Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Importers

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1980s Kawasaki GPZ900R Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Kawasaki GPZ900R, launched in 1984, was a watershed moment in sportbike history — the first production bike to break 150 mph and the debut of Kawasaki’s “Ninja” branding overseas. Its 908 cc DOHC 16-valve inline-four was liquid-cooled, compact, and powerful, matched to a chassis that balanced stability with agility. The early A1 and A2 (1984–85) models, with their distinctive paint schemes and performance reputation, are now the most collectible, especially in the UK. Later variants (A3–A8, 1986–1999) remain sought after as usable classics, though generally command lower prices unless in exceptional condition.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and generation)

Condition	Early A1/A2 (1984–85)	Later Models (A3–A8, 1986–1999)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may need engine rebuild, fairing repair, and electrical work	£2,000 – £3,200	£1,400 – £2,200	Anglia Car Auctions – motorcycle lots
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and MOT’d; paint may be faded, minor cracks in plastics; generally complete and rideable	£4,000 – £6,000	£2,800 – £4,200	Manor Park Classics – results archive
Restored / Excellent High-quality restoration or original survivor with correct graphics, OEM panels, and low miles	£6,500 – £9,000	£4,800 – £6,800	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions

Notes: Collectors prize early A1/A2 models in factory colours (red/black, silver/black). Later models in rare schemes or with documented low mileage can approach early-model prices. Non-original exhausts, aftermarket fairings, or missing OEM parts reduce desirability unless originals are supplied.

Value Influencing Factors

• Model year & variant: A1/A2 bikes have the greatest collector pull; later years appeal for value and usability.
• Originality: OEM bodywork, paint, and exhaust systems boost value significantly; aftermarket mods usually lower it.
• Condition of plastics: Original fairings and panels are hard to replace; cracks, warping, or non-matching colours hurt value.
• Mileage & maintenance: Lower-mile bikes with full service history command the upper ranges; cam-chain tensioner and carb health are key.
• Provenance: UK-supplied bikes with continuous history and no accident record are favoured over imports with gaps.
• Rarity of parts: Early decals, specific paint codes, and original mirrors/indicators are sought after for concours builds.

Conclusion

In today’s UK market, early GPZ900R A1/A2 projects fetch around £2–3.2k, roadworthy riders reach £4–6k, and top-tier restored or low-mile examples achieve £6.5–9k. Later models trade lower, with projects at £1.4–2.2k, usable bikes at £2.8–4.2k, and the best examples making £4.8–6.8k. As the first Ninja and a sportbike milestone, well-kept examples — especially early A1/A2 — are steadily appreciating in the UK.

Note: Example source names are provided without outbound links. Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from UK sale records at the time of writing (including The Saleroom, Collecting Cars, H&H Classics, Pugh’s Auctions, Car & Classic, and Vintagebike.co.uk).

All Valuations