1981 KAWASAKI GPZ1100

 – CLASSIC SUPERBIKE – FOX SHOCKS – RESTORATION PROJECT – PARTS BIKE – RARE FIND!

1981 Kawasaki GPz1100 | Vintage Japanese Superbike | Carburetor Conversion | Classic Fox Racing Shocks | Estate Collection | Sold As-Is | Bill of Sale Only

NO TITLE / ASK ABOUT OUR TITLE PROGRAM

A LEGENDARY KAWASAKI SUPERBIKE FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF MOTORCYCLING!

Check out this legendary 1981 Kawasaki GPz1100, one of the most iconic high-performance Japanese motorcycles of the early 1980s! Before the Ninja revolution, Kawasaki's big-bore GPz machines were among the kings of the street, delivering massive four-cylinder horsepower, unmistakable styling, and serious superbike performance.

This is the original old-school, twin-shock GPz1100, featuring Kawasaki's legendary air-cooled inline-four engine, triple disc brakes, factory mag wheels, and classic superbike chassis.

This particular motorcycle also features a set of vintage Fox lay-down rear shocks, a desirable period performance upgrade!

Whether you're a Kawasaki collector, a vintage superbike enthusiast, or someone looking for a solid restoration project or a valuable parts donor, this GPz1100 deserves a closer look.

FROM A PRIVATE 23-MOTORCYCLE ESTATE COLLECTION

This motorcycle was acquired by Kaplan Cycles as part of a 23-motorcycle estate collection belonging to Mike, a longtime Connecticut motorcycle enthusiast and furniture business owner.

Mike had assembled an impressive collection of vintage Japanese motorcycles, including classic Hondas, Yamahas, and Kawasakis. He stored his motorcycles indoors in his large furniture warehouse, protected from the elements.

Sadly, Mike passed away before completing several of his restoration projects. His brother subsequently sold us the collection.

This GPz1100 was one of the motorcycles Mike intended to restore but never got around to finishing.

With approximately 240 motorcycles recently arriving at Kaplan Cycles and a substantial restoration backlog, we've decided to offer several of these vintage machines directly to collectors and enthusiasts rather than have them sit waiting for restoration.

This is your opportunity to purchase an increasingly collectible Kawasaki superbike in project condition and restore it yourself!

ORIGINAL SUPERBIKE CHARACTER & DESIRABLE COMPONENTS

For a motorcycle of this age that has been stored and awaiting restoration, this GPz1100 retains numerous valuable original components and period performance upgrades.

Notable features include:

• Legendary 1100cc-class Kawasaki four-cylinder engine: The iconic air-cooled superbike powerplant that helped establish Kawasaki's reputation for serious performance.

• Carburetor conversion: Originally equipped with electronic fuel injection, this motorcycle has been converted to carburetors by a previous owner.

• Vintage Fox rear shocks: Classic period-correct aftermarket lay-down shocks with restoration potential. The springs could be refinished and the shocks restored.

• Factory mag wheels: The distinctive Kawasaki alloy wheels remain installed.

• Triple disc brakes: Dual front discs and a single rear disc.

• Clean front end: Forks, front fender, headlight components, gauges, and front turn signals are present.

• Straight front fender: Appears to be in very good condition, an increasingly valuable original component.

• Fuel tank: Appears excellent externally, with no visible dents or damage noted. Interior condition has not been verified.

• Original-style instrument cluster: Gauges are present and appear to be in good condition.

• Frame: Appears straight, with no obvious evidence of collision damage or bent frame rails observed during our visual inspection.

• Engine cases: Main engine block appears to be in good external condition, although some covers are missing.

• Seat and tail section: Both remain intact, and the seat appears to be in good condition.

For those familiar with vintage GPz1100s, you already know how difficult and expensive certain original components have become to source.

The front fender alone can represent a significant replacement expense, with good examples potentially costing $200 or more. The gauges, tank, wheels, seat, engine cases, frame, suspension components, and other parts all have substantial restoration or parts value.

KNOWN MISSING COMPONENTS & PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Please understand that this motorcycle is being sold as a non-running restoration project or parts bike. It is NOT a complete, ready-to-ride motorcycle.

Known missing components include:

• Clutch/engine side cover

• Countershaft/front sprocket cover

• One footpeg

• Rear turn signals

• Airbox or aftermarket pod filters

Additional hardware, components, maintenance, repairs, and restoration work may be required.

The fuel tank appears very good externally, but its internal condition has not been confirmed. The ignition key and fuel-cap operation have not been verified.

The engine has not been mechanically tested, and we are not making any claims regarding its running condition, compression, or internal mechanical condition.

The carburetor conversion was performed before our ownership, and its completeness and proper operation have not been verified.

What you see is what you get. We do not have any additional parts to include with this motorcycle.

EXCELLENT RESTORATION CANDIDATE OR VALUABLE PARTS DONOR!

There are two excellent possibilities for this classic Kawasaki.

RESTORATION PROJECT: For someone with the mechanical ability, time, and resources to restore a vintage Japanese superbike, this GPz1100 offers an excellent foundation. With its straight-appearing frame, good external tank condition, original-style components, and desirable Fox shocks, there is plenty here worth saving.

PARTS DONOR: If you're already restoring a GPz1100, you know how challenging it can be to locate good original components. This motorcycle offers a substantial collection of valuable parts in one package, including the engine, frame, suspension, wheels, fuel tank, gauges, seat, bodywork, and more.

These early GPz1100s represent an important chapter in Kawasaki's high-performance history. The original twin-shock machines are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the raw horsepower and unmistakable styling of the pre-Ninja superbike era.

IMPORTANT SALE INFORMATION

Condition: Non-running restoration project / parts motorcycle.

Title: NO TITLE. Sold with a BILL OF SALE ONLY. ASK ABOUT OUR TITLING PROGRAM

Mechanical Condition: Unknown. Not tested or serviced by Kaplan Cycles.

Completeness: Missing components as described above. Other missing or defective components may exist.

Sale Terms: Sold strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranties expressed or implied.

Additional Parts: None included beyond what is shown with the motorcycle.

We strongly encourage all prospective buyers to carefully examine the photographs and video, ask questions, and conduct an in-person inspection before purchasing.

NATIONWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE!

Located at Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, Connecticut.

We can help coordinate motorcycle shipping directly to your door anywhere in the continental United States. Shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility.

We regularly work with customers and collectors from across the country and can assist with transportation arrangements.

OWN A PIECE OF KAWASAKI SUPERBIKE HISTORY!

The 1981 GPz1100 represents an era when Kawasaki was building some of the fastest, most exciting street motorcycles in the world.

This is a genuine vintage superbike with tremendous character, classic Fox suspension, desirable factory components, and a great history as part of a longtime collector's private estate.

Don't miss this opportunity to bring a legendary Kawasaki GPz1100 back to life or acquire a valuable collection of original GPz components!

Contact Kaplan Cycles with any questions or to discuss shipping arrangements.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America!

— Ken Kaplan Sr.
Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum
Rockville, Connecticut

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected by our team.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call, and we will help make it right.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

 That means:
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.