In
1987 I traded in my GSX750 for the Kawa Turbo. The Kawasaki was the last, and
considered to the best, of the Japanese factory turbo charged bikes. The bike
was based on the GPz750 with a tiny (fist sized) turbo positioned in front of
the crankcase. The effect of the turbo was dramatic. In 1984 the bike was (for
a short time) the fastest bike in the world. Power was increased from 84 of the
GPZ to 112. The was also a broad spread of power. It was flexible low down and
the boost came in about 4,500rpm and then the bike really took off. Mid-range
go was similar to my FJ1200.
I
used the bike for touring, including my longest ever trip, a three week tour to
Germany, Italy & France. The bike made a good tourer with plenty of power
and reasonable comfort & economy. The bike also had air suspension front
& rear that could be pump up to cope with the extra weight. Weight also
had the interesting effect of making the bike more powerful! Climbing a hill
two up with luggage needed more throttle, this caused more boost = more power.
On
that trip there was a funny incident with the bike. In Italy I needed fuel and
found a small town with plenty of service stations - but they all shut between
noon & 2pm. It was just after noon and I didn’t want to wait. I looked at the
map and found a service station on the nearby Autostrada. I though that this
would be open so headed there. It was open, but the road crossed the Autostrada
without joining it. With very little fuel left I had no option. I removed the
tank and walked to the service station. This was a manned station and so I put
the tank on the ground and asked the attendant to fit it up. He did without
raising an eyebrow. I then just had to walk back with the now heavy tank, scramble up the embankment, an refit it. I
was dirty hot & sweaty but we were on our way once more.
 |
| NE Scotland?, 1988? |
 |
| Stelvio Pass, Italy, 1991. I look underdressed for the conditions (2,758m = 9,048 feet) |
My brother and I 'shared' a 1984 Turbo 750. After owning and riding standard GPZ 750's, the Turbo seemed quite amazing at the time. I remember the amazed looks of guys on the freeway that thought they could engage in 'roll-on' contests. All the fun and games ended when a woman in a VW bug cut my brother off at an intersection. Fast forward all these years and we are 'sharing' another Turbo 750 that sits in my carport awaiting revival...
ReplyDeleteThe Turbo was an awesome bike in its day and seems to be achieving cult status (going by the prices on eBay) When I bought my first FJ I intended to keep the Turbo as a "classic" but as time passed and I did nothing to it I decided to sell it as a project. Soon after I bought the bike I remember cruising down the motorway at 100mph for a few miles. It felt effortless, then I realised it was only in 4th gear!
ReplyDeleteThe next "Past Bike" is definitely another cult bike (in the UK anyway)
Remember that time I went for a spin on it and when I came back the turbo was smoking badly!! I thought I had broken it but it turned out a crisp packet had melted onto it!!! Phew!! Glad I had the chance to ride one, it was very smooth with a great power delivery.
ReplyDelete