The real Top Gun: Kawasaki’s GPZ900R

No, really – and it takes your breath away.

Okay, let’s get the debate out of the way first of all – and settle it while we’re here. This IS the model of bike that Tom Cruise rode in Top Gun, the seminal film for beach volleyball fans in the 1980s. Evidence from the supplier, copies of the bill of sale to Paramount Pictures and even confirmation from Cruise, T himself confirm that it was a 900R that he rode in the film. Not a 750 as your mate down the pub might reckon.

By the time Top Gun came out in 1986 the GPZ900 had been making a big splash in the biking world for two years. Anti-dive forks, a ‘diamond’ steel frame and the 16in front wheel were quickly consigned to the parts bin of history – which seems a shame when you ride one today. Because yes, it’s got the looks of the time and encapsulates what made a motorcycle a staple of the twowheeled world for two decades.

On paper, this bike isn’t what you’d call incredible. A hefty 228kg and just 113bhp are the sort of figures put out for more learnerfriendly machines than earth shattering film star big bikes… but still, there’s something about the GPZ (big Z for later models, little z for early ones) that has seriously stood the test of time in terms of an iconic two-wheeler.

How much then?

If you were looking at one of these a few years ago then you’d have been able to get a nice example for under a grand, these days a similar bike could set you back nearer five times that figure. But they’re not all that pricey, a good A8 version of this bike from a dealer will be around the £3000 mark.

Mechanically these bikes are pretty good but be aware that the earlier models were recalled by the factory many times while a long list of technical issues were sorted, so it’s worth being aware of the recall history of a bike especially if you’re going for an early GPz.

The early models carry a lot of charm but if you’re looking for a specific model then go for one of the A7 or A8 versions. If you are in the market then look out for a bike with original exhausts if possible. You can find an original system for around £500-£600 online although Marving (via Wemoto) makes a replica full system for just over £500 too.