Kawasaki GT550

GENERAL If your looking for a touring bike that is easy on the budget and practical, then the GT550 is a good concideration. Its engine comes from a long history of similar inline fours. post 1990 bikes come with zephyr engines, which had softer cams for better midrange reving.Also Carb heaters to prevent icing... other than those modifications and a change in colour scheme the Gt550 is basically the same as when it was first introduced. CHASSIS AND ENGINE The chassis etc could benefit from powdercoating as the standard paint isnt up to the job and makes the bike look like a neglected pile of junk!. Engine can look tatty with age and begin ...  Read the complete review

The earliest GT550 first appeared some time in the Cretaceous period. Its been going strong ever since. The engine is as near to bullet-proof as its possible to get with very little going wrong with it. I've had cause to ride dozens of these bikes over the last ten years or so and although not the most exciting ride in the world they are built to do a job. Going from point A to point B in just about any weather, carrying just about any load. You're not going to scare any sports bike riders on a GT550 but after 500 miles you'll still be able to walk, not something you can do on just any bike.... Styling is bland to the point of anonymity ...  Read the complete review