1985 Kawasaki GPz900R Ninja 900 – 6,733 Miles – Top Gun Icon

DESCRIPTION:

1985 KAWASAKI GPz900R NINJA 900
6,733 ORIGINAL MILES • ORIGINAL PAINT • STOCK CONFIGURATION
MORE THAN $8,287 INVESTED IN PROFESSIONAL PRESERVATION

Here is an exceptionally rare opportunity to own one of the most important Japanese superbikes ever produced: a remarkably original 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R Ninja 900 with only 6,733 miles.

This is the same legendary model made famous by Tom Cruise as Maverick in the original Top Gun. More importantly, it is one of the motorcycles that established the Ninja name and redefined what a production superbike could be.

This motorcycle was owned by the same gentleman from 1985 until health issues forced him to let it go. Keeping a motorcycle for more than four decades is evidence of a genuine lifelong love affair—and its exceptional condition reflects that care.

Unlike most GPz900Rs, this motorcycle was never stripped, raced, or modified with a four-into-one exhaust, pod filters, open airbox, or aftermarket jet kit. It retains its:

• Original dual exhaust system

• Original airbox and intake system

• Original emissions equipment

• Original bodywork and paint

• Original wheels and suspension components

• Original stock appearance

Finding a 1985 Ninja 900 in this level of originality is exceptionally difficult. Finding one with only 6,733 miles, longtime ownership history, a comprehensive mechanical preservation service, and professional detailing is nearly unheard of.

A LANDMARK SUPERBIKE

The GPz900R introduced a new generation of Kawasaki performance. Its compact 908cc liquid-cooled, double-overhead-cam, 16-valve inline-four produced a claimed 115 horsepower and was capable of approximately 150–155 mph—astonishing performance for 1985.

Kawasaki moved the cam chain to the side of the engine, allowing the 908cc powerplant to remain exceptionally narrow. The engine was approximately as compact as many contemporary 600cc designs, helping give the motorcycle a lower profile and excellent handling.

Its innovative chassis used the engine as a stressed member, eliminating the conventional lower frame cradle found on many motorcycles of the era. Combined with adjustable suspension, an anti-dive front end, and triple disc brakes, the GPz900R established a new superbike benchmark and dominated period magazine comparisons.

The GPz900R’s engineering influenced Kawasaki performance motorcycles for years afterward, while the model itself remained in production for overseas markets well into the 1990s.

COMPREHENSIVE PRESERVATION SERVICE

Our lead technician, Justin “Mr. Turbo,” performed a complete mechanical preservation service. The motorcycle was carefully inspected, serviced, road-tested, and verified to operate properly.

ENGINE AND COMPRESSION

• Installed four new NGK spark plugs

• Performed a complete compression test

• Verified an excellent and even 150 PSI across all four cylinders

• Drained and replaced the engine oil

• Installed a new oil filter

• Filled with Kawasaki-branded 10W-40 engine oil

CARBURETOR OVERHAUL

The complete carburetor assembly was removed, separated, rebuilt, adjusted, and synchronized.

Work included:

• Separated the four-carburetor rack

• Replaced fuel-inlet manifold O-rings

• Replaced carburetor O-rings and seals

• Installed new float needles

• Installed new float-bowl gaskets

• Cleaned all jets and internal passages

• Properly cleared and serviced the pilot jets

• Set and verified float heights

• Verified that all slides operated smoothly and evenly

• Set pilot fuel screws to 2½ turns

• Precisely synchronized all four carburetors after startup

These motorcycles are naturally somewhat cold-blooded with their original emissions equipment intact. Once warmed up, this one runs spectacularly. The carburetors are exceptionally well synchronized, and the engine pulls cleanly and smoothly.

FUEL TANK AND FUEL SYSTEM

• Drained the complete fuel system

• Removed the fuel tank

• Treated the tank interior with Evapo-Rust

• Thoroughly cleaned and flushed the tank

• Rebuilt the original fuel petcock

• Installed a new-old-stock fuel-level sensor

• Replaced the ¼-inch fuel line

• Installed a new inline fuel filter

• Replaced the 3/16-inch petcock vacuum line

The fuel tank has no dents or dings. There is one visible scratch, which we have clearly disclosed. A professional paint specialist could improve it, but we intentionally chose not to touch it up or disguise the motorcycle’s original paint.

CLUTCH AND ALTERNATOR SYSTEM

• Removed the clutch cover

• Installed an upgraded alternator-chain tensioner

• Installed a complete EBC clutch pack

• Installed heavy-duty clutch springs

• Installed a new clutch-cover gasket

• Rebuilt the hydraulic clutch slave cylinder

• Flushed the clutch master cylinder

• Completely bled the hydraulic clutch system with fresh DOT 4 fluid

BRAKE AND ANTI-DIVE SERVICE

Front braking system:

• Flushed the front brake master cylinder

• Bled both front brake calipers

• Properly bled and serviced the factory anti-dive system

• Refilled with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid

Rear braking system:

• Rebuilt the rear brake caliper

• Flushed the rear brake master cylinder

• Completely bled the rear brake system

• Refilled with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid

FINAL DRIVE

• Cleaned and inspected the original front and rear sprockets

• Verified that the original sprockets remain in excellent condition

• Installed a new 530 X-ring gold drive chain

• Adjusted the chain to factory specifications

NEW METZELER TIRES

• New Metzeler Lasertec 120/80-16 front tire

• New Metzeler Lasertec 130/80-18 rear tire

• New front and rear valve stems

• Both wheel-and-tire assemblies professionally balanced

The new tires still retain their molding nubs.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Installed a new Yuasa battery

• Installed a battery-tender lead

• Tested the complete electrical system

• Inspected all switches, controls, lighting, and electronics

• Verified that all electrical equipment functions properly

FINAL INSPECTION

After the mechanical service was completed, the motorcycle received a comprehensive 100-point inspection and complete nut-and-bolt check.

The lighting, switches, controls, electrical components, brakes, clutch, fuel system, engine, and related service systems were all inspected. The motorcycle passed its final operational inspection and was road-tested by both our lead technician and Ken Kaplan.

PROFESSIONAL ROTISSERIE DETAIL

The motorcycle was then brought to the Kaplan Cycles detail shop for a complete 10-hour rotisserie detail.

The process included:

• Thorough steam cleaning

• Complete hand wash

• Polishing and waxing of all painted surfaces

• Cleaning of every accessible nut, bolt, bracket, and component

• Restoration and refinishing of the side stand and center stand

• Refinishing of the original mufflers

• Minor cosmetic touch-up to the alternator finish

The fact that this motorcycle required approximately 10 detailing hours—not the 30 to 40 hours commonly required for a cosmetic restoration—demonstrates the exceptional condition we started with.

Except for the specifically disclosed refinishing work, the motorcycle retains its original finishes. The original Kawasaki fork decals, anti-dive decals, wheel finishes, bodywork, and paint remain intact.

PARTS AND LABOR INVESTMENT

New parts and service items include:

• Yuasa battery and tender lead

• Kawasaki 10W-40 engine oil

• New oil filter

• Four carburetor rebuild kits

• Fuel-petcock rebuild kit

• Four NGK spark plugs

• 530 X-ring gold drive chain

• NOS fuel-level sensor

• New fuel line and inline filter

• New petcock vacuum line

• Metzeler Lasertec front and rear tires

• New valve stems

• Fresh DOT 4 brake and clutch fluid

• New clutch-cover gasket

• Upgraded alternator-chain tensioner

• Complete EBC clutch pack with heavy-duty springs

• Replacement lower fairing cowl

Investment breakdown:

• Parts: $1,327.63

• Mechanical labor: 28 hours at $195 per hour — $5,460.00

• Professional detailing: 10 hours at $150 per hour — $1,500.00

• Total professional investment: $8,287.63

This amount does not include the cost of acquiring the motorcycle itself.

CONDITION DISCLOSURES

This is an exceptionally well-preserved 41-year-old original motorcycle, but it is not being represented as a brand-new or completely untouched museum restoration.

• There is one disclosed scratch on the fuel tank.

• The tank has no dents or dings.

• The side stand and center stand were refinished.

• The original mufflers were refinished.

• The alternator received minor cosmetic touch-up.

• A replacement lower fairing cowl was installed.

• One missing fairing screw will be replaced before delivery.

• Normal minor evidence of age may be present upon close inspection.

We intentionally preserved the motorcycle’s originality rather than repainting or over-restoring it.

THE ONE TO OWN

Most GPz900Rs were modified, raced, crashed, or simply worn out. The original exhaust systems, airboxes, emissions components, and bodywork were often discarded decades ago.

This example is different.

It combines exceptionally low mileage, original bodywork and paint, stock equipment, longtime ownership history, excellent compression, fully rebuilt carburetors, comprehensive brake and clutch servicing, new tires, a new chain, and more than $8,287 in professional preservation work.

It genuinely looks, runs, and rides like a flashback to 1985.

If you have been searching for one of the finest original 1985 Top Gun-era Kawasaki Ninjas available, your ship may have just come in.

A clean title is in hand.

We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed transportation directly to your door. Financing is available to qualified buyers, and we consider quality motorcycle trades.

For additional information, call Ken Kaplan Jr. at:

860-471-0192

This legendary Kawasaki is ready for its next caretaker.

Thanks for looking, and God bless America.

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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, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

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.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• 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 do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
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 on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• 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”

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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

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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.

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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.