Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Featured Listing October 18, 2019 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

Eddie Lawson won the AMA Superbike championship in 1981 and 1982. That alone should be enough to cement his name in the history books. But “Steady Eddie” did not stop there. He went on to become a 4-time 500cc GP champion, bettering the likes of Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey. And while this KZ1000R ELR – or Eddie Lawson Replica – commemorates his success with Team Green, what you are really looking at is a tribute to a two-wheeled legend. Unlike many “limited edition” models these days that have little to do with the men that raced them, the ELR stands out as a time capsule hot rod honoring the hero that rode it to victory. As such, it is glorious.

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

There is a lot of Kawasaki family DNA in the ELR. The basic format harkens back to the 1970s, when the Z1 ruled the streets. All motor (old-school air cooled, with 2-valve heads no less) on paper, the Z1 began the shift whereby Japanese manufacturers realized the key role of the frame when it came to handling. And handling meant winning races. Still a far cry from the aluminum spar frames to come, the basic back-bone chassis was beefier than the competition, and continually evolved into the 1980s. The bodywork has the classic GPz theme to it, yet appears much different than a GPz with a green paint job. The twin piggy-back shocks were high-tech for the day, as were the triple disk brakes. Everything about this bike screamed “racer!” right down to the Kerker 4-into-1 pipe that looked like it came right off the factory works bike.

From the seller:
VERY LIMITED EDITION 1983 KAWASAKI KZ 1000R EDDIE LAWSON REPLICA THIS LOW LOW MILAGE JEWEL IS COMING OUT OF MY PRIVATE COLLECTION. 100% ALL ORIGINAL NEVER RE-PAINTED!!!!

I OWN 4 OF THESE AMAZING BIKES. THIS ONE IS ALL ORIGINAL NEVER MOLESTED WITH ALL ORIGINAL NOS BODY PARTS. THERE IS OVER $7000 IN THE NEW OLD STOCK “NOS” PARTS; TANK, COWL, FENDER, TAIL, SIDE COVERS, AND SIDE COVER, TANK, AND EXHAUST EMBLEMS, ECT. AGAIN ALL NEW OLD STOCK “NOS” OEM NOTHING AFTER MARKET ON MY BIKE.

More from the seller:
IF YOU HAVE NOT OWNED OR RIDDEN A KAWASAKI ELR YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT ON WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE MOST FUN BIKE OF THE ERA TO RIDE! YES I HAVE TOO MANY ELR’s ALONG WITH TOO MANY OF MY OTHER FAVORITE BIKES SO A FEW WILL BE OFFERED TO A NEW CUSTODIAN.

THIS EXAMPLE IS A PRISTINE ONE OWNER ALL ORIGINAL VERY LOW MILES 1983 KZ 1000R ELR THAT HAS BEEN PRESERVED IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED MINI MUSEUM. SHE IS UN-MOLESTED UNLIKE 90% OF THE ELR’s OUT THERE. THE ONLY CHANGE IS THE TIRES THAT ARE AS PERIOD CORRECT AS I WILL RIDE ON, YES MUCH SAFER TO RIDE ON. THIS IS A PERFECT RUNNING BIKE THAT NEEDS NOTHING AT ALL JUST TO BE RIDDEN AT LEAST A BIT WHEN YOU GET HER.

I HAD THIS BIKE WITH A FEW OTHERS AT THE BONHAM AUCTION IN THE BARBER MUSEUM DURING VINTAGE FEST THIS MONTH AND I TURNED DOWN THE HIGH BID. I SOLD ANOTHER OF ’83’S 2 YEARS AGO FOR 26K WITH “NOS” PARTS BUT HIGHER MILES AND JUST NOT AS PERFECT SO DON’T MISS OUT. I AM IN NO RUSH TO SELL HER. BUT IF YOU HAVE WANTED A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF AN ’83 ELR THAT IS FIT TO BE IN ANY MUSEUM, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE.

More from the seller:
THE ENGINE:
ALL ORIGINAL UNMOLESTED WITH ONLY 1759 MILES SHE IS JUST BROKEN IN. I JUST SERVICED HER WITH A MOTUL 300V OIL AND OEM FILTER CHANGE, REMOVED ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND RE-SYNCHRONIZED THE CARBS (THE BIKE DID SIT FOR A WHILE), NEW NGK SPARK PLUGS.

THE FRAME:
THE FRAME IS ALL ORIGINAL, UNMOLESTED NO SCRATCHES OR TOUCH UP PAINT, THE WHEELS ARE SCRATCH FREE, NEW TIRES, ORIGINAL CHAIN AND SPROCKETS, ORIGINAL GRIPS, NEW BATTERY, THE PAINT IS “NOS” NEW OLD STOCK PERFECT NOT A SCRATCH,THE OEM KERKER EXHAUST IS LIKE NEW WITH NO SCRATCHES AND HAS A NEW OLD STOCK NOS PERIOD CORRECT KERKER EMBLEM, THE FOOT PEGS AND BRAKE/CLUTCH LEVERS ARE ALSO SCRATCH FREE AS SHE HAS NEVER BEEN LAID DOWN/DROPED.

More from the seller:
THE BIKE STARTS, RUNS, RIDES, AND LOOKS LIKE IT JUST ROLLED OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN 1983.

I HAVE BEEN RIDING, RACING, BUILDING, RESTORING, AND COLLECTING SPECIAL BIKES SINCE BEFORE GRADUATING FROM THE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE “AMI” IN DAYTONA BEACH IN 1980. THIS IS A REAL HEAD TURNER AND SO MUCH FUN TO RIDE SO BID HIGH AND DON’T MISS OUT. DON’T WORRY TELL YOUR WIFE THESE BIKES ONLY GO UP IN VALUE 10-20% PER YEAR AND SHE WILL LOVE THE BIKE TOO.

There’s a good reason why the ELR is the color of money. These bad boys of a bygone racing era are worth bank today. Parts are difficult to locate, and truly low-mileage original machines are coveted. To find a clean, original ELR today will set you back a significant sum, and that sum seems to be rising faster than the overall tide. These were rare machines in the day, and as time goes on that situation only becomes more so. The laws of Supply and Demand are pretty immutable; Kawasaki isn’t making any more of these, and there is a very limited supply of spares. These Lawson replicas are reaching the territory of the RC30 from a few years ago, and there is no reason to see that trend reversing. If you want in on the ELR craze, you’d better not wait much longer.

This particular specimen looks to be absolutely immaculate. We’ve seen this collector’s bikes before, and they all represent as the best of the best. And you’d have to figure he knows the ELR model, given that this collector currently owns four examples of the breed. With only 1,759 claimed miles and a boatload of NOS (read $$) parts on hand, this is as clean an example you are likely to see. And the price? Well it wouldn’t be the most expensive ask for an ELR that we have seen, and the market is certainly moving in this direction with no sign of slowing down. You could consider a good ELR about as blue chip as they come if you are speculating for the future (reference Bonhams, Mecum, etc). This bike is currently on eBay and you can check out all of the action here. Look closely, and then get in line to collect this homage to a legendary racer. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing October 2, 2019 posted by Aaron

Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

It came up recently in the comments section, but I got into motorcycles relatively late in life. I mean, I always thought they were cool, but they just seemed so dangerous, and I knew I’d never hear the end of it from my family and friends. They’re also of limited practical value in the northeastern US as primary transportation, unless you’re a masochist or have Yeti DNA. When I finally got one here in California, I used economics to justify it: just $500 got me a runner. And that still holds true: if you’re into motorsports and have a limited budget, just what kind of worthwhile car can you get for five to ten grand? And if you live in Southern California, where would you keep a fun hobby car anyway? But you can fit a small collection of bikes into a single parking spot. And a nice, classic superbike like this 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 can be had for that kind of money.

The late 1980s and 1990s were a golden period of superbike development. The basic formula was set, and the Japanese manufacturers were hard at work perfecting their creations. Only Ducati really went their own way with a v-twin: Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda all stuck with inline fours for their mass production machines, with the very limited-production RC30 and RC45 homologation machines from Honda being notable exceptions. Kawasaki’s ZX-7, known in other markets as the ZXR750, used a 748cc four that squeaked in under the 750cc limit for four-cylinder superbikes, a move that allowed the machine to be used in production-based racing series.

That engine was hung in a stiff aluminum frame, and backed by a six-speed gearbox. Power was rated at 105hp and the bike wasn’t especially lightweight at 450lbs dry, but there was the potential for more in the hands of skilled tuners, and the ZX-7 was famously terrific under braking and had excellent mid-corner stability. It might not have been the best bike on paper, but the Kawasaki found plenty of success in a variety of racing here in the US and abroad. This example isn’t perfect, or even stock, but looks like a sharp rider or a rolling restoration project. It’s not flawless, but has low miles and appears to have been sympathetically maintained.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

1994 ZX-7 (ZX750L) with 9,812 original miles.

Original plastics – All VIN tags in place.

Engine/Frame/etc. all very clean. No leaks.

New tires, fresh oil change (Mobil 1), new sprockets all this year.

Runs and Rides great (see video).

Light damage on left side from falling off lift while stationary.

Muzzy full system with correct jetting.

Original turn signals etc. will be included.

CLEAN NC TITLE IN HAND.

The seller has also helpfully included a nice, high-res video of the bike. So what’s to like here? The low miles, the likely reasonable final price, compared to a more exotic ZX-7RR, the period Muzzy pipe, and classic superbike looks. What’s not to like? The fact that it’s just a standard ZX-7 and the minor damage the seller mentions. The front and rear turn signals are also missing, along with the rear fender, although those shouldn’t be too hard to source if you want to switch things closer to stock. I doubt these will ever be worth crazy money, but it’s certainly a bike that should go up in value and you’ll be able to ride it in the meantime without worrying too much about either damaging an ultra-rare exotic or devaluing it by adding too many miles.

-tad

Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

Kawasaki September 23, 2019 posted by Donn

Before Kris – 1988 Kawasaki KR-1

Kawasaki had a tiger by the tale in 1988, and for a season or two the KR-1 bested every RGV, TZR and NSR. Coming out of a collection, this KR-1 looks to have missed the scrapes most 250cc two-strokes got caught up in.

1988 Kawasaki KR-1 for sale on eBay

Kawasaki’s 249cc two-stroke might have been furthest from a real race bike, as there wasn’t a factory presence in the 250 category. Still the snappy parallel twin, with balance shaft, was eminently tuneable and the package very light. The 55 hp produced by the Integrated Power Valve System worked beautifully with just 271 lbs. of dry weight. The frame looked overbuilt but was a light alloy, and 41mm forks were up front with dual discs. Out back there was the Uni-Trak monoshock and an 18-inch rear wheel. Pillion accommodations put the lie to racey looking bodywork.

This Seattle owner has a few classic sportbike auctions going, and goes into detail about their KR-1:

Recently completely serviced and detailed with clear Washington state title. The KR-1 is considered to be the fastest and more lively two stroke 250 sports bike compared to all the other models in its class. The model was never imported in to the USA and is probably the rarest model in the 250cc two stroke sports bike category around the world. This particular Kawasaki KR-1 has just 8,298 miles, the bike is mostly all original and in exceptional preserved condition.

The body work is all original and is in very good condition, there are absolutely no cracks on any of the body panels but there are some minor nicks and scrapes. The wheels are perfect with no rock chips or scratches anywhere. The frame and engine have no major corrosion and are nice and clean. Overall cosmetically this bike is in very nice condition.

The bike runs and rides great, and shifts smoothly through all 6 gears. The carburetors were recently ultrasonically cleaned and adjusted, and a full service tune-up was performed which included new spark plugs, chain, air filter, brake pads, oil change, new tires, and fluids flushed. All of the lighting, switches, and electrical components work as they should.

These bikes were never imported into the USA, and very few were exported outside of Japan to any other countries so this is a very rare Kawasaki model.

Kawi and Suzuki traded the “fastest 250” back and forth a few times, with the KR-1S snatching it back before the factory decided to focus on their four stroke offerings. Though Suzuki had staying power, the KR-1 stole the moment in the very late -80’s. Early interest in the auction says the hammer might fall at a high price, but the new owner will have a sparkling and rare example.

-donn

Featured Listing September 13, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R

Born to succeed the venerable Kawasaki GPz900R, the 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R spent two glorious years at the top of the list of world’s fastest production bikes before giving way to the ZX-10R, whose longevity has yet to meet its bounds. But for its fleeting moment in the sun, the 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R was very close to all things to all people. With anti-dive forks, a single-shock swingarm and the best part of 125 horsepower, they were truly astonishing sportbikes.

But those were the days before race replicas became everything, before comfort was seen as a detraction more than a benefit, and the bikes had plush seats, reasonable pillion perches, reasonable riding positions and stopped the wind effectively. They were just as happy to cruise the slab as they were to scare the burritos out of you on a track.

This example is as close as you’ll come to winding the clock back to 1987 or so, when lightly used Ninja 1000Rs still patrolled dealership floors. It has some light crazing on one side from being leaned against a wall, but apart from that, it’s a stellar, low-mile example of the name. The seller says the only things that have been changed from factory spec are the tires and grips. It has been ridden sparingly and stored in a heated garage since the seller bought it in 2001. The treatment has paid off, too, as every original rubber piece looks almost as good as new.

From the seller:

Up for sale is my original unmodified 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000r.
This bike has all original paint and mechanicals, the only items that have been changed are the tires and grips.
The 6898.4 miles are all original and the bike has never seen rain with me or the previous owner.
I’ve owned this bike since 2001 and haven’t ridden it much in those years but have kept it inside a heated garage the whole time.
This bike starts right up every summer when I take it out for a short ride and it sounds great, I’ve only used non ethanol fuel in this the entire time so there is no damage to the fuel system or carbs.
All the plastic and rubber parts are still soft and pliable as they have had no exposure to sunlight or rain, the seat is still as soft and flexible as when new.
The windshield is also original but the black accent paint on the inside edge pretty much all flaked off so it’s clear now all the way through, as you can see from the pictures there is some cracking at the screw holes but the windshield is still very clear.
The tank has a small paint chip on the left side and some paint damage on the left fairing where it appears a prior owner parked to close to a wall which you can see in the pictures, I choose to not touch up these areas as I wanted this bike to stay all original.
This would be a great addition to any motorcycle collection as it looks as good today as it did 33 years ago.

$5900.00
apache1479@hotmail.com

These truly original and truly market-changing bikes are becoming rarer and rarer, especially the beautifully kept non-restored examples. At $5,900, this bike is an easy way in to an incredible late-80s street machine.

Featured Listing: 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R

Featured Listing September 11, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2

Update 9.11.2019: Neil has renewed the Featured Listing for his 97 ZX-7RR. His description has been updated and he’s also dropped the price to $16,000. Good luck to buyers and seller, and thanks for supporting the site Neil! -dc

Maybe it’s the Ninja Turtles paintjob, or the twin headlights or the gaping air scoops that flank the headlights, but the 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR oozes with purpose. After all, nothing about a lime green-and purple single-seater sportbike says “ride me to work.” These are the colors of losing your chicken strips up the inside of a dentist on a Ducati. This is the livery of a long day in the general district courthouse followed by indefinite license suspension.

The 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR was built to homologate the bikes Rob Muzzy was tuning to within an inch of their lives for AMA Superbike and Formula USA competition. Aside from the fairly obvious single-seat tail section and deleted passenger pegs, the bikes had beefier Nissin brakes, fully-adjustable suspension and 41mm flatslide carbs.

With Doug Chandler and Scott Russell on board, the ZX-7RR’s predecessor took four AMA Superbike titles in the 1990s, as well as a brace of Daytona 200s courtesy of Russell. Eric Bostrom also rode a ZX-7RR in the latter half of the ‘90s.

Thanks to the big flat slides, a tall first gear, the ZX-7RRs made pretty miserable street bikes, which led to most of them being stripped of their street equipment and thrown around amateur road racing series and track days with abandon. To find one as blemish free and low mileage as this one is a real rarity.

This 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2 is completely stock except for an air-valve mod, and has done less than 6,000 miles. It resides in Canada, but the seller says he has explored importing it to the U.S. and does not anticipate any serious issues.

From the seller:

I have for sale a 1997 Kawasaki ZX7RR in very good or even excellent condition. This fine example has been ridden only 9500km (5900mi) by its original owner. The seat cowl, tank, upper cowl and fender are scratch and dent free. There are a few paint chips and a small rub mark on the muffler that I have tried my best to point out in the pictures. I can provide more pictures if desired.
The bike is stock with the exception of the seat pad which I had re-upholstered.

I believe I am the third owner and I have had it in my collection for 6 years. Although not ridden during that time, I periodically started and ran the bike and kept fresh fuel in it. I did recently ride it to the local garage for a safety inspection and everything performed as a like new bike should.

I live an hour and a half east of Toronto, Ontario and would consider delivering the bike to the New York City area or Buffalo NY. This model may be imported into the USA (VSP312) via an importer to whom I would supply the paper work including the ‘Recall letter’. i have installed a MPH speedometer face as required for US importation.

I am asking $16,000 for this clean example of a ZX7RR. Please call Neil at (705) 924-9147 or email n_macmillan@hotmail.com

At ~~$18,500~~ $16,000 U.S., the bike is priced as a rare collector bike, and a low-production piece of AMA history. Considering that similar homologation mounts from Honda and Yamaha of this vintage are going for more than double that, this Kawi represents something of a bargain.

Featured Listing: 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2

Kawasaki September 4, 2019 posted by Donn

No Longer a Future Classic – 2003 Kawasaki ZX6RR

In the early 2000’s Kawasaki was in the unusual position of having to introduce an homologation special that was a tad slower and more expensive than the usual ZX6R. It was the only way to race a Kawi 600 and a few special parts made it worth the higher price. Very few have survived in road trim and this Wisconsin example looks great.

2003 Kawasaki ZX6RR for sale on eBay

While the plain vanilla ZX6R got a bump to 636cc, the RR retreated to a class-legal 599cc, and made the same 118 hp but at 13,200 rpm. While fuel injection and a ram-air system are shared, the RR came with forged pistons, a slipper clutch, and close ratio gearset. Both bike had multi-adjustable inverted forks and Uni-track monoshock, but likely the factory dampers were soon rebuilt to race-spec on most RR’s. And though outwardly distinguishable only by the extra R, the special had an LCD race dash complete with lap timer.

With just over 19,000 miles, this Ninja is clean and appears substantially original. Ninja experts will have to point out egregious mods. Comments from the eBay auction:

HARD TO FIND! FMF EXHAUST, FRAME SLIDERS, WOODCRAFT ENGINE COVER, LED SIGNALS, FENDER ELIMINATOR!

Though World SuperSport rules required only 1,000 copies be made, Kawasaki kept the ZX6RR unchanged ( and kept selling to racers ) until 2007, when the road bike was updated with a new 599cc engine. Combined with the fact that so many went to the track and were never seen again, the total RR production is hard to verify. But it’s a very minor percentage of the large 600cc market, making the ZZ6RR a rarity and a knowledgeable fan’s favorite. It’s on a seemingly reasonable buy-it-now and the selling dealer has very good feedback.

-donn

No Longer a Future Classic – 2003 Kawasaki ZX6RR

Featured Listing August 12, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1994 Kawasaki Ninja 600R (ZX600C)

It takes something special to stand out in the middleweight sportbike segment, especially in the used market when a goodly number join the fray each year. The seller spotted this back-of-the-garage find a few years ago and returned it to the road with several major service items. As delivered in period black and turquoise livery, this 600R is a great survivor and affordable classic.

1994 Kawasaki 600R ( GPX600 ) with just 6,900 miles !

Though there isn’t much radical engineering in this profitable corner of the showroom, the Ninja 600R does boast more than 100 hp per liter at 84, thanks to 11.71-to-1 compression on the twin-cam four. Kawasaki’s Electronic Suspension Control ( ESCS ) compensated for front end dive under braking, and their Uni-Track with adjustable monoshock tamed the rear end. The frame-mounted fairing cut a hole in the wind for rider, and vinyl tank panels offered good grip.

Likely purchased new by a fledgling rider, this 600R was parked soon afterward, and re-commissioned by the new owner after almost 20 years on the lam. Since the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof, the rehab involved all liquids, new rubber, carb rebuild and a thorough cleaning of the fuel system. The seller has these comments about the bike and its return to service:

I acquired this bike back in 2016 with approximately 2,500 original miles and it was completely original down to the tires. It still has the original owner’s manual, tool kit, factory key, and is completely stock right down to the exhaust.

I replaced all the fluids, installed new spark plugs, a new UNI air filter, a new battery, and had new Bridgestone Battleax BT tires fitted. The tank has been removed and professionally cleaned, given a new petcock valve, and I had all four carburetors professionally rebuilt at the same shop that the tank was cleaned.

The bike has since been ridden 4,500 trouble-free miles over the past three years, and at the time of writing has about 7,000 miles, however, this number will go up every weekend as I like to ride it to keep the carbs in shape. Minor cosmetic blemishes include light scratches on the tank, two small scratches on the left rear cowl, mild corrosion on the coolant drain plug, and small bits of rust starting to surface on the exhaust.

You never see these anywhere anymore and this all original example is the best I’ve seen for sale in years. Even if you’re not a collector, this Ninja 600R is a fun, reliable survivor that gets attention from onlookers that know, and is a terrific and inexpensive way to enjoy a classic sportbike.

Asking price is $3,500 and offers are requested by text message at (757) 806-9296

Having served a generation of daily riders, The seller is right that they are rarely seen in this condition these days, and the best way to maintain a fuel system is to use it occasionally. Maybe this all original model was your brother’s favorite bike, or a friend needs a down payment-sized entrée into the sporty side, either way this 600R looks ready to please a new owner.

-donn