Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Kawasaki May 29, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Sharp Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 for Sale

Known variously as the Kawasaki ZX-6, ZX-6E, and eventually the ZZ-R600, depending on the year and market, the 600 Ninja’s specifications were virtually indistinguishable from its competitors at the time: 599cc, four cylinders, four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, and liquid-cooling, with a six-speed gearbox. But unlike the CBR600 and FZR600, the Ninja brought a light and very stiff aluminum frame to the party. The resulting 430lb dry weight and 100hp or so meant best-in-class acceleration and a 153mph top speed.

When introduced in 1993, the Ninja ZX-6 was considered by many to be the best bike in the 600cc class, superior in terms of both performance and comfort. 1995 saw the introduction of the sportier ZX-6R, but the older version was simply renamed the ZZ-R600 soldiered on until 2006 alongside the more modern, focused version of Kawasaki’s 600cc sportbike.

The ZX-6 is still a highly competent sportbike and should be great fun to ride, if a bit underpowered, compared to modern machines. It’s also hugely versatile by today’s standards: Kawasaki’s later “ZZ-R” designation generally applied to less focused machines suitable for light sport-touring, in addition to back road scratching. Even when it was Kawasaki’s premiere supersport, it was considered a pretty comfortable ride by reviewers.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Kawasaki ZX-6 for Sale

1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX600-E, 18,357 miles. This is one of the cleanest 26 year old bikes I’ve ever seen. No issues. Marks on lower left case probably from a tipover (see photo), and windscreen plexiglass is scuffed from shipping. A couple other very small, and almost completely unnoticeable blems. Most of the visibility features of the bike are showroom condition. Starts easily, rides beautifully. Title in hand.

Cycle World magazine chose the ZX-6 as the “best 600 cc streetbike” of 1993. The fastest sportbike of the period, the ZX-6 claimed a top speed of 153 mph and could complete a quarter mile in 11.19 seconds at 123.5 mph.

Re-listed due to a non-payer. Sorry, but if your eBay account is new or you have no history, your bid will be deleted.

The odometer shows 18,000 miles, and the general cosmetic condition appears to be excellent, although that chain and sprocket are very nasty and should obviously be changed posthaste. Some people might find the lurid, Kawasaki green and white colors on this example a bit garish, but those people also probably aren’t reading this post. I hated this design when I was younger, but love it now. Go figure. So much for “mellowing with age…” In any event, this is a very clean example and should provide tons of fun and nostalgia for a minimal outlay of cash, both now and in terms of maintenance down the road.

-tad

Sharp Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 for Sale

Kawasaki May 26, 2020 posted by Donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Despite being a generation or so in the rearview mirror, the original GPZ900R Ninja had a lot of firsts for Kawasaki and big sportbikes in general. Looking complete and mostly original, this example might be a good riding restoration.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja for sale on eBay

Beside being the first Ninja to our shores, the 908cc’s were liquid cooled, had four valves per cylinder, and a counter balance shaft in a compact architecture which kept the center of gravity low. Four 34mm Keihin carburetors and 11.0:1 compression pushed the Ninja well over the goal line with 115 hp. Super-high tech hadn’t quite made it to the steel chassis or pretty conventional suspension, but the triple drilled disk brakes were a plus, and linked to the anti-dive system. At this point the lines are beyond classic, bringing visions of a drag race with an F-14.

Homing in on 28,000 miles, this GPZ900R has been around the world, but on silent more recently. Appearing quite stock, it’s without damage unexpected for its age. The owner is upfront about the work required to bring it back in the eBay auction:

Original except exhausts. Very good condition, does have few nicks and imperfections as per photos Tank has some surface rust inside. Ran well before I mothballed it around six months ago and now sits on top of my car lift with many others due to space constraints so plan to do the basics to recommission it for daily use. It will also need a new battery and regulator/rectifier as it didn’t charge battery while riding. A very easy candidate to turn into a full replica or take to top level. Stating the obvious but this is same bike used in the Top Gun movie with Tom Cruise. Has become much more in demand since announcement of the new movie. I know because I had 5 of them and since I started selling I have one left.

The GPZ900R was popular enough to fight off in-house challenges from liter-size successors, and had almost a 20-year run worldwide. With the delayed opening of the Top Gun re-make, the new owner will have a chance to tidy this one up before donning a flight jacket and heading to a show. The ask seems a shade more than the condition demands, but the Make Offer button is available.

-donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Kawasaki May 22, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

Update 6.3.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Kawasaki’s ZX-7R is finally getting its due and clean, low-mile examples are getting pretty hard to find anywhere near the rock-bottom prices they fetched not too long ago. Older, 1970s and early 1980s Kawis like the KZ1000R have found their collectible niche as well. But the mid-1980s bikes like this Ninja GPX750R have been a bit too new for the classic fans, and too old for anyone into superbikes with more modern looks. So maybe now is the time to start looking for one to add to your collection?

The Ninja name always seemed a little… silly to me, but I’m obviously wrong because Kawasaki still has a bunch of them in their lineup. GPz900R Ninja introduced in 1984 packed a big engine into a lightweight, round tube steel chassis and was very popular, with a great mix of handling and straight line performance. In 1984, Kawasaki took the GPz900’s chassis and dropped a 750cc into it to create the GPz750, a bike with well-rounded and competent but unexciting performance, compared to bikes like the GSX-R750.

An improved engine in 1987 led to the bike seen here, the GPX750R that was available until 1991, depending on the market. That means it would have been available alongside the ZX-7R in some places, long after the GPX would have been considered cutting-edge. Power came from a 748cc sixteen-valve inline four with liquid-cooling and a six-speed gearbox, and the package was good for 141mph. Mechanical anti-dive forks worked well enough, although they and the air-shock out back are obviously not as sophisticated as modern examples. The 16″ front and 18″ rear wheel combo date the bike somewhat, but you still should be able to find decent rubber to fit.

Ultimately, the GPz and GPX750R represent a bit of an in-between stage for Kawasaki, which may be why they’re a bit forgotten today. Performance was perfectly adequate for the class, but they didn’t have exciting new technology or class-leading power. Style isn’t quite Top Gun classic like the GPz900R or World Superbike classic like the ZX-7R, but the GPX750R is supposedly a great bike to ride. If you’re a collector, or just feeling nostalgic, this could be a great candidate. Miles are very low, with a mere 6,065 on the odometer, and overall condition is excellent. There are a few minor blemishes clearly shown in the seller’s photos as you can see from the gallery included.

From the Seller’s eBay listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

At One-Up Moto Garage (https://www.oneupmoto.com) I have high standards for condition and I would rate this Ninja cosmetically 9.5/10 and mechanically 10/10. I am the second owner, the original owner put 95% of the miles on it (totaling just over 6,000). Since day one it has been stored indoors with a bike cover, so it has no sun fading, rust or corrosion. I took pictures of every little chip and blemish I could find on the bike. The tires are nearly new, and carbs were addressed with new float bowl gaskets a few months ago. Not because they were leaking, I just wanted to see how the insides looked- and it was like new (I can send pics upon request). Gas tank also looks new inside. The bike starts easy, runs and rides flawlessly. It has never had ethanol gas in it. Everything feels like new on it, throttle cable is smooth, hydraulics are firm, all switches are tight and snappy.

It spends most of its time in my showroom with the battery tended, I ride it once every few weeks to keep things moving. You won’t be disappointed with this bike! I can send a start, run, and ride video upon request. I can also give you the whole life story of the bike going back to its original sale in Arkansas in 1990.

Bikes we’ve traditionally considered “classics” are wonderful, but require that you temper your expectations: 1950s motorcycles require more attention and maintenance, have much less power, sketchier handling, and brakes that won’t hold a candle to what even a Ninja 300 can provide these days. The best thing about a bike like this Ninja GPX750R is that it straddles the classic and modern eras. It may not have ABS and an autoblipper, or make 200hp at the rear wheel, and you won’t be able to fit the very best rubber but bikes like this offer good comfort, reliability, and plenty of performance to handle the cut-and-thrust of modern traffic, all while helping you relive your lost youth.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

Kawasaki March 7, 2020 posted by Donn

Before Kris – 1988 Kawasaki KR-1

Update 3.7.2020: We first posted this KR-1 in September of last year. It’s back on eBay, this time with a buy-it-now of $8,400. Links updated. -dc

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

Kawasaki March 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Dark Horse – 1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R with just 5,800 miles !

One of Kawasaki’s alternative livery used basic black instead of championship lime, but this carefully tended example is an eye-catcher even so.

1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R for sale on eBay

Right in the middle of the 1989-2003 model run, the ’96 was the first year where the rest-of-world and North American models had the same ZX-7R name. The classic 748 cc inline was carburetted and boasted 111 ponies. Intake runners were dialed back a few mm to improve throttle response, and mid-range torque was augmented by a crossover pipe between downpipes 1 and 4. Not messing with the good, the alloy twin-spar chassis can handle whatever comes its way and the conservative headstock geometry takes it all in stride. Components like the 6-piston front brakes and piggyback reservoir rear shock were definite improvements.

This Virginia owner took super care of this baby, and the detailed photos show no wear or corrosion, not even a rub on the heel guards. Rarely seen OEM mirrors and signals might actually work as intended. The rims look as though they’ve been subjected to just one tire change. From the eBay auction:

Bike still has over 99% of its original OEM parts – Bridgestone Battlax Hypersports and stainless steel front brake lines are not. Extremely well preserved and under 6K there’s not much of a service record here. Maintenance done recently – MOTUL 10W40 100% synthetic, OEM Kawasaki oil filter, MOTUL 7.5W 100% synthetic fork oil, MOTUL MC CARE chain clean and lube, OEM Kawasaki air filter, NGK spark plugs, OEM Kawasaki fuel filter, rear 41 PSI, front 37 PSI, P21S Carnauba Wax – check!

Clearly this bike is ready to show or ride to the beach, canyon. Runs like it looks, INCREDIBLE. Items included in sale: original owners manual, clear Exempt title, 2 keys and 1 spare, original sales ad, period correct never used tank bra, 100% original never used OEM Kawasaki tool kit. Rare was the factory Ebony with reflective iridescence decals that color morph in sunlight but rarer here is a true survivor time capsule ready to take you back – don’t miss it.

Though the street-going ZX-7R had grown up into a slightly overweight kit, the AMA Superbikes had to make room for Doug Chandler and his Team Muzzy special, who repeated in 1997. For a fan, this might be a perfect redux – hardly used, perfect shape, serious rather than flashy, and sensibly priced.

-donn

Dark Horse – 1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R with just 5,800 miles !

Kawasaki February 24, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

This Featured Listing is part of the The Bob Benyo Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, Bob! -dc

This 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R is the perfect example of what is possible from Kawi’s early aughts muscle bike with a little attention and imagination. Our buddy Bob and his shop took a lot of time and care to modify the bike to give you the look of an Eddie Lawson Replica with the dynamics and handling of a modern sportbike. With a 4-1 Kerker, custom paint and custom upholstery, the bike looks nicer than any other ZRX we have seen.

2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R for sale on eBay

Bob and his guys made the wise choice to leave the motor more or less alone, except for a jet kit and pod filters. That was a wise choice, as ZRXs will do multiple times the speed limit without even breathing hard. Leave from a light on a ZRX without keeping an eye on the speedo, and you’ll find yourself settling in to a nice fourth gear cruise at 80. In a 35. With the Kerker on board, everyone will know you’re coming long before the lime-green livery catches their eyes.

I’m going to let Bob run you down the particulars of this gorgeous ZRX.

From the eBay listing:

2002 KAWASAKI ZRX 1200R WORK OF ART, LOW ORIGINAL MILES, COMING OUT MY PRIVATE COLLECTION IN A STUNNING CUSTOM EDDIE LAWSON SUPERBIKE REPLICA THEME. NO EXPENSE WAS SPARED IN CREATING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE BEST BIKE KAWASAKI EVER BUILT!

IF YOU HAVE NEVER RIDEN A ZRX 1100/1200 YOU NEED TO! I LOVE THE VINTAGE KAWASAKI AND SUZUKI’S FROM THE 70’S AND 80’S BUT LETS BE HONEST THEY DON’T EXACLY RIDE AND STOP LIKE WE ALL WISHED THEY DID. SO HERE YOU GET IT ALL, THE AWSOME LOOKS AND STYLING OF A EDDIE LAWSON SUPERBIKE REPLICA WITH THE COMFORT AND HANDLING OF A MODERN SUPERBIKE.

THIS BIKE WAS A LABOR OF LOVE TO BUILD IT INTO THE STUNNING EYE CATCHING AWARD WINNING JEWEL. I AM BUILDING 2 MORE RIGHT NOW, AND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT THEN THIS ONE LET ME KNOW.

I HAVE THE OEM EXHAUST, THE AIRBOX FENDER AND TURN SIGNALS. THE BIKE COMES WITH THE TOOL KIT, OWNERS MANUAL, AND 2 KEYS.

THE FRAME:

THE FRAME IS ALL ORIGINAL NEVER PAINTED, DAMAGED, AND NEVER DROPPED. THE BODY WORK WAS METICULOUSLY REPAINTED BY MY SHOP GLOBE MOTORCYCLES LIMITED THANK YOU PHIL FOR CREATING A WORK OF ART. USING ONLY PPG PRODUCTS THE EDDIE LAWSON GREEN HAS BEEN MATCHED PERFECTLY, THE PURPLE IS EXACT TO THE ORIGINAL USED ON THE 2002 UGLY GREEN/PURPLE ZRX. THE STRIPES HAVE BEEN ALL PAINTED ON, NO DECALS EXCEPT THE SUPERBIKE DECAL ON THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE WHITE KERKER IS REVERSE STENCIL AND THE GOLD STRIPE WAS ALSO PAINTED ON. A NEW WINDSHIELD AND MOUNTING HARDWARE WAS USED. NEW KAWASAKI TANK EMBEMS INSTALLED. THIS CUSTOM PAINT JOB WOULD COST YOU OVER $3500.

CUSTOM MADE THE SEAT TO MATCH THE BODY WORK, (YES WE DO THAT TOO). WITH A CUSTOM REAR FENDER AND MINI TURN SIGNALS SHE LOOKS AS FAST AS SHE IS.

THE CHAIN WAS UPGRADED TO A GOLD FINSH RENTHAL 530 R-4 AND A CUSTOM PAINTED GOLD 44 TOOTH (BIGGER THEN STOCK) REAR SPROCKET (YES A WHEELIE MACHINE).

NEW AVON AV80 3-D ULTRA TIRES 190/55 AND 120/70 WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED ON THE BLEMISH FREE WHEELS. NEW EBC BRAKE PADS FRONT AND REAR WITH FRESH FLUID. BLACK AND GREEN SPOOL/SLIDERS INSTALLED.

THE GRIPS, LEVERS, GUAGES,MIRRORS, CONTROLS, HANDLE BARS, AND MASTER CYLINDERS ARE ALL NEW OR NEW LOOKING. THIS IS A SHOW BIKE YOU CAN RIDE AND BE PROUD OF.

THE KERKER EXHAUST IS NEW AND HAS A CUSTOM MADE COMPETITION BAFFLE AND SOUNDS LIKE THE BIKES DID BACK IN THE 1980’S THIS IS A MODERN EDDIE LAWSON REPLICA A TRUE SUPERBIKE.

THE ENGINE:

WITH ONLY 3000 MILES WHEN I GOT HER IT DIDNT NEED ANYTHING BUT I HAD TO PLAY.

I INSTALLED A HEAVY DUTY CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FOR BETTER TAKE OFFS.

THE CARBURETORS WERE ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND RE-JETTED TO PERFECTION WITH THE HELP OF A DYNO-JET STAGE III KIT.

K&N OVAL POD FILTERS WERE INSTALLED ALONG WITH A K&N CRANKCASE BREATHER. THE VALVE COVER BREATHER IS BLOCKED OFF. A 4* IGNITION ADVANCER IS INSTALLED.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A BIKE YOU WILL LOVE TO RIDE.

I WILL INCLUDE A BRAND NEW SHOEI X-14 TC-4 WITH THE BIKE

THIS IS A BIKE YOU WILL DISPLAY PROUDLY AND RIDE WAY AHEAD OF THE PACK. IT IS THE BEST LOOKING ZRX I HAVE EVER SEEN. I HAVE BEEN RIDING, RACING, BUILDING, REPAIRING, AND COLLECTING RARE BIKES (SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS) SINCE GRADUATING FROM AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE (AMI) IN DAYTONA BEACH FL IN 1980. PLEASE LOOK AT SOME OF MY OTHER LISTINGS TO SEE THE AMAZING RESTORATION AND CUSTOM WORK MY GUYS AND I DO. THIS IS MY HOBBY I TAKE PRIDE IN EVERY BIKE AND ONLY SELL A FEW PER YEAR.

LETS KEEP E-BAY A GREAT PLACE TO BUY AND SELL. PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU PLAN ON BUYING THE BIKE. CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS BOB 954-816-0806.

I CAN HELP ARRANGE SHIPPING AND CAN STORE THE BIKE IF NEEDED.

$500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 24 HRS AND THE BALANCE IN CASH OR BANK WIRE

For way less than the cost of an original ELR, this thing will give you the right look and the modern riding experience to match. If you’re into big bruisers, this thing is not to be missed.

Featured Listing: 2002 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

Kawasaki February 20, 2020 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

This Featured Listing is part of the The Bob Benyo Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, Bob! -dc

This 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica makes as much of a statement today as it did when it rolled out of Minato City 37 years ago. In ‘83, the bikes announced what those who followed AMA Superbike racing already knew: That Japanese bikes were about to take over road racing for good, with the help of a brave, skinny Californian kid named Eddie Lawson. Today, this bike’s impeccable, unrestored condition sets it apart.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale one eBay

With Steady Eddie aboard, the KZ1000Rs stormed to the AMA Superbike title in 1981 and 1982, and the ‘83 ELR looked like it was an eyelash from the bike that did the deed.

The bikini fairing, boxy tank, deep-dished seat and ducktail rear cowl were lifted right from the 1982 GPz1100, but the unmistakable lime green and electric blue livery were all racebike. Gold wheels finished off the look, and a Kerker pipe and reservoir shocks meant it sounded fierce and handled its weight and power with aplomb.

This one has fewer than 1,800 miles on the clock, and has had a minor refresh but is otherwise as it was purchased. The clutch is new, the carbs have been freshly cleaned and painted, and couple cosmetic pieces were swapped out for NOS parts. Otherwise, it’s all original. As a bonus, it will be supplied with a set of NOS bodywork, from the fenders to the tank.

From the eBay listing:

1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica near perfect all original! Multiple award winning with all “NOS” body parts coming out of my private collection.

Multiple award winner just won 1st place best original Japanese bike. The judges from the pebble beach event were blown away at how perfect she was.

This bike underwent minor clean up/refresh at my shop globe motorcycles limited. I used a full set of “NOS” body work so very hard to find i only have 2 full sets left. I swaped out the engine side covers with “NOS” units and new OEM gaskets and seals.

I have had this bike for several years and it has been the elr that i ride. She looks and rides as good as she did back in 1983.

The engine:
Serial number kzt00je041780 the engine is the original that came with the bike. I get asked this question all the time, why are’nt the ELR engine numbers ever close or similar to the frame numbers? The engine numbers have a specific range they must fall into for 1982 and 1983 kz1000r’s. This is the engine that came with the bike when she was new and is in the correct serial number range for a late 1983 elr.

With only 1789 miles it the engine ran great when i got her but i opted for her to run a bit better since i wanted to ride her. I installed a new hd clutch, all new OEM seals, pushrod, and gaskets (its just what i do). The engine itself has never been painted so no paint whent where it does not belong. The engine side covers were replaced with “NOS” units, very hard to find.

The carburetors were completely disassembled ultrasonically cleaned, and painted just as the factory did, resembled and synchronized. I re-jetted them with #132 main jets and raised the jet neddle with one washer to aid in running better with the competition baffle.

The frame:

The frame and swing arm are all original paint and look better then any of the other original elr’s i have had.
The tires have been replace with Dunlop k400’s (k300’s are not available). The grips, levers, mirrors, , end caps are all “NOS”.
The seat is all original with no blemishes.

The Kerker KR exhaust is the original unit that i had re coated to the original kal*gard finish and installed with OEM copper gaskets. The Kerker side emblem, the hanger bracket/bushing assembly, and the large competition baffle are all NOS ($500). The fuel tank, petcock, fuel guage sender, fuel cap, side covers, front cowl, rear cowl, front fender, tail light, wind shield and rubber seal, emblems, and associated hardware are all “NOS over $7500 worth of unobtainium. A modest amount of NOS/OEM hardware was used.

Tell your wife this is a great investment that will only go up in value unlike her shoe and handbag collection :). So here is your chance to own the best example of 1 of the 750ish 1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica’s ever built for north America. It is as close to when it came out of the crate with the exception of the Dunlop k400 tires and a very small amount of patina on the wheels. I will refinish the wheels to exact OEM specs for the new caretaker at my cost if he or she prefers “NOS” looking wheels (a very expensive process). I will for sure cry when it sells but i am blessed to have a few more ELR’s.

I have owned more then 20 ELR ‘s in the 15 years and have the largest inventory of ELR parts so bid with confidence. This bike will not disappoint. Please feel free to contact me with any questions 954-816-0806 Bob. Please come see her first if you have any doubts. I have been riding, racing, fixing, restoring, and collecting special bikes since graduating from American motorcycle institute “AMI” in Daytona beach Florida.

This ELR belongs in a museum so don’t miss out. I restored and preserved more bikes then i can count and have satisfied owners around the world with giant smiles on there faces every time they look at what the bought. The last 2 ELR s i sold (a 1982 and a 1983) went to Japan. They both had NOS body parts on all original bikes with low miles and sold for $28,500 and $36,000 and just not a perfect as this one.

The original tool kit, owners manual, and 2 keys come with the bike. The first buyer to hit the buy from the 2 ELR’s i have for sale will get my autographed custom painted 1983 bell helmet. The second one will end up with a custom painted 1983ish bell helmet that we will have to send to Eddie and wait for him to sign it.

Lets keep e-bay a great place to do business and only bid if you are planning to buy it.

$1000 deposit and the balance within 3 business days in cash or bank wire. I can store the bike for a few months and help arrange shipping

With ELRs getting rarer by the day, and NOS bodywork essentially unobtanium, we imagine it would be impossible to find another one like this. It’s a collector’s dream and an absolute museum piece.

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

Kawasaki February 18, 2020 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

This Featured Listing is part of the The Bob Benyo Collection. Thank you for supporting the site, Bob! -dc

Kawasaki won the AMA Superbike championship in 1981 and again in 1982, thanks in part to a young rider known as Eddie Lawson. To celebrate the championship and build better brand awareness, Kawasaki built a lime green replica race rocket in 1982 commonly known as the Eddie Lawson Replica (ELR). The official name for the bike was the KZ1000R, which was based on the “J” model KZ1000. Kawasaki modified the top end with parts from the GPz1100 to create a hybrid 1 liter super bike good for 102 HP and 130+ MPH. Besides, it simply looked screaming fast even when on its side stand (no center stand included). Today’s ELR is a 1983 model – which, technically, was called the Superbike Replica since in that year Lawson jumped to 500cc GP racing under the Yamaha banner. But to fans, these models will always be ELR – missing only the number 21 on the number plates. And speaking of 21, this particular bike probably scores a 21 on a scale of 1-10 when it comes to condition. Originally owned (and raced) by Terry Vance from Vance & Hines Racing, this KZ1000R has been reborn as a perfect-as-you-can-get example of the breed, with no part passed over. Read on from the seller, and dive deep into this glorious restoration.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson replica museum quality concours d’ elegance award winning “OCD” restoration with all “NOS” body parts coming out of my private collection.

Multiple award winner just won “Best in class” in the Boca Raton concours d’ elegance for best restoration. The judges from the Pebble Beach event really thought it just came out of the crate! They were blown away at how perfect the restoration was.

This bike underwent a massive full nut and bolt “OCD” restoration at my shop Globe Motorcycles Limited. With over 500 man hours this was by far my most extensive restoration Gaston, Phil and myself have ever done. I used a full set of “Nos” body work so very hard to find I only have 2 full sets left. Digging in deep into my large inventory of “NOS” and spare ELR parts I use a massive amount of parts that are now impossible to find. There is over $15,000 worth of “NOS” parts on this bike.I will try to list them all but I am sure I will leave out so many that the new caretaker will see when he or she is staring at it for hours and hours.

The bike came to me from a collector that bought it from Terry Vance yes that Terry Vance. Terry had used it in late 1983 and into 1984 as his Kawasaki Pro Stocker winning the NMRA portion of the NHRA Winston World Finals (see the article in Cycle World 1983). Byron Hines was out to prove he could build any of the 4 Japanese brand engines into world class winners. After winning Terry used it as a display at the track but Suzuki was less then happy with that idea it ended up in the back of a shipping container for over 25 years. Missing many OEM parts and with the frame raked for drag racing (the original engine came with it as Byron built up a GPz1100 for the track) it was in need of some serious help. With only 1500 on the engine that was easy part of this project. I sent the frame to the best frame Dr. in the US GMD motorcycle frame shop outside Atlanta GA. Using the latest technology Kent brought the frame right back to OEM specs (not a fast or inexpensive process). Then the magic began.

More from the seller:
The engine:
Serial number kzt00je042085 the engine is believed to be the original that came with the bike. The ELR engine numbers are never close or similar to the frame numbers but have a specific range they fall into for 1982 and 1983. This is the engine that came with my purchase and is in the correct serial number range for an early 1983 ELR.

With only 1500 original miles it was disassembled inspected and reassembled with a new HD clutch and all new OEM seals and gaskets. The engine was painted with the correct low sheen while it was disassembled as the factory did so no paint whent where it does not belong. The engine side covers were refinished in the correct gloss black and the engraved covers highlighted with the correct gold paint.

The carburetors were completely disassembled ultrasonically cleaned, and painted just as the factory did, resembled and synchronized.

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The frame:
The frame and swing arm were sandblasted and treated for rust prevention primed and painted in the correct sheen using the best PPG products. All the bearings and seals replaced with OEM parts. All the cables replaced with OEM/NOS parts. The brake system was disassembled completely rebuilt with NOS/OEM parts boasting NOS/OEM front and rear rotors (can’t find them again $1400). The shocks were disassembled painted the correct gold and finished with original decals. The front forks were disassembled rebuilt with OEM parts and painted back to the original sheen and finished with the correct decal. The front and rear wheels were sand blasted primed and painted in the correct gold finish and the outer lip polished to the correct shine. The center spokes of the wheels still show the original small cuts from the machining when the wheel was manufactured (most restorers polish that away not good). NOS/OEM bearings/seals were installed(over 65 hrs just on restoring the wheels). The rear wheel hub/sprocket and chain assembly is NOS. Dunlop K400 series tires installed (K300’s not available). The grips, levers, mirrors, switches, end caps, foot pegs, turn signals, and all the hardware are NOS $$$$$. The seat cover and pading is NOS $$$$ it was the only NOS seat cover I have ever seen (priceless). The rear fender and chain guard are NOS. The Kerker KR exhaust, the side emblem, the hanger bracket assembly and the baffle are all NOS ($3000). The fuel tank, petcock, fuel gauge sender, fuel cap, side covers, front cowl, rear cowl, front fender, tail light, wind shield and rubber seal, emblems, and associated hardware are all “NOS” over $7000 worth of unobtainium. A ridiculous amount of NOS/OEM hardware was used, and the original hardware used was painstakingly individually prepped and re-stained in the correct dark green finish (not easy to do).

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Tell your wife this is a great investment that will only go up in value :). So here is the only chance you will probably ever have to own the best example of 1 of the 750ish 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson replica’s ever built for north america. It is like it came out of the crate with the exception of the Dunlop K400 tires. I will for sure cry when it sells but I blessed to have a few more ELRs they just wont be as perfect.

The original tool kit, owners manual, and 2 keys come with the bike. I have owned more then 20 ELRs in the 5 years and have the largest inventory of ELR parts so bid with confidence this bike will not disappoint. Please feel free to contact me with any questions 954-816-0806. Hit the Buy It Now and I will throw in my autographed custom painted 1983 Bell helmet.

The Kawasaki KZ1000R is a hot commodity in the market these days. And with the original bike nearing forty years of age, time, use and the lack of spares has taken its toll on the available pool. With lower volume and high demand, prices follow. Bikes that you remember “back in the day” that you could buy used for lunch money have suddenly jumped to stratospheric levels. ELR models definitely apply here, as even rough examples are selling strong. And restoring one is no picnic – for many original parts are no longer available. To rebuild a bike that has the history that this one does, to the level that this bike has been painstakingly recreated, would take time and resources beyond the imagination. Likely the best example of the rare breed known as the ELR we have ever seen on these pages (and we have seen some pretty good ones that now pale in comparison) this particular bike is available right now on eBay. Check out the auction here and be astounded by the workmanship. You might be shocked by the values as well, but perfection does not come easy or cheaply. Ding the Buy It Now bell and score a matching helmet complete with Steady Eddie’s gold signature. Destined for museum duty, this 1983 Kawasaki ELR reminds us of the high water mark of old school Superbikes. Good Luck!!