Kawasaki gave this model the "Gpz" nomenclature to add to its expanding air-cooled sports bike range, and was marketed as a sports machine.

It was available with a 250 cc engine as the Kawasaki Scorpion, but came in a different colour scheme.

[3] In their review, Cycle World praised the bike's quick handling in comparison with heavier, more powerful motorcycles, saying that the while 1,100 and 750 cc (67 and 46 cu in) displacement bikes have a much greater engine power advantage, they typically have 60 in (1,500 mm) wheelbases, giving the 55.2 in (1,400 mm) wheelbase Gpz305 an advantage in the ease that it leans into a turn.

[1] They also said that while large engines have the advantage of having a wide power band and do not need frequent shifting during casual riding, the Gpz305's lack of power below 7,000 rpm forces the rider to shift frequently to get the most out of the bike, making it more fun to ride.

[1] The review said the Gpz305's air-fuel ratio was excessively lean in order to meet EPA emissions requirements, which meant the bike took 10 mi (16 km) of riding to warm up enough to run smoothly without using the choke, and that the bike benefited greatly from re-jetting the carburetor, without losing fuel economy in the process.