Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Featured Listing January 4, 2021 posted by
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Featured Listing – 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

From the days when men were men and AMA Superbikes had muscular steel frames, this museum-quality ELR is presented  by RSBFS fan Bob, and his Globe Motorcycles shop ( if not curatorial facility ! ).

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale on eBay

The big KZ suited “Steady” Eddie’s lanky frame, and with help from updated camshafts and Kerker exhaust, its 104 hp sent the 500 lbs. replica rocketing toward 134 mph.  To augment the taut chassis, Showa built air-adjustable forks and remote-reservoir shocks as similar as could be to the racer’s WP dampers.  Serious speed called for serious brakes, and Kawasaki mounted three 10-inch disks to answer the call.  The low handlebars were a Lawson bend, and the stepped seat provided solid placement for a solo rider, as well as legroom for a pillion.  The mean green livery, with black mechanicals and gold accents on the shocks and wheels, just about defines classic, maybe with a capital K.

Bob has been an ELR superfan from day one, and has the knowledge not to over-restore, and replaced needed parts with NOS when possible.  Carbs have been rebuilt and new classic-pattern Metzeler’s mounted, so you could ride to a vintage show, but you’ll need someone to carry a trophy home.  Just a portion of Bob’s comments from the eBay auction:

JUST WON 2ND PLACE BEST JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE. THE JUDGES FROM THE EVENT WERE BLOWN AWAY AT HOW PERFECT SHE IS.
THIS BIKE UNDERWENT MINOR CLEAN UP / REFRESH AT MY SHOP, GLOBE MOTORCYCLES LIMITED. THE  BODY WORK WAS RE-PAINTED IN EXACT MATCHING KAWASAKI LIME GREEN A FEW YEARS AGO BY ANOTHER ELR EXPERT IN CONNECTICUT, “NOS” HANDLE BAR GRIPS, END CAPS, AND HANDLE BAR SWITCHES WERE INSTALLED – SO VERY HARD TO FIND. I SWAPPED OUT THE ENGINE SIDE COVERS WITH “NOS” UNITS AND NEW OEM GASKETS AND SEALS. 
WITH ONLY 6,822 MILES (10,980 KM) THE ENGINE ITSELF HAS NEVER BEEN PAINTED SO NO PAINT WENT 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, REASSEMBLED AND SYNCHRONIZED. I RE-JETTED THEM WITH #132 MAIN JETS AND RAISED THE JET NEEDLE WITH ONE WASHER TO AID IN RUNNING BETTER WITH THE MID SIZE COMPETITION KERKER BAFFLE.
THE FRAME AND SWING ARM ARE MOSTLY ALL ORIGINAL PAINT WITH JUST A FEW TOUCH UPS AND LOOK BETTER THAN MOST OF THE OTHER ORIGINAL ELR’s I HAVE HAD. 
THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH METZLER SPORTEC KLASSICS (K300’S ARE NOT AVAILABLE). THE SEAT IS ALL ORIGINAL WITH NO BLEMISHES.

Bob has the opening bid for his ELR set at $19,500 and can be reached through the eBay auction.

Eddie Lawson had previous experience with Yamaha during his dirt track days, and saw a chance for a 1983 world championship on an RZ-500 ( with teammate Kenny Roberts, under Agostino management ! ).  Too bad the ELR couldn’t be issued with the AMA champ’s signature, but Lawson went on to four MotoGP titles, and the 1982-3 replicas are still a prize for any collector.  Bob’s are some of the finest seen on RSBFS, in striking condition, a keen look back at Eddie Lawson’s first championship.

-donn

 

Featured Listing – 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica
Kawasaki December 3, 2020 posted by
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The Way Things Were: 1984 Kawasaki GPz 550

Orwellian theory aside, big brother was indeed watching in 1984. In fact, the whole world was watching in 1984, as the last truly competitive “old school” middleweight sport bike strutted its stuff. Today this is better known as a classic – even potentially an antique given its 36-ish years of age – but back then this was the pinnacle of what we in the US considered a smaller motorcycle. The 550cc set was what constituted the middleweight class in the 1980s (save for the odd Yamaha 350cc RZ or 600cc FJ) and Kawasaki threw everything they had into the last year of the GPz 550. This glorious time capsule is waiting to bring back the memories of synthesizer-driven music, Ghostbusters at the box office, and Dynasty on the tube.

1984 Kawasaki GPz 550 for sale on eBay

Even by standards of the day, the GPz was far more evolution than revolution. Honda had released the 500cc Interceptor, Yamaha had liquid cooled the spirit of the RD350, and everywhere there were new and cutting edge motorcycles to be found. But the GPz excelled against more modern foe with solid handling, decent power and upgraded chassis and componentry. While only air cooled and breathing through two valves per cylinder, the GPz was good for 65 horsepower. Triple disk brakes helped with the stopping duty. The forks up front were complemented by an anti-dive mechanism, and a modern rising rate “Uni Trak” single shock held station out back. The double down-tube steel frame was beefed up to handle the additional power, and the whole package was topped off with bigger brother’s 3/4 fairing and nifty LCD display located on the tank. In this final year the GPz was truly a polished package, showing methodical upgrades and updates since inception.

From the seller:
Mint mint mint! This 550 GPZ is an example of a absolutely mint condition unrestored survivor. This bike starts and runs flawlessly buy it, ride it, display it, whatever you feel necessary to enjoy this classic time machine. Please look at all the photos and you will see how nice this bike is and sorry if I sound like I’m bragging but it will be hard-pressed to find another this nice! title is being transferred into my name should have it back in 5 to 6 days. Everything is done online with the new Covid restrictions. I can store this bike as long as needed for you to find a shipper.I would be glad to provide you a video of the bike running, riding, or just another walk around…

The whole GPz line (1100, 750, 550, 305) performed well for Kawasaki, and built a solid fan base. The future was only days ahead, with the introduction of the GPz900 “Ninja” and the follow-on 600cc variant, but for this year anyway, the GPz 550 ruled the roost. Available in red with white/blue stripes as well as silver with black/red accents, the 1984 model can best be identified via the LCD panel and the unique to this year 3-spoke wheels. Today’s example is the more popular Kawi Red, and it looks to be extremely clean. The black chrome looks immaculate (something that was pretty fragile in the early GPz years), the decals are in great shape, and the bike appears generally devoid of scrapes & scratches (although I *may* detect some rash at the extreme end of the right-hand side muffler).

This 1984 Kawasaki GPz 550 appears to be completely stock except for the foamie handgrips – which is not a big deal IMHO. With 14,000 and change on the clocks, this is not a new bike, but hardly over-used. The best part is the Buy It Now price of a lowly 5 grand USD. That is a LOT of nostalgia and fun for not that much dosh. Check out all of the details here, and be sure to share your GPz stories with us in the comments. Stay safe, and good luck!!

MI

The Way Things Were: 1984 Kawasaki GPz 550
Featured Listing November 15, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R

As the icing on the 1970’s superbike cake, Kawasaki’s KZ1000 built on the 900 Z1’s formidable reputation.  Bob’s Z1R-D1 has quite low miles and a curatorial owner who emphasizes correctness for finishes and mechanical updates.

1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R for sale on eBay

It’s easy to see the lineage from earlier Kawasaki’s early -70’s four cylinders, even though the factory stylists put a great set of bodywork on the Z1R.  Inside, the 1015cc mill had a heavier crankshaft and the four Mikuni carbs had slightly larger bores.  The new four-into-one exhaust let the 94 horses loose and weighed less too.  Headstock gussets and firmer rear shocks shored up handling, and three big disk brakes – drilled up front – slowed the 18-inch alloys with authority.  The angular café design is resolved from nose to tail and even takes in the rectangular fuel cap.

Look into the background of Bob’s pictures and you’ll see many Z1R’s, other period superbikes, and blue ribbons – as he says, this one won’t disappoint.  The engine and chassis have been given new gaskets and fasteners but keep their original looks.  Period upgrades like V&H exhaust and K&N filters accompany the rebuilt carburetors and new Avon tires.  The silver blue metallic paintwork has been refinished, but is virtually indistinguishable from new.  Some of Bob’s comments from the eBay auction:

THIS IS AN AMAZING UN-RESTORED EXAMPLE THAT HAS NEVER HAD THE FRAME OR ENGINE PAINTED. SOME OF THE HARDWARE WAS REPLACED WITH OEM OR “NOS” PARTS, BOLTS, SCREWS, NUTS AND WASHERS ARE NEW OLD STOCK AS I HAVE A VERY EXTENSIVE “NOS” INVENTORY, ALONG WITH COUNTLESS OTHER PARTS. 
 
ALL THE PERIOD CORRECT MODS ARE BOLT ON ITEMS THAT CAN EASILY BE CHANGED BACK TO THE ORIGINALS. SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ALL ORIGINAL Z1R THIS IS A GREAT BIKE TO START WITH AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP THE NEW CUSTODIAN SOURCE THE NEEDED PARTS.
 
THE BODY WORK WAS PAINSTAKINGLY RE-FINISHED TO A DEEP LUSTER SHOW QUALITY FINISH USING THE METALLIC STARDUST SILVER.
I THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AND RE-SEALED THE OUTER COVERS/SEALS AS NECESSARY WITHOUT REPAINTING THE ENGINE SO NO OIL LEAKS ON YOUR CARPET. THE ORIGINAL CARBS WERE ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND REBUILT, RE-JETTED, AND SYNCED  WITH ALL NEW SEALS AND GASKETS. THE PERIOD CORRECT VANCE & HINES EXHAUST WAS DISASSEMBLED, STRIPPED AND RE-CHROMED TO BETTER THEN NEW SPECS (NOT AN INEXPENSIVE TASK).
 
THE WHEELS ARE ALL ORIGINAL AND IN PERFECT CONDITION. SHE IS FITTED WITH AVON TIRES “SEMI PERIOD-CORRECT”. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY OVERHAULED. THE SEAT IS A CUSTOM SEAT FROM THE 70’s AND IS IN AMAZING PERFECT CONDITION. THE WINDSCREEN AND SEAL ARE “NOS” AS ARE THE LEVERS AND MORE COMPONENTS THEN I CAN LIST. A NEW RK CHAIN AND SPROCKETS WERE INSTALLED. 
THE FRAME HAS NOT BEEN REPAINTED. THE FRONT FORKS HAVE BEEN REBUILT WITH THE LOWER LEGS PROPERLY REFINISHED TO OEM STANDARDS. THE REAR SHOCKS ARE PERIOD CORRECT PROGRESSIVE UNITS. THE TANK AND SIDE COVER EMBLEMS ARE NEW OLD STOCK. THE ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND KAWASAKI POUCH ARE INCLUDED. THE BIKE HAS THE ORIGINAL LION HEAD KEY. LIKE ALL MY BIKES THIS WILL BE A BIKE THAT WON’T DISAPPOINT.
 
WITH ONLY 9,200 ORIGINAL MILES THE BIKE STARTS IDLES RUNS AND RIDES LIKE IT DID IN 1978

The KZ1100 and Z1R went a lot of places, of course it liked a good straightaway and did well at the drag strip.  When race-prepared they were a force in superbike racing – AMA and all over the world.  Compared with its contemporaries, it struggled against newer designs from the other Japanese manufacturers and got gigged for the smallish fuel tank.  But for many owners, the bulletproof mechanicals and sharp fairing give the Z1R a head start.  Bob’s auction has a $12,000 starting bid and buy-it-now of $17,900 and he can be contacted through the eBay auction.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R
Featured Listing November 12, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

The RSBFS faithful see the green paint, the giant black lump of air-cooled, four cylinder goodness, the gold accents, and instantly know this bike as an ELR: Eddie Lawson Replica. Eddie was responsible for Kawasaki championships in the 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike series. The homage was well deserved, and Eddie has been inextricably linked to these models ever since. Technically the 1983 KZ1000R was officially branded as “Superbike Replica” and does not exhibit Eddie’s signature on the tank (Lawson had moved to the Yamaha GP team after 1982), but the blanket term of “ELR” continues to stick for these models. Today’s Featured Listing is brought to us by a RSBFS regular Bob Benyo, a true guru of this specific model. This 1983 KZ1000R is about as perfect as one could hope to find, and I’ll let Bob pick up the story at this point.

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

From the seller:
1983 KAWASAKI KZ1000R EDDIE LAWSON SUPERBIKE REPLICA NEAR PERFECT UN-RESTORED ORIGINAL CONDITION! ! MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING WITH ALL “NOS” BODY PARTS COMING OUT OF MY PRIVATE COLLECTION.

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER JUST WON 1ST PLACE BEST ORIGINAL JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE. THE JUDGES FROM THE PEBBLE BEACH EVENT WERE BLOWN AWAY AT HOW PERFECT SHE IS.

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 (ABOUT 200 MILES IN 5 YEARS. SHE LOOKS AND RIDES AS GOOD AS SHE DID BACK IN 1983.

More from the seller:
THE ENGINE:
SERIAL NUMBER KZT00JE041780 THIS 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 VIN# 1983 ELR.

WITH ONLY 1776 MILES ON IT THE ENGINE RAN GREAT WHEN I GOT HER BUT I OPTED FOR HER TO RUN A BIT BETTER SINCE I WANTED TO RIDE TO AND FROM SHOWS. 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.

More from the seller:
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 MATCH THE ORIGINAL KAL*GARD FINISH. IT IS 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 RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF NOS/OEM HARDWARE WAS USED. AS ALL THE “NOS” ELR PARTS HAVE DISAPPEARED FROM THE MARKET YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE VALUE THIS BIKE WILL BRING IN THE FUTURE.

More from the seller:
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 SHE SELLS, BUT I AM BLESSED TO HAVE A FEW MORE ELR’S.

I HAVE OWNED MORE THEN 20 ELR’s. I 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 IN 1980.

More from the seller:
THIS ELR BELONGS IN A MUSEUM SO DON’T MISS OUT. I RESTORED AND PRESERVED MORE BIKES THEN I CAN COUNT AND HAVE MANY SATISFIED OWNERS AROUND THE WORLD WITH GIANT SMILES ON THERE FACES EVERY TIME THEY LOOK AT WHAT THEY PURCHASED FROM ME.

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 AS PERFECT AS THIS ONE.

THE ORIGINAL TOOL KIT, OWNERS MANUAL, AND 2 KEYS COME WITH THE BIKE. THE FIRST BUYER TO HIT THE BUY IT NOW WILL GET MY AUTOGRAPHED CUSTOM PAINTED 1983 BELL HELMET.

With flawless bodywork and paint, engine cases that you can eat off of, 1776 miles on the clock, and the exclusivity of owning an extremely rare milestone of motorcycle collecting history, this ELR deserves a home where it will be appreciated. Appreciation is the name of the game, after all: the price point for ELRs continues to climb to new heights, and show few signs of abating. Think of an ELR as the RC30 of an earlier age – about as recession proof as anything you are likely to collect in the motorcycle world. With a Buy It Now of $35.5k USD, this bike is priced in line with its condition. We have seen less expensive ELRs on this site, but never one quite as clean and complete (and just check out that man cave!). If you are in the market for an Eddie Lawson Superbike Replica, do yourself a favor and check this one out. You will not be disappointed. Good Luck!!

MI

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR
Featured Listing September 30, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing: 1991 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale

When you’re searching for very rare motorcycles in the very best condition, you sometimes need to cast a net that extends beyond local borders. Portugal might seem a bit too far for some but, if you’re interested in a bike like today’s Featured Listing Kawasaki ZXR750R, no distance is too great. Or maybe you’re reading this post at your home in Barcelona, and the bike is just a hop, skip, and a jump away…

Known here in the US as the Ninja ZX-7, the ZXR750 was Kawasaki’s entry in the hotly-contested 750cc superbike class war that was raging on track and spilling over into showrooms worldwide. At the time, literbikes were wickedly fast but a bit heavy, with unexpectedly reasonable ergonomics. They were more grand touring machines than roadgoing racebikes so, if you wanted the very best sportbike money could buy, it was the 750s that were the hot ticket for canyon carving and bench-racing sessions.

As was common at the time, manufacturers built limited-editions of their roadgoing machines to “homologate” certain changes to the engine and frame, or the inclusion of components that weren’t practical for mass-produced machines. These rare and exclusive machines were used as the basis for racing machines intended to compete in production-based racing series like World Superbike. The homologation ZXR750R differed from the standard ZXR750 in subtle but significant ways. 39mm Keihin flat-slide carburetors replaced the more road-friendly constant velocity units normally fitted. A lightweight aluminum fuel tank and solo tail helped the bike save a claimed 11lbs over the standard bike. There were higher compression pistons and an 800rpm higher redline, and different ratios in the six-speed box, with a tall first and closely-spaced after that. The fork had thicker [stiffer] stanchions and was fully-adjustable, and the rear shock had 20 clicks of adjustment.

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale

Kawasaki ZXR750R, K version. Mint Condition.

Very rare bike, R model.

Bike is all original.

R model comes with aluminium tank, flat Keihin carburettors, etc.

Year 1991 with 22972 km.

Portuguese documents.

Please feel free to ask me more pictures or videos.

Transport to the UK costs around £550 and it will be Chas Mortimer Logistic Ltd collecting this bike.

On the off chance that you don’t reside in Spain, it’s nice to have that shipping estimate from the seller. The 14,000 miles shown mean this isn’t a museum-piece, but a bike that’s actually been used as intended. That’s good news for the next owner, since adding a few more won’t do much to the bike’s value, and you’ll get to appreciate this homologation special for yourself.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1991 Kawasaki ZXR750R for Sale
Kawasaki September 19, 2020 posted by
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Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !

Update 9.19.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Long time RSBFS sponsor, Speedwerks, has trained their restorative techniques on a 1993 Kawi, and ensured that its outstanding looks are backed up by a healthy dose of attention from their service technicians.

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale at Speedwerks

Coming out in the heart of the sportbike era, the ZX-7 came with a warranty, but change was guaranteed every year, with manufacturers throwing their level best at the AMA and World Superbikes.  For ’93 an all new top end cooked up 118 hp for the 749cc four, using four 38mm Keihin carburetors and a new single intake for ram air.  Multi-adjustable USD forks and Uni-Trak monoshock, plus 17-inch wheels were found at either end, along with 320mm front disks.  The riding position got good marks and a theoretical passenger is possible on the biposto seat console.

Evidently being re-activated after some years in a collection, this ZX-7 has the full nineties treatment, right down to the orange-fade-to-purple logos.  Exterior condition is way better than excellent, with just an isolated rub visible.  The tail treatment leaves a clean surface under the seat, and the green windscreen shows the previous owner was a fan.  Steve’s comments about the ZX-7:

This is a good rider or bust out your parachute pants, comb back your mullet and become a collector.
We received this machine from a private collection, where it sat on display for years.
It is original sans the Zero Gravity windscreen and Targa undertail.
We preformed a complete service and it is 100% operational, as it would have been in 1993.
The tires are original/period correct Dunlop 208’s, in great shape but should be updated to ride daily.
There are a few scars in the paint work but overall it shows very well.

Speedwerks is asking $6,500 for this time capsule and Steve can be reached on (302)672-RACE or via email – here -.

As evidence of a winning design, with Rob Muzzy’s preparation, Scott Russell took his ZX-7R to the AMA Superbike championship in 1992, and claimed the World Superbike the next year.  Since they occupied the lower pricing tier with Suzuki, few have been babied or cared for like this example.  This might be a show bike for the next owner, but is also ready to provide the superbike experience from almost thirty years ago as well.

Contact Steve at Speedwerks for more information on this exceptional ZX-7, (302)672-RACE or via email – here -. 

-donn

Sponsored Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 from Speedwerks !
Kawasaki September 18, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing: 1981 Kawasaki GPz550

The early 1980s were a bad time for speed. With a very few exceptions, cars had spent the previous decade becoming wheezy, lumbering and compromised. Motorcycles were yet to fully cross the Rubicon from being either quirky runabouts or the steeds of tattooed heathens to the mounts of true enthusiasts. And then in 1981, Kawasaki decided they had had enough, and unleashed the GPz550 on the public.

Just in time for Eddie Lawson to take home his first AMA Superbike title and second AMA 250cc road racing title, the GPz550 carried on the fine tradition of Kawi’s two-stroke triples with staggering speed, but added what at the time was laser-precise handling. Imagine crawling to your office job in some horrible, oversprung, Naugahyde-upholstered slug only to have one of these come screaming past.

The little air-cooled four-pot produced a stout 55-ish horsepower, and exhaled through an evil-looking set of blacked-out pipes. The bikini fairing was enough to set the thing apart from the sea of CB750s, but Kawi made sure the message landed with scarlet paint set off by a pair of navy and silver stripes.

The power meant 12-second quarter mile runs and a top end damn near 120 mph. To give you some context: It would be another nine (9) years before a stock Chevrolet Corvette would drop back into the 12s.

This 1981 Kawasaki GPz550 shows well, but carries some signs of its age and use. There are spots of corrosion here and there, some paint chips and the fork seals reportedly leak. The carburetors apparently were recently cleaned and the clutch adjusted, so with some minor fettling it should be ready to go.

For the full litany, check out the auction on BringATrailer.  The auction is no-reserve, which means the high bidder goes home with this piece of sportbike history. Get in line while you still can.

Featured Listing: 1981 Kawasaki GPz550
Kawasaki September 15, 2020 posted by
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Featured Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 with under 9,000 miles !

Update 9.15.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

( In your best Rod Serling voice ) “Imagine if you will, riding a quintessential 90’s supersport around town, and attracting very little attention…”  This ZX-7 with rather low miles is dressed up in candy apple red, and is in lovely survivor condition.

     

1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 for sale Asking $4,950

The ZX-7 came ashore in 1989, with the usually green bikes’ eyes on the AMA Superbike series.  Some nice improvements were made in 1991, with a seriously oversquare engine layout ( 71mm bore x 47.3 mm stroke ), 38mm carbs, and upside-down forks.  The single air scoop was added in 1993, sending ram air to the newly-designed top end.  Steering was always a ZX-7 strong point, and incremental improvement was made to the rear suspension over the years.  The black painted alloy chassis complements the alternate color scheme perfectly.

 

RSBFS reader Rocco has tended his ZX-7 carefully, the brandywine red metallic still sparkling.  The Muzzy exhaust might be the only update, and tires look to have a lot of miles left.  Rocco’s notes on the ZX-7:

1993 ZX-7 (ZX750L) with 8,984 original miles.
Original plastics – All VIN tags in place.
Engine/Frame/etc. all very clean.
Runs and Rides great.
Light damage on right side lower gas tank from falling off lift while stationary
and small crack in upper cowl fairing.
Muzzy full system with correct jetting.
CLEAN OHIO TITLE IN HAND.

So what’s to like here? The low miles, the reasonable 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 mentioned.

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.

Extremely well preserved. Runs like it looks, INCREDIBLE. Items included in sale: original owner’s manual, tool kit, matching gloves and helmet, clear title. Rare was the factory brandywine red color but rarer here is a true survivor time capsule ready to take you back – don’t miss it.

Rocco asks $4,950 for his ZX-7

Kawasaki gave Team Muzzy a great platform to start, and they delivered four AMA titles with Doug Chandler and Scott Russell aboard.  Almost like a UCF fighter out for dinner in a suit, the brandywine ZX-7 blends in, giving off a more sport touring vibe.  What a surprise when the rider calls up the 118hp exiting the next corner !  Rocco’s ZX-7 carves out an interesting corner in the sport bike world – very sporty credentials, practically vintage at this point, hidden under the alternate livery and immaculate presentation. 

-donn

Featured Listing – 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7 with under 9,000 miles !