Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Featured Listing September 25, 2021 posted by dd

Featured Listing: 1987 Kawasaki 750R Ninja

Update 9.25.21: Price lowered to $4,700 or best offer! Contact Russel: 508-933-0191

Contact: Russell at 508-933-0191
Location: Whitman, Massachusetts
Price: ~~$5,500~~ $4,700 or best offer
Mileage: 19,100

Up for your consideration is a very well preserved 1987 Kawasaki 750R Ninja in a rarely seen Red and White color scheme.

In 1987, the 750R was crowned “The Best 750 of the Year!” That’s a pretty strong statement when you consider the other models it was up against. The middleweight Ninja offered a very nice balance between sport and sport-touring with it’s lower foot rests, plush seat and it’s comfier than most clip-on location on top of the triple clamp.

The 750R power plant was all new for 1987 and put out 106 horsepower at the crank and 85 at the rear wheel. I owned this exact model in 1989 and I can attest that it is a very capable machine for spirited sprints or all day two-up riding.

From the Seller:
1987 Kawasaki Ninja 750R rare Red and White color. The carburetors were gone through less than 100 miles ago. It sports a set of new Bridgestones with less than 100 miles on them, new spark plugs, air filter, fresh oil change less than 100 miles ago and brand new Zero Gravity windscreen. The original windscreen is included in the sale. I have some parts to go with the bike plus a factory owners and service manual. Also included is a period correct Vance and Hines 4-1 exhaust

As you know, most 34 year old motorcycles have been chopped up and sport truck cab lights for turn signals, but not this one. This one managed to escape the hacksaw and to maintain it’s rear fender and original directional blinkers.

If you’re into collecting 80’s sport bikes or need to add the first 750 Ninja to your H, J, K, L, M, N and P collection, you might want to give this one a look. This one averaged only 560 miles a year! I’d say the owners of this low mileage machine left a lot of fun on the table and a lot of life in this one.

Reach out to Russell at 508-933-0191 and see if you can park this one in your collection.

Cheers!

Kawasaki September 16, 2021 posted by Mike

Albino Unicorn: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

I know what you are thinking: How can this possibly be a genuine ELR if it’s in white?? And if you think that way, you are likely located in North America. You can thank the RSBFS institution of higher learning to help widen your viewpoint and knowledge base. You see, while the ELR was strictly painted in electric lime green (i.e. the AMA Superbike racing colors) for the US and Americas, international markets enjoyed a couple of more subtle color palette choices that retained the distinctive striping. This rare white example is a UK model, the muted colors more in alignment with the British market. The remainder of the specs were pretty similar, save for country-specific requirements around emissions, lighting and licensing.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R for sale on eBay

The whole concept of the ELR was to celebrate the victorious conqueror that was one “Steady” Eddie Lawson. But there is much debate among the inner circle of the ELR fans as to what comprises a “real” ELR. You see, the model that we consider the Eddie Lawson Replica was actually several, with some subtle and some not so subtle changes. Originally marketed as a 1,000cc model, the engine grew in size to 1100 (which was no longer Superbike legal, but that wasn’t really the point). The earliest model years were known as ELRs thanks in part to the tank graphic. Along the years those changed to Superbike Replica instead. And of course we learn of the stepchildren of international heritage – the replicas that were NOT electrified lime green (the horror!) – which would not likely be considered an ELR, although the spec sheet reads much the same (sans paint code).

From the seller:
Here we are selling a very rare white eddie Lawson original colours, Genuine ELR 26,000 miles resent German import to Uk . Spare 1100 engine installed original engine with sale (needs piston). Bike runs great, original exhausts and un molested condition…too many toys great opportunity for the collector or enthusiast. Wwwkz1000r.com for more information, rare find, serious bidders only, good luck.

Those looking for museum originality might wish to continue looking further, as this original 1,000cc model now has a bigger bang 1,100cc unit installed. The original engine is included with the sale, but requires what sounds like a significant rebuild. The pictures show a pretty bike with original black chrome exhaust – even if the European bikes shipped in the 4-into-2 configuration unlike the hotrod 4-into-1 unit that came on US bikes. Mileage is a surprising 26,497, which means this beast was ridden a fair bit. The good news is that this one has been imported and currently sits in Florida. If you are looking for something a little different – but not totally different – this KZ1000R in unique white just might be your ticket. The starting bid is nearly $10,500 – so be forewarned that this one is not in the bargain bin category. Did you know these were shipped in colors other than green? Do you like the white? Check out all of the details here, and then share your thoughts in the comments. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing August 27, 2021 posted by Dan

Featured Listing: Kawasaki KRR150

Update 9.20.21: Relisted due to a non-responsive winning bid. Don’t be that guy — respect the seller, the bike, and the process. -dc

Update 8.27.21: Michael has put his California plated two stroke KRR150 on eBay! You can contact him with any questions at mgregor@velope.tv Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Rarer in the U.S. than a 145-lb. rider, Kawasaki’s 150cc two stroke KRR-150 sings a high RPM song of far off places. But for a lighter weight fan of two-stroke fun, RSBFS reader Michael’s KRR might be the perfect hobby.

2003 Kawasaki KRR-150 for sale

A staple in the south Asian market, the KRR-150 is a single with 30 hp, passenger pegs, and quite capable of the ton. Though it has the KIPS integrated power valve and CDI ignition , the KRR-150 relies on the six-speed to keep the engine in the power band. The lightweight steel frame and 17-inch wheels look like a larger Ninja, with a four-piston front and rear brakes. Even with full fuel and oil injection tanks, weight is under 300 lbs., and the skinny fairing makes a slot in the air if not a hole.

Michael picked up his KRR150 a few years ago, after seeing this RSBFS – profile –, cleaned it up nicely, and took care of the overdue maintenance items. It still has just 9,243 kms or 5,743 miles, and features CA title. Michael’s comments:

I received this bike in early October of 2018 and I have only changed the tires, cleaned the carb, and changed the spark plug. Like the previous owner says, the bike takes some work to get it started after it has been sitting for a while. I use a starter fluid that has a lubricant in it and I usually have it started and running after 2-3 sprays.

The bike runs great and really rips for a 150cc 2-stroke. It has a factory boost bottle type of resonance power chamber and KIPS power valve which work well together to flatten the torque curve and give more in both low, mid, and high RPM ranges. I have a handful of 2-Stroke bikes from every decade from the 60’s onward besides the 90’s and from an all around fun to ride and capable machine, this bike holds its own.

I was able to get the bike registered in California and I highly recommend if you are a California resident and you are considering this bike, do it. 2-stroke bikes are not easy to register in California from any year, but the more modern, the more difficult. Registration is current and CA title is in hand.

If I had more space I would keep this in my collection due to its rarity, it’s CA title, and it’s all around ripper fun level.

If you love 2-stroke bikes and you want to ride what I believe to be a full featured, modern, tech-advanced bike that was never available in the US, you will not be disappointed.

Walk around video:

Michael can be reached by email – here -. Bike is located in San Anselmo, Ca, 94960.

Michael’s KRR150 has a few paint blemishes but was imported as a new bike, and shows very well. The KRR model had a long run and parts should be easy, and Tyga Performance shows several upgrades and has a U.S. distributor. Michael’s bike is a relatively recent year, seems to have had just two owners, looks excellent, quite rare, and a lightweight performer. Even if the next rider isn’t from the left coast, the California paper trail will make it easier for a subsequent owner.

Michael welcomes your email – here -. Bike is located in San Anselmo, Ca, 94960.

-donn

Kawasaki August 16, 2021 posted by Mike

Past Present Future Classic – 1982 Kawasaki GPz550

A blast from the past, the GPz was perhaps the ultimate expression of sport bike back when Olivia Newton‑John was getting physical, Rocky had the eye of the tiger, and Tommy Tutone was trying to remember Jenny’s number. This was an era before liquid cooling, before fuel injection, and long before computers had anything to do with motorcycles, preferring to spend their time printing out “hello world” messages. Pre-FaceBook, pre-Twitter, and before internet-streamed content because it was pre-internet, the GPz 550 exudes old tech, old-school cool.

That is not to say that the middleweight GPz did not contain some tech. For the day, it was an evolution of the KZs that came before: 58-ish HP from the air-cooled, 2-valve inline four breathing through Constant Velocity (CV) carbs. But the real trickery was in the suspension. Air-assisted front forks allowed for some degree of tuning, but out back was the first appearance of Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak – a rising-rate, single shock linkage that finally but the twin-shock concept to bed. Fitted with triple disks (of modest proportions by today’s standards) and a bikini fairing, the GPz was the embodiment of the modern era sportbike.

From the seller:
1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550. 20,172 miles on the odometer. Not a dent in the tank and the paint is excellent. Carbs will need to be cleaned and I have 4 carb kits for the bike (K&L). New battery, rebuilt front calipers and rear caliper. Factory manual comes with the bike. This is truly a beautiful motorcycle. Come with 2 new tires that will come with the bike….they will need to be put on the bike

The GPz line was mass produced and there were no special, limited edition models within a size range. Therefore one GPz550 of a given year is very much like any other GPz550 of the same year – no S model, no R spec, and no homologation examples. As a massively produced motorcycle, the GPz550 was not rare – nor where they expensive, nor were they hard to come by (unless you were teenage dreamer living at home spending hours pouring through Cycle magazine… but I digress). Today, a clean and original GPz is becoming a rare find. These were picked up, traded hands, tracked, commuted, parked wherever, and most languish in that nether world of potentially great, but not in great enough shape to care about. That is what makes today’s find special.

This one has been on the block for a while, and the Buy It Now price is a pretty rational $4,500 OBO. Yes, that is more than what it cost when new. But much less than it would cost to bring a rat bike back to former glory. And the seller is open to offers. If you have a collection in your stable and you don’t have a GPz, you should definitely find some room somewhere to sneak one in. For the early eighties, the GPz was the motorcycling pin up equivalent of Bo Derek or the Lamborghini Countach. Check out all of the details here, and then jump to the comments and share your GPz experiences. Good Luck!!

Past Present Future Classic – 1982 Kawasaki GPz550

Kawasaki August 10, 2021 posted by Donn

Clean Slate – 1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja

A new-to-you classic sportbike often means wading through multiple previous owner’s improvements and mishaps. Not this time, as the 1991 ZX-7 presented here looks un-modified and never down.

1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja for sale on eBay

The industry had been expecting the EU to declare 100 hp a street-wise maximum, and tuned a lot of engines into conformance. Not a bad thing for a road rider, since the torque numbers were excellent. Most of the ZX-7’s innovations came in the original ’89, but the 1991 model came with 43mm upside-down forks, and using the engine as a stressed member made the chassis lighter and more rigid. New then was a curved radiator, which saved frontal area but still had the volume to cool the 750. Several liveries were available but the green / white / blue is instantly recognizable from the AMA superbike days.

This St. Pete owner came upon this ZX-7 when it was only ten years old, and evidently continued riding carefully. The tail tidy, low-profile signals, and blue windscreen are entirely normal, but the lack of any apparent rash and the factory muffler are pretty unusual. After a time in the garage, some return to duty maintenance is expected, as noted in the eBay auction:

A very rare and collectible ZX-7 Ninja. The last time it was ridden was 2 years ago and at that point it ran great. The bike has been covered in my garage. It has been an amazing bike for me. It needs the regular maintenance a bike that hasn’t been ridden would need to get it in great running condition. I’ve owned the bike for 20 years.

Though a first-year H-model or race homologation K would be more collectible, the J has a nice set of updates and weight savings. With race kit and Muzzy prep, the ZX-7’s went on to multiple crowns on several continents, making that green a key color to fans worldwide. For a rider not quite ready to take a more rare bike on a trip or park it at a cruise night, this example might be a good choice.

-donn

Kawasaki August 6, 2021 posted by dd

2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR

2004 Kawasaki ZX-6RR For Sale on eBay!

Merriam Webster defines Homologation as:
homologate verb
homologated; homologating
Definition of homologate
transitive verb
: sanction, allow especially : to approve or confirm officially

From 2003-2006 Kawasaki defined it as ZX6-RR noun.

Are you scratching your male pattern bald head and thinking “What in the hell is this dude talking about?”

I fully suspect the 6RR is not well known as a homologation, but it is in fact one. In 2003, the standard ZX-6R was a 636cc machine. The 636cc was perfect for the street, but didn’t meet WSB Super Sport guidelines. So, what was Team Green to do? Build a homologation 599cc machine!

From 2003 and 2004 the RR 600 machines were largely the same, but were a little off center from the standard 6R 636’s. The RR’s received a slipper clutch, adjustable swing-arm, coated forged 3 ring pistons, upside down (the correct way to me) forks, a super tidy dash with a stratospheric 15,500 redline and radial mounted brakes squeezing 280mm petal rotors. I’m sure your scratching your head again and asking “Why are radial mounted brakes a big deal on the 6RR?”.- Because the 6RR was the first production machine to ever offer radial mounted brakes. See, Team Green isn’t always last 😉
In my opinion, the 2004 model is stuck in the middle and the least desirable of the 6RR models because it’s not the first run and the later models received the MotoGP style swing-arm along with lighter 6 spoke wheels.

Here’s what the seller has to say about their machine:

I am the second owner of this bike, this motorcycle is very rare only 2,000 bikes were made and not many are still around and you are unlikely to find another one with low miles in this good of shape. Serious buyers only. Mods include a full titanium exhaust, NGK iridium spark plugs, I’m pretty sure it has a custom tune, and custom brake light/indicator. Bike needs nothing

After viewing the photo’s, I’m not sure about that last statement, but you can be the judge.

So, what do you think? Is the 6RR destined for K1, K2, M1, M2 and N1 greatness or will it be forgotten?

Check out this future classic here-

Cheers!

Kawasaki July 21, 2021 posted by Mike

Moto Madness: Mike Baldwin’s 1979 Kawasaki Factory Works Race Bike

Star power. It is what sells. Be it the star power of a famous race bike, a famous team, a famous rider, a famous win, or all of the above. This is what sets certain bikes above the rest. And today’s find is a wonderful reminder that the lime green team was once a very dominant force in racing other than WSBK. This bike is a claimed works Kawasaki factory KR750 racer, piloted by none other than Mike Baldwin.

1979 Kawasaki KR750 Factory Race Bike for sale on eBay

In the early to mid 1970s, there was a flurry of activity on the racing scene. Yamaha had brought out their TZ750 – which looked to dominate all and sundry on both the factory and privateer levels – and Kawasaki wanted a piece of that action. Having a successful two stroke in the form of the H1 triple style, Team Green acted quickly to assemble a factory racer that could bring home the gold. With lower restrictions regarding homologation, Kawasaki was able to make use of existing tech, massage it heavily into GP-level machinery, and unleash it upon the world. Utilizing a 750cc triple, Kawasaki offset and skewed both the intake and exhaust ports to narrow the now liquid-cooled motor significantly. A one piece crank simplified the overall engine arrangement (as opposed to the Yamaha, which utilized a series of intermediary shafts to drive the primary and ancillaries), resulting in a powerful, but lightweight package. Coupled with a six speed transmission, triple disk brakes, and what appears to be ancient dual-shock rear suspension, the KR750 nearly won the world championship with Gary Nixon aboard. But runaway success was not to be for Kawasaki, even though the KR750 showed immense potential.

From the seller:
Mike Baldwin was a record-setting five-time AMA Road Racing Champion and the all-time wins leader in AMA Formula 1/Formula 750 history. In all, Baldwin won 27 AMA national races – 17 in AMA F1/750 and 10 in AMA Superbike – and he is considered one of the top road racers America has ever produced.

More from the seller:
At Daytona in ’79, Baldwin appeared to be a real threat to win the Daytona Triple Crown (the Daytona 200, the Daytona Lightweight and the Daytona Superbike races). He was easily the fastest in Superbike and battled for top billing in the Daytona 200 and Lightweight qualifying. Unfortunately, Baldwin high-sided in practice on Thursday and broke his collarbone. Without racing in the qualifying race, Baldwin had to start from the back of the grid in the 200. The leaders had completed nearly three-quarters of a lap by the time the third wave of riders, of which Baldwin was in the back, was given the green flag. In spite of his huge disadvantage and riding in pain with the broken shoulder, Baldwin tore through the field on the factory Kawasaki KR750 and finished a strong fourth, giving him at least a moral victory. In addition to racing for Kawasaki in 1979, he also raced in Europe during the gap in the AMA schedule after Daytona.

More from the seller:
The bike was restored in 1993 by author Stephen Wright with help from Norm Bigelow at the Kawasaki Racing Dept. It has been shown at Del Mar in 1997 and at the Bedford Museum in “The Wild Ones” exhibit in 2003. Also, first place at the Wheelcraft Motorcycle show at Sears Point raceway in 2001. Current owner purchased the bike from Stephen Wright in 1999. Sold on bill of sale. Race notes and history come with the bike.

Race bikes are very difficult to judge when it comes to value. To be certain, factory racers are built and campaigned in limited supply, making them rare to begin with. Couple that with the numerous mods that occur organically over the course of several seasons (due to rules, additional performance, etc), plus the very real potential for crash damage and it is not too surprising to realize that not many of these bikes survive to be restored to this particular level. That is especially true with a well-known and respected rider, such as Mike Baldwin.

The Buy It Now ask for this green monster is a very cool $125k. There is no doubt the bike is historically significant. Sadly we cannot comp this to other sales given the scarcity of pristine Mike Baldwin KR750s on the market. The seller is open to offers and it looks like there are a fair number of watchers on this one, so we may yet see a sale. Let’s all hope it finds a good home, as bikes this rich in history deserve a spot of honor. Check out all of the details here, then start shopping for some green leathers and gear. Good Luck!!

Kawasaki July 7, 2021 posted by Mike

Home Market Hero: 1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R

There are so many cool things about today’s listing. For starters, it is an ultra-rare (in the US) 400cc Ninja that was only available in Japan. As we know, the small-bore market in Japan is serious business which means that they get serious hardware. Think of this as a bike just as potent as any of the 600 hyper-sport or 750cc Superbike set, in a smaller size. What else is cool? How about a California title? For a grey market import, that is mecca (and usually very, very difficult to obtain). Dig deeper and you will see that this bike has been listed on RSBFS before way back in 2017. Even better? This came out of the indoor man cave(s) of Utah collector Gary, who listed a significant number of bikes on the site. All signs point to something wonderful.

1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R for sale on eBay

The little 398cc inline four featured 16 valves and screamed to an unheard of 14,500 RPM. Today those revs seem expected, or even tame for a four stroke, but 26 years ago that was a pretty big deal. Those revs paved the way for the 62 HP worth of very angry bees – and shows you just how serious the Japanese home market was compared to what was released into the US. The 350 pound package is reportedly scalpel-sharp in the braking and handling department, while similar to a two stroke in terms of powerband; if you are in the lower half of the rev range, better click down a few gears in order to find motivation.

From the seller:
1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R.
This is the single seat R model. Very rare, never sold in the states. California titled with correct vin and year. Should easily transfer to any state. Bone stock, never molested. Still has original Japanese stickers on windscreen and tank. All original paint that’s in amazing shape. It is unrestored and doesn’t need it, so it’s not perfect. 16k kilometers. Runs like new. Bike screams with a 15k redline. Basically a baby zx7R. One of the most gorgeous bikes you will ever see. I’m 6’1 and fit perfectly on it. Surprisingly roomy. Has fresh motul fluids. The petcock and fuel system has been gone through recently. New chain.

Writeup on rarest sport bikes in 2017 of this bike. Lots of info and pics. I’ve put 300 miles on it since then.

The seller has included a startup video of the bike in question. If it is in similar condition to when it sold from the Utah collection, one could expect a very well sorted and well loved machine. By all counts, the pictures and video show that to be true.

The value equation on these rabid 400s is skewed – there is no doubt about that. If you are looking for cheap fun, look elsewhere. Any number of larger capacity bikes could be had for much less money, while offering better real world performance. However if you are looking for something rare, something that expects more from you as a rider than simply twisting your wrist, something that challenges you to be your best at every corner entry, every apex, and every exit – your next ride is waiting for you. Located in sunny California and titled and plated in same, this gorgeous and rare 1995 ZXR400R is on the market and looking for a good home (preferably inside – we know it is housebroken, after all)! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!