Z 550 LTD

1981 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1981 Kawasaki Z 550 LTD classic motorcycle, Kawasaki features a 553 cc (33.7 cu in) air-cooled in-line four, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 8,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 90.4 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Z 550 LTD measures 211 kg (465 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.24 HP/kg (4.22 kg per horsepower). The 13-liter (3.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 178 km/h (111 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1980 to 1983, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.