model, 24,500 miles, 3 months MOT, 11 months tax, needs a clutch lever (the nobble is snapped off), the rest seems cosmetic. And I know bugger all about them. We've arranged test rides this Saturday so I'll know how it rides. I took it round my estate already and I hate how it's so rough/lumpy down low in the revs. Besides that, I find them a bit.... boring. I like the attention my ZL gets

TL;DR: Do I keep my ZL400 that I know and love - and is cheaper on the insurance - or, do I swap and ride a plain jane GPZ500 through the summer?

I personally think that if both bikes were scrubbed up, the ZL would be worth more, but maybe that's my bias. I know I know, the decision is ultimately mine, but I'm just after second opinions on each bike. On bikez.com the ratings are much the same.

Thoughts?
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Honda CG125 -> Baotian BT49 -> AJS JS125 -> Honda CG125-> Kawasaki ZL400 -> Kawasaki GPZ500

[panrider_uk]

[Tarmacsurfer]

I'd keep the ZL, it has character and appeal. Neither of those things figure highly with a GPz500.
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I'm immortal. Well, so far.

[Mez]

[wr6133]

I'd keep the ZL as I vastly prefer it over a GPZ but that's my tastes I'd rather a Dragstar to a GSXR

I'd hazard a guess that you should keep it too. If you really wanted the GPZ you would have agreed then and there, not tried to convince yourself and asked on here. Bikes choice can be a personal passion people see a bike and think "ME WANT" if you have that with your ZL but not a GPZ you are not going to feel good about the trade.

Simple test park them alongside each other and walk away.... which bike do you glance back at?

Just gently remind your OH if he don't like helping you with your ZL you can always find one that does

[Tarmacsurfer]

It sounds like you've pretty much decided you want the GPz as it's a change and you're looking for us to justify it.

I'm a diehard Kwak fan, my entire stable consists of the things (mostly non standard but they all started life with a Kawasaki badge), ZZR1100, GPz810 (previously a 750E), KR1S, '87 ZL1000 etc. You get the idea. Now I've given you that piece of background info I'll state it again - the GPz500 is bland, boring soulless bike that might as well have been manufactured by Honda, it lacks charm/character and has about as much smile factor as a three month old lettuce. They don't even handle particularly well, they're basically a commuter bike for those who want something cheap and ridden strictly as a workhorse. Even the GS500 is an improvement as a daily ride

That said, horses for courses. If you can get this random bloke to let you take it for a spin then try it and see if it suits you as we all have out own tastes. In my opinion it would be a bad exchange but it may possibly be just what you want /shrug
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I'm immortal. Well, so far.

[Bioshock]

Keep the ZL. Like others the GPZ 500 is just dull and bland.
You'll regret it if you love your existing Kwak. As you've said why would you want to swap it for a bike you think is a plain Jane and more expensive to run.
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FZR 1000 Genesis - Yeah, the 80's were pretty cool..

[G]

GPZ500 is bland and utilitarian. But also, I suspect I personally wouldn't like the 'character' the ZL has.

As you're not sure financially, maybe ask if he'd chuck some money in too?

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Personally, I'd keep the ZL, since it's uncommon, grinworthy, you know what it's been through, and you have most of a spare bike to go with it. Then save for a second bike, that may or may not be a GPZ500S for those times where you fancy a change.

If your other half is sick of doing the carbs, maybe he should do a decent job on them once and for all
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[Tarmacsurfer]

[Rogerborg]

Keep the ZL, sell the spare parts, buy an older GPZ500S as well?

If you do pursue the GPZ, have a look at the downpipes. There's a pipe that runs horizontally between them, under the engine, visible through a hole in the belly pan. The joint is a prime site for corroding.

The rear shock could be suspect at that age and mileage as well.

Mine wasn't at all lumpy at low revs, so I'd be looking at a carb clean and balance.

Other than that, there's not much to be wary of in a 2003. It's an old design that wakes up a bit at 7K - but won't go that much higher. It will keep up with bigger bikes through the curves, just. You can ride it like a sportsbike or a sit-up-and-beg commuter, although it's neither. It will help you to decide which of them you really want though.

The twin disks stop it, the engine makes it go a bit, or you can get 60mpg+ out of it. I really enjoyed mine, and I'd probably have another.

I'd keep the ZL though.
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Tarmacsurfer]

[Moxey]

[stinkwheel]

Seems a fair swap to me. For a bike with roughly the same mileage and 16 years newer.

I personally wouldn't have a ZL400 unless I was totally desperate. As far as I'm concerned, a GPZ500 would do everything better and in a more entertaining manner.

It's a late model one so doesn't suffer from imploding alternator magnets. Check the unitrak for vertical play (it WILL have play but use this as a haggling point) and check the shock isn't seized. Aftermarket Motad pipe would be desireable. If it's on the original pipes, check for rust on the balance pipe and under the cone-shaped trim where the pipe attaches to the silencer.

It'll have the usual shitty single-pot rear calliper that all kawasakis of that era had. They either seize or spit out the pads regularly so check it works (at all) and check the disc for scoring.

Make sure you rev it over 8,000rpm when you take it for a test. That's when they start to become interesting.

EDIT: Oh. You ever ridden a faired bike before? It'll catch you out. Remember you can't see the front wheel and the fairing keeps pointing straight ahead of you. It'll feel like you aren't going round the corners becasue you can't see the whyeel moving. Don't look at the bike, look at where you're going and your arms will take care of the steering. Mrs stinkwheel was most perturbed the first time she rode her CB500s
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Mez]

Thanks everyone for the replies and the sharing of experiences. I'm finding it helpful. Karma will be served once I get home.

Moxey et al, I can't remember precisely why the carbs were first taken apart, but the jets were larger than they needed to be. We re-jetted them to a more appropriate size. Following this they were dismantled to discover a hole in one diaphragm, after the thing cut out on me and wouldn't answer to a fistful. Since they've been apart twice for cleaning. Then, a water leak emerged after doing the tappets (turns out on reassembly the o ring on one of the water pipes snagged and ripped). Since these things performance has lacked and the idle has been erratic creeping up and revs take a while to drop down after closing the throttle.

Sounds like OH has had it apart while I'm at work today. Sorted water leak proper, changed plugs and synced carbs. He says pulling power is back but still sticky revs.

When it runs well, it's great...
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Honda CG125 -> Baotian BT49 -> AJS JS125 -> Honda CG125-> Kawasaki ZL400 -> Kawasaki GPZ500

[Carvel]

If you're gay keep the cruiser, if you're not then you are lying otherwise you wouldnt have bought a zl400.

Take the swap brah.
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[Shaft]

[Wonko The Sane]

[smegballs]

[Wonko The Sane]

[tsmith]

GPZ500s any day. Only as bland and boring as the person riding it. Stay above 7000 rpm and it's rather fun. Stay below for relaxed riding and excellent mpg.

[Tarmacsurfer]

[Moxey]

On second thought, if your using it for commuting I would rather a GPZ than a ZL or any 400 for that matter mainly for parts availability but also for the volume of shared knowledge that comes with a bike that everyone and their dog have owned.

I would have gladly swapped my CBR 400 for a 500 twin 2 years ago simply because I could see problems in the long term especially considering my circumstances, specialist machinery is suitable for fun whilst run of the mill is suitable for commuting.

@tarmacsurfer I hated my GS 500, seemed to perform and handle worse (not that it was bad but just acceptable) than a CB or GPZ which could rings around it, mine also got less MPG than either of those mentioned. The plus points were simplicity and cheapness of parts though in exchange for the poor on road performance maintenance was easy so I can see the benefit for a courier (disappointing MPG of 40-45 though).
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
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[Mez]

Gotta be honest. Went for a ride out on the ZL (after tinkerer has finished tinkering) this morning, and... the spark has faded some since sitting on the GPZ. Taking Saturday with an open mind...
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Honda CG125 -> Baotian BT49 -> AJS JS125 -> Honda CG125-> Kawasaki ZL400 -> Kawasaki GPZ500

[G]