Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Kawasaki February 16, 2019 posted by Mike

Old School Awesome: 1982 Kawasaki GPz 750

There comes a point and time when nearly everything becomes valued - nostalgically if not financially. Such just might be the case with today's find, a cherry 1982 Kawasaki GPz750. In the early 1980s the GPz was generally a top-dog kind of sport bike. Pitted against Honda's CB and Suzuki's GS models, the GPz looked and acted like a sportbike. With an air cooled inline four, double overhead cams and a brace of Mikuni constant velocity carbs, the 750 could pump out 80 HP - good for nipping into the 11s in the 1/4 mile. By today's standards this is all relatively tame - and old tech such as air cooling, carburetors and twin shocks seems laughable. But it was good enough to put a young fellow by the name of Wayne Rainey on the top step of the AMA Superbike championship on a Muzzy-prepped bike and cement the GPz as a sporting weapon with serious intent.

Old School Awesome: 1982 Kawasaki GPz 750 for sale on eBay

1982 was the first year of the 750, as both the GPz550 and GPz1100 were introduced a year earlier. 1982 was also a bit of a one year only model, based on the older architecture. Follow on years found a revised fairing setup (from quarter fairing to half), as well as the introduction to Uni-Trak, Kawasaki's rising rate linkage, single rear shock setup. Fuel injection was also on the horizon (the 1100 introduced it to the series), but liquid cooling would have to wait for the introduction of the revolutionary Ninja model. So while one can view the GPz as a mass-produced motorcycle and therefore likely never to become truly rare, the combination of a one year only configuration and the survivor status does elevate this one into something worth considering.

From the seller:
1982 KAWASAKI GPZ 750 , I have the original stock seat and rear shocks, this bike runs like new, I Just installed Michelin Pilots front and rear, the bike has been freshly serviced and a Dyno Jet carburetor kit installed to enhance the Horse power with the period correct Bassani exhaust. The bike has been kept in doors it's whole life and has zero cosmetic issue's. It gets attention where ever I ride. they made this model only 1 year so these are very rare to be seen in show room condition.

I bought brand new spare brake pads, clutch kit, gaskets, spare starter motor etc . these are included in the sale. every thing electrical works perfectly, I just freshened up the battery with a Yuasa OEM original. so it's ready to ride from California to New York.

Most GPzs have lived multiple lives. Purchased new by aggressive riders, many found their way to the racetrack in amateur and privateer formats. Those that stayed on the streets passed through a few owners, with the price likely dropping with each change. That quickly put these bikes into the financial reach of younger riders, driving up insurance rates everywhere. Not all were flogged and forgotten, but enough were to make finding a good example difficult today. And this particular example is no garage queen - with 20k on the clocks (eBay advert lists 18k) this bike has been ridden. But there is life yet in that robust motor, and all the appeal of the "arrest me red" paint still applies. It may be on the far side of 30 something, but viscerally this bike still has all its mojo.

Located in the sunny state of California (which bodes very well for issues such as rust and corrosion), this 1982 GPz750 is looking for a new home. The paint looks good despite the age, and there have been few modifications. The aftermarket exhaust is not stock, but a Bassani is not the worst pipe you could image for this application. There are a number of spares that come along with the purchase, which is a good thing from a maintenance point of view. Parts are still readily available for the mechanicals, although cosmetic trim might be getting scarce. Fortunately, all of those pieces are still attached. Check it out here. If you are of a certain age, you KNOW you wanted one of these. Maybe you had one (lucky bastard), and now miss it. Was this the bike you regretted selling all those years ago? Jump over to the Comments section and share your stories. Good Luck!!

Bimota February 13, 2019 posted by Donn

Mid-Winter Roundup of Featured Listings

Even though there are prodigious cold fronts trained on both coasts, planning ahead is always in season. Here's a little review of RSBFS' recent features:

Let's start with a couple of smokin' race machines -

Featured Listing: 2018 Honda NSF250R Moto 3 Race Bike For Sale

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

From the 1980's we have two classic supersports, plus a unique Harley-Davidson -

Sponsored Listing: Zero-mile, 1-of-25 road-going 1994 Harley-Davidson VR1000!

Sponsored Listing: 1983 Honda CB1100F

Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

These three are more along GT lines but very sporty -

Sponsored Listing: 1994 Suzuki GSXR-1100

Featured Listing – 1995 Yamaha GTS 1000 Euro Edition

Featured Listing: 1984 Honda CX650 Turbo!

If you are a skilled track rider there are four big-displacement racers, from classic to modern -

Featured Listing: 1991 Yamaha OW01 FZR750R Race Bike

Featured Listing: 2004 Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa

Featured Listing: 2000 Ducati 748RS track bike

Featured Listing: Honest-to-God 2012 Suter BMW MotoGP bike

The 1990's were a sweet sportbike spot, and we have four currently -

Sponsored Listing: 1990 Honda CBR400RR NC29 for Sale

Sponsored Listing: 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for Sale

Featured Listing: 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000

Featured Listing: 1990 Yamaha FZR750R OW01

The rest are a little of this and a little of that, or more accurately a lot of this and a lot of that -

Like a naked 2003 Yamaha R1 -

Featured Listing – 2003 Yamaha FZ1 with just 661 Miles !

Here's Honda's own winning V-twin, the 2005 RC51 SP2 -

Featured Listing: 2005 Honda RC51 SP2

Or this stealthily accessorized Monster -

Featured Listing: 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 1000 build!

This '06 SportClassic is a custom using the factory Paul Smart fairing -

Featured Listing – 2006 SportClassic 1000 with Paul Smart Fairing

From just last year, here's a Kawasaki H2R with road registration -

Featured Listing: Street-Titled 2018 Kawasaki H2R for Sale

Also looking very ready for the track, this 2004 999R is an homologation special -

Featured Listing: 2004 Ducati 999R FILA

We had two MH900E's but one has sold. This one has never been registered -

Featured Listing: 2001 Parking Space Odyssey – NEW 2001 Ducati MH900e

And our most recent feature is this '08 1098S, fully decked out in carbon and billet aluminum -

Featured Listing: 2008 Ducati 1098S for Sale

When you're not chipping the ice off something or throwing things at the weather broadcast, check the right column on RSBFS for our sponsors and friends' latest features ! Spring is just around the corner...

Donn

Kawasaki February 12, 2019 posted by Mike

Puffed Up: 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R TC

In the 1970s the Kawasaki Z1 was the big dog of the sporting world. Long in the tooth as the decade neared to a close (the Z1 platform was introduced way back in 1972), Kawasaki introduced an updated model - the Z1-R. Largely a warmed-over refresh rather than an all new design, the R model had the looks to help it along in the showroom, but lacked the technology, refinement and performance that competitors were offering. Enter a unique partnership between Alan Masek and his newly formed Turbo Cycle Company and Kawasaki. Masek was a former Kawasaki executive - and knew that the Z1-R was faltering in the showroom. That meant there was a stockpile of bikes that Kawasaki couldn't sell. By marrying these unsold units to an American Turbo Pak kit and selling the bikes through the dealership network, Kawasaki was able to put itself back into the horsepower game with relatively low risk. Thus the Z1-R TC was born.

1978 Kawasaki Z1-R TC for sale on eBay

Beneath the sticker kit, the TC model was all Z1-R. Same brakes, suspension, controls, engine and trans. Outside of the bolt-on turbo and boost gauge, wastegate and associated piping, there wasn't much else. Your $1,400 premium to the already expensive Z1-R bought you graphics and outrageous horsepower. And voided your warranty. And while the Z1 platform was robust for its time, the lack of any engine controls (no fuel injection, no rev limiter, etc) meant that you were only one missed shift away from mechanical catastrophe. Keep in mind that all other engine internals were shared with the standard Z1-R. Therefore it was suggested that new owners upgrade to stronger valve springs, weld the crank and upgrade the clutch if the bike were to be used aggressively. Did I mention it also voided the warranty?

From the seller:
This 1978 kawasaki Z1RTC bike is one of 220 made and sold through kawasaki dealers. This bike is in good original condition and has had several new oem parts. Bike has been stored in climate control house garage. Lights and turn signals horn and other electronics work including the fuel and amp gauge. This bike has not been repainted. Worse thing on it is the fuel tank does have some light few chips in the paint by the neck. The engine cases are the original ones for the bike. It does have brand new correct size tires on it. New battery also. It is ready to ride. The motor has been rebuilt with new gaskets, seals and new paint on the cases. They are the only thing that has been painted. Has correct gas valve and wind screen. The seat is in excellent shape and comes with the hard to find kicker, the rubber is there for it but I do not have the bracket to hold it. Brakes have been all rebuilt front and back with hard to find parts.the turbo is in excellent shape also.

The wild paint scheme you see here was introduced on the second generation of TC bikes. These are identified by the "Molly Designs" logo on the tail section. Numerous small upgrades were incorporated on the Gen II bikes, including an upgraded collector and exhaust system, and a factory-limited wastegate (now set at 6 PSI, rather than adjustable). This was all in the name of making the bike more rider friendly, and to aid in the ultimate longevity of the mechanicals. And while the TC was certainly fast, it was by no means a showroom winner. Sure, it gave Kawasaki street creds and horsepower bragging rights - but it was a "for experts only" motorcycle that commanded a serious premium. Many were pressed into service as drag bikes - and endured a difficult life full of breakages and modifications. Today finding a totally clean and stock Z1-R TC is a rare sight.

This particular 1978 Z1-R TC looks to be in pretty nice shape. Wearing original paint and still holding onto the stock boost gauge, decals and info plates, the bike looks very close to original. The engine has been gone through (not surprising given the age and the history of the model), but no information as to any potential internal upgrades (i.e. welded crank, etc). With fewer than 10,000 miles, this forty-something year old wonder is looking for a new home. This is an iconic motorcycle in the annals of turbo charging, as it was the first TC bike that was officially offered by a major manufacturer (even if it was a partnership and not a full fledged in-house model). Prices for these bikes continue to rise, given the rarity and importance of the model. This particular one jumped quickly above $12k - with more to come and reserve still in place. Check it out here, and then jump back to the comments and share your thoughts on turbos. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing January 31, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: Street-Titled 2018 Kawasaki H2R for Sale

There is obviously no practical reason to own a 300hp, track-only motorcycle that isn’t eligible for any racing series of which I’m aware. Maybe something involving quarter miles and ETs? Reviewers of the Kawasaki H2R generally don’t even seem to regard the bike as a particularly good track-day weapon: it’s just too heavy, and that fat rear tire needed to keep the power on tap from going up in smoke slows steering significantly. So you can’t race it, it's almost too fast for track-day antics, likely eats tires like they’re free donuts at a sales meeting, and you can’t ride it on the street… or can you? Apparently, you can, with a bit of DMV chicanery, since this Featured Listing Kawasaki H2R comes with a street title!

The original H2 from the 1970s seemingly has nothing in common with this iteration, other than the name: it was an unfaired, upright machine with handlebars and a long, Schwinn-style "banana" seat that was powered by a two-stroke triple, while the new bike has room for just one and is powered by a supercharged 998cc inline four. But the spirit is there in spades, since both bikes were about speed, speed, and more speed, and all other considerations be damned.

People often forget that there were two different versions of the H2 when the name was resurrected by Kawasaki: the regular road bike and the H2R seen here. The regular bike is a… regular bike: it has the usual turn signals, mirrors, and a really cool projector-beam headlamp in the center of the fairing that looks like it shoots some sort of death-ray. It also made a claimed 200hp, which is impressive, until you consider that Ducati’s V4 Panigale makes well north of that, and even several of the v-twin Panigales got shockingly close. BMW’s S1000RR, Aprilia’s RSV4, and most of the other liter bikes hover around 200hp as well.

And all that power is dulled a bit by the bike’s 475lb wet weight, which is significantly higher than those bikes. Of course, the Kawasaki still has a massive midrange hit of supercharged torque, but on paper, the literbike brigade makes the regular H2 look… a bit regular, although I'm reliably informed it's anything but in practice. But it doesn't matter anyway, because this isn’t the regular H2.

The H2R upped the game by saving weight by deleting the lighting and mirrors, replacing them with some extremely expensive carbon-fiber winglets to increase downforce, a set of slicks, and 35psi of boost. The increased positive pressure results in 300 claimed horses that announce their arrival through a stunningly gorgeous and deafeningly loud titanium exhaust that will require earplugs for your unborn descendants: the H2R is so loud that Performance Bikes Magazine wasn't even able to test one in the UK, as it wouldn't meet the dB limits at any track in the country.

It's also worth noting this H2R benefits from the most recent electronic revisions from Kawasaki in 2017 including an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and autoblipper. Cosmetically it has updated upper wings and the "matte mirror" paint.

From the Seller: 2018 Kawasaki H2R for Sale

For sale is a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2R, complete with a clean street title in hand. The H2R only has 60 miles on the clock, and hasn't been rode enough to register even one hour on the service interval tracker (it tracks based on time spent above 8000 rpm). Bike was broken in per Kawasaki's specs on a dyno, at which point it was immediately serviced at the dealer. I took it out for a few minutes on the track and otherwise it has sat on front and rear stands plugged into a battery tender.

Includes all original accessories: front and rear OEM stands, Chicken Hawk tire warmers, and Dr. Beasley's wax kit. Also includes one unused front tire and three rears (OEM-spec Bridgestone slicks), complete with spare rear wheel (you'll need it for a track weekend!). The bodywork has been completely ceramic coated and the edges of the lower wings have a clear film on them for protection.

This is a tremendous bike and is virtually new, with the added benefit of a street title so you can easily turn around and take it on the street rather than wait for the next track day.

Regarding pricing, because H2Rs are so fantastically rare and streetable H2Rs even moreso, I find it difficult to put a price on it. I am not desperate to sell, but I've had a few opportunities come up, so I'd like to see if anyone is interested in one of the most incredible bikes out there that is only some tires and a mirror away from being street-legal.

For perspective on rarity, the VIN number on this bike ends in 10. I was told by a Kawasaki rep that Kawasaki skips VIN number 1, and this was the last 2018 H2R built worldwide. Unfortunately this is purely anecdotal but if you look for photos of H2Rs, there are so few images of them with the 2017+ revised wing design that it is not hard to believe.

Located in Indiana, USA but am happy to cooperate to find shipping within the US. Please send all offers or inquiries to StreetH2R18@gmail.com

This isn’t the first H2R we’ve seen with a street title, so it can’t be all that difficult to manage, assuming you don’t live in California or New York. I’m assuming it has a normal VIN to help things along, and this has been done in the past with the Ducati SPS, which apparently wasn’t road-legal either, but came with lights and signals and a VIN, making it more of a, “Of course you’re not going to ride this very fast, very loud exotic racing motorcycle on the road, even though it has headlights and turn signals and treaded tires…” [wink, wink] Obviously, do your homework if you intend to buy it and actually use it on the street, as your local DMV may have some problems with this one, depending on where you live. But other than that, I love the idea of an over-the-top track-day weapon you can use to commute to work on Fridays.

-tad

Featured Listing: Street-Titled 2018 Kawasaki H2R for Sale

Kawasaki January 20, 2019 posted by Aaron

Angry Ninja: 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7R M1

It's not that hard to come across clean Kawasaki ZX-7Rs these days, even after many of them were used and abused and thrown away. But this 1993 Kawasaki ZX-7R M1 is a lot more special. It's not quite an RR, but the M1 is an early homologation special of the ZX-7R, and it wears a plethora of very sexy race track-oriented bits. To wit: an aluminum gas tank, a rack of four 39mm flatslide carbs, adjustable suspension front and rear, an adjustable swingarm pivot and a close ratio gearbox. There's also a solo seat cowl to really hammer home the idea that this ain't your average street bike.

To take full advantage of the bike's potential, you needed to spring for the race kit, which would get the thing ready for whatever series you wanted to throw it at. With 121 horsepower at the crank pushing around about 440 pounds, the M1 was no slouch. This one has been in the care of a Kawi tech for the last decade, and he says he purchased it from his friend who is the original owner. He claims it has never been raced, and all 21,000 of its miles were racked up on the roads around Burnaby, BC, where it lives. It got an extensive going over last year, with a catalog of new parts listed below.

The bike is in beautiful condition, with the exception of a very scarce few blemishes.

From the eBay listing:

Motorcycle is a Canadian M1 model.
Originally purchased new from my local Kawasaki dealership, Burnaby Kawasaki in BC Canada, est. 1975.
Previous owner is a friend and I have always wanted my first love, a 1993 ZX7R M1.
I purchased the bike June 2009.

Currently has 37,385 kilometers / 23230 miles

Wheels do have some minor light scratches where balance weights were removed when changing tires in past. Front fairing, above headlights, where Kawasaki silver lettering / black decal has, small Nick in decal. See pics.

Two things are missing:
Bike is missing fuel filter bracket, I've never had it, didn't really bother me, but I ordered one last year, it never showed up. Bit disappointed. They are used ones out there.
The remote idle adjuster is bit shorter than the original. I do not know what happened to the original, I bought it like this, and again, never really bothered me. Its just short to reach the holder bracket.

All service work completed in 2018 by myself, factory Kawasaki trained tech.
All the fluids and oil filter have been changed.
Valve adjustment, shims changed as needed.
Carbs cleaned, adjusted as needed and synced. Bike runs great, see video of running operation, link below.
Brakes front and rear rebuilt, oem seals.
Fork seals replaced oem.
New sparkplugs.
New oem air filter.
New oem butt pad.
New brake pads and new oem brake rotors front and back.
Replaced the brake lines with spieglers, I do have the oem brake lines front and rear.
Zero Gravity tinted screen.
I do not have oem windscreen. These can be made to exact oem match by a company in Florida, www.bikescreen.com
New Michelin pilot tires with less than 300kms.
I do have the side fairing left and right side reflectors.
Two ignition keys plus the key code tag.
New chain and sprockets, went with blue chain, reminds me early 90's. Stock oem gearing.
New battery, new thermostat. New brake reservoirs. All the lights, speedo lights etc work, nothing burnt out. Charging system checked, ok.
Bike starts up, idles, operates properly. I do have video https://youtu.be/M0ofJBc2JXI

Call me if you have any questions, Jason @ 1-604-816- 2915 Try to call between 9am-10pm PST
Much appreciated.

Buyer is responsible for shipping. Bike is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada,
1 hour north of USA border.

Motorcycle is listed for sale locally as well, so auction can end anytime.

Since the bike is in Canada, it will take a little bit of paperwork for U.S. buyers to get it on the road, but for a bike this cool and in condition this nice, it should be worth the hassle.

Kawasaki January 19, 2019 posted by Donn

Warm Leatherette – 2001 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R

This ZX7R has popped up from the middle of the 1996-2003 run, mostly stock and showing no particular damage. The owner lists a recent major service, battery and new tires. Not a ground-breaking design or super lightweight, the mid-size Ninja did nail down a few AMA Superbike titles, and is still a great looking ride.

2001 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R for sale on eBay

Kawasaki evolved the 748cc in-line four from the ZXR-750, and it puts out a very usable 112 hp. The alloy twin-spar chassis was also a refinement from the previous model and offers a great-steering platform. House adjustable USD forks and monoshock reviewed at the sporty end of the spectrum, rather stiff for road duty. Six-piston Tokico brakes over 320mm rotors were up to the task. Scoops next to the cat's eye headlights send fresh air to the engine, and the biposto seat console offers a nice backstop for a solo rider.

With rather low mileage at 13K, this example looks great - but of course some close-ups would be nice, and we'll have to look under that tank bra. The color-matched pillion looks good, and the green Micron muffler will either delight or incite. Surprising to see un-altered turn signals and tail feathers. From the eBay auction:

Mint condition Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R. The only thing that is not original is the Micron can. I have the original black back seat for it. The bike only has 13,000 miles. It has never been laid down. There are a few minute scratches. It'll be difficult to find one that's this clean. The bike has new tires , battery and the front calipers rebuilt and all the fluids changed. The bike had a hung up float from sitting however that problem has been taken care of. Own a piece of history! The bike really needs someone that's going to ride it. All it does is sit with me. It is maintained and started regularly. The bike runs and rides like a brand new machine.

Collectors will want a second -R, wanting an homologation special to keep up with their RC30 / OW01 buddies. Not exactly plain vanilla but a perfect sport rider, carefully used, just a little young to be termed a classic...

-donn