Kawasaki ZX900A

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GPZ900R.jpg
Kawasaki ZX900A
Manufacturer
Also called Ninja 900, GPz 900
Production 1984 - 1986
Class Sportbike
Engine
908 cc, Four-stroke, 4 Cylinder, Dual Over Head Camshaft
Top Speed 155 mph
Spark Plug NGK D8EA '84-86
Battery YUASA YB14L-A2 '84-86
Final Drive Chain: 530x114
Front Sprocket 17T
Rear Sprocket 50T
Front Tire 120/80-16 '84-86
Rear Tire 130/80-18 '84-86
Weight
Oil Filter K&N KN-401[1]
Recommended Oil K-tech 10W-40
Manuals Service Manual


The Kawasaki ZX900A is a motorcycle produced by Kawasaki from 1984 to 1986. It was known in Europe as the GPZ900R.

The motorcycle shows in Fall 1983 marked an evolutionary step along the road of ever-increasing power outputs. Conscious of the inroads they had made already, many Japanese manufacturers decided to tone down their efforts. Kawasaki decided to undercut the 1000 and 1100cc machines of its rivals by launching a 900. Nevertheless, its engine marked an important technical turning point.

Compact Design[edit | edit source]

The Ninja proved to be innovative in many respects. Rather than raw power, Kawasaki had sought compact design, with a remarkably narrow engine, with its camshafts driven direct from the end of the crankshaft. It was also remarkably low-built: the frame was reduced to a strong backbone with a bolted-on tubular aluminum rear section and the engine suspended underneath. The machine's aerodynamics benefited from its narrow profile.

Fast and Reasonably Priced[edit | edit source]

The Ninja was not the most powerful of the new machines of its day. Its discomfort on the road was only rivaled by its ability on the track. Very fast, yet reasonably priced, the Ninja was a surefire success, so much so that Kawasaki was forced to make a second production run! While its frame design was an evolutionary dead end, the Ninja's new generation engine appeared in several subsequent Kawasaki models.

The GPZ900R was a revolutionary design, in that its 908cc liquid cooled 16 valve engine was a first for Kawasaki, and delivered 115 brake horsepower (depending on market). Although its steel frame, 16 inch front and 18 inch rear wheels, air suspension, and anti-dive forks were fairly standard at that time, it took Japanese Superbike performance to a new level. Water cooling and 16 valves allowed additional power, and the frame used the engine as a stressed member for improved handling. It had a top speed of about 155 mph (holding the record for the fastest production bike at the time), and a standing quarter mile time of just 10.55s was recorded by specialist rider Jay "Pee Wee" Gleason. It won the 1984 Isle of Man Production TT at an average speed of 105 mph ridden by Geoff Johnson.

The 1984 GPZ900R was the first Kawasaki bike to be officially marketed (in North America) under the Ninja brand name.

Although superseded in the US market within 3 years, the 900R remained popular in Europe and Asia for many years. In 1990 the A7 model saw the deletion of the anti-dive units, front fork diameter increased, and front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches. Although no longer competitive with the cutting-edge sportsbikes of the day it was marketed as a competent sports-tourer. Emissions controls meant that it ceased to be sold in Europe in the late 1990s. Kawasaki ended production for Asian markets in 2003 with the final models being significantly reduced in power due to emissions and noise requirements.

1984[edit | edit source]

1984 Kawasaki ZX900-A1
1984 Kawasaki Gpz900 in Red
1984 Kawasaki Gpz900 in Red



  • 6-Speed, Return Shift
  • Color
    • Fuel Tank: Firecracker Red/Metallic Gray-stone, Luminous Polaris Blue/Galaxy Silver
    • Front Fender: Firecracker Red/Black, Luminous Polaris Blue/Black
  • Engine No: ZX900AE000001 -
    • West Germany, Sweden: ZX900AGOOOOOl -
  • Frame No: ZX900A-000001 -
    • Canada, USA 3KAZX2A1()EA000001 -- (Japan Mfr.),
    • JKAZXPA1()EB500001 -- ( US Mfr.)
  • Parts Catalog No: 99961-0188 (Microfiche).
  • Service Manual No: 99924-1048-42
  • Owner's Manual No: 99922-1279-04,
    • Canada and US: 99920-1229-02,
    • Germany 99923-1098-01
  • Remarks: Supersports model with a liquid-cooled, 16-valve, in-line four. AVDS/Anti-dive system equipped and air adjustable front fork, uni-trak system with air and damping force adjustable rear shock absorber, front and rear disc brakes, cast wheels, full fairing.

1985[edit | edit source]

  • Color
    • Fuel Tank: Ebony/Firecracker Red, Firecracker Red/Galaxy Silver, Luminous Polaris Blue/Galaxy Silver
    • Front Fender: Firecracker Red/Black, Luminous Polaris Blue/Black
  • Engine No: ZX900AE019001 -
    • West Germany, Sweden: ZX900AG002801 -
  • Frame No: ZX900A-015001 -
    • Canada, USA JKAZXZA1()FA015007 - (Japan Mfr.)
    • JKAZXZA1()FB505301 - (US Mfr.)
  • Parts Catalog No: Same as ZX900-A1

Service Manual No: Same as ZX900-A1 Owner's Manual No: 99922-7313-01,

    • Canada and US: 99920-5265-02,
    • Germany: 99923-1120-01
  • Change: Color and graphic

1986[edit | edit source]

1986 Kawasaki ZX900-A3


  • 908 mL
  • Four-stroke, 4 Cylinder, Dual Over Head Camshaft
  • 6-Speed, Return Shift
  • Color: Ebony/Firecracker Red, Firecracker Red/Pearl Alpine White, Luminous Polaris Blue/Galaxy Silver
  • Beginning Engine No.: ZX900AE040001
  • (West Germany)(Sweden) ZX900AG005801
  • Beginning Frame No.: ZX900A031001
  • Parts Catalog No.: 99917-117043, (Europe)99917-117106
    • (France) 99979-1024G5, IGl99918-1033Q4
    • (Canada)(US) 999614277

In Media[edit | edit source]

This is the bike that Tom Cruise rode in top gun even contrary to rumors that it was a GPZ750 due to his stature. ZX900 Ninja 900 in top gun

Videos[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.