Posts by Category: Kawasaki

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 !
Featured Listing 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 !
Kawasaki August 24, 2020 posted by
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The Danger Zone: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Today’s Kawasaki GPz900R “Ninja” is one of the most iconic Japanese sport bikes of all time: the image of Tom Cruise racing a Tomcat along a runway, with just a pair of sunglasses, a bomber jacket, and his million-dollar smile to protect him from bugs traveling at 221 feet per second was burned into the minds of fans, cementing the Ninja’s place in motorcycling history as one of the coolest bikes ever. Unlike the film version, this example is slathered in classic Kawasaki green-and-white paint, making it just that extra bit 80s.

Elsewhere, the bike was known as the GPz900R, a clear evolution of the earlier GPz models. But here in the USA, it got a much more evocative name: “Ninja.” It’s clearly a bit silly now, naming your motorcycle after an ancient and heavily mythologized group of secretive assassins. But in the 1980s, ninjas were the height of cool, and the edgy styling of the bike certainly fit the name.

But the bike was sophisticated under that angular skin as well: the Ninja used one of the first liquid-cooled engines fitted to a motorcycle, and it eschewed the usual center-mounted cam-chain for one mounted on the end of the 16-valve engine to make it more compact. Today the numbers look decidedly sport-touring: 546lbs wet, with 115hp and a 151mph top speed. But at the time, the bike was pure sex and finding one this clean is pretty difficult today.

From the original eBay listing: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Up for auction is a rare opportunity to purchase a fully sorted and functional ninja 900R in the KAWASAKI trademark A2 export lime green. Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours went into the restoration/sorting of this motorcycle by a factory trained Kawasaki technician as a means of therapy. Believe it or not, it has $500.00 worth of OE o-rings in the cooling system and carburetors alone. Has had the mechanical work necessary for it to be right, whatever was needed was done or replaced (carburetor kits/cooling system complete overhaul etc.

This was the series of NINJA that started it all as the first water-cooled road-superbikes by Kawasaki. Restored by veteran motorcycle restorer that has been doing this since the 1980s. Valves adjusted to specifications, good cylinder pressures, pulls hard!  Valves lapped for optimum pressure. Good compression as would be expected with the low miles! New tires, chain, clutches pulled checked, counter-balance shaft chain adjusted. Replaced front wheel bearings because he did not like the way they felt in his hands. All new fluids in every system. This bike has standard drive sprocket ratios.

 This 617 LIME GREEN (this is not a lime green of a 1970 barracuda) it is a proprietary mixture color that can only be bought through authorized KAWASAKI dealers at $200.00 a quart retail. PPG DC-3000 premium clear.

Like most Japanese sportbikes, these depreciated to a point where they became nearly disposable, and many were thrashed, heavily modified, or written off. This one has obviously had a ton of attention lavished on it, and that paint! With just 10,500 miles on the odometer this is very clean and ready for anyone looking for a quick trip down that highway to the danger zone…

-tad

The Danger Zone: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale
Kawasaki August 18, 2020 posted by
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Texas Tornado* – 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo

Sorry not Colin Edwards, but a turbocharged Kawasaki from Texas – a sharp restoration of the classic 1985 model with sparkling cosmetics and performance mods.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo for sale on eBay

Kawasaki came late to the gas-crisis turbo developments, but gave us the sportiest and least compromised model.  On boost the 738cc mill makes 112 hp and 73 ft.-lbs. torque, using fuel injection and just 7.8:1 compression.  The engine scoop hides the small turbocharger, which helped push the GPz through the traps at 136 mph.  GT style 18-inch wheels are fitted, along with air-adjustable suspension front and rear.  The frame is cold steel but the fairing is a hot and shapely red.

Too much time has elapsed to worry about ownership history on this Turbo, but the odo was apparently reset during the restoration.  Even with all the work done, the appearance is not far from stock.  The turbo in the exhaust system calms the normally noisy Supertrapp muffler.  Comments and a long list of updates from the eBay auction:

It has been tastefully modified, close to a resto-mod but not too much that its originality is lost. I have the original rear fender, grab rail and chain guard. Stock exhausts are being reproduced and you could make this bike factory original if desired. I also have the stock rear wheel, it is perfect with a near new tire.

Start stops and runs perfectly. This bike has won shows, it is show quality. It turns heads and always draws a crowd. This bike is no joke and it is blindingly fast and when the turbo hits you better be hanging on. It only has 3,500 miles on it since the complete rebuild.

Here is a rundown of what has been done –

810 KIT W/WISECO PISTONS

HTS10 TURBO WITH BILLET IMPELLER FROM EVERGREEN TURBO

K&N INTAKE

1.5″ BOOST PIPE

EXTERNAL BOV

RARE SUPERTRAPP EXHAUST – ADJUSTABLE TONE!

ADJUSTABLE WASTE GATE

ADJUSTABLE FUEL PUMP W/ GAUGE

NEW REWORKED INJECTORS

MRE UNDERCUT TRANSMISSION

NEW CLUTCH W/ HD SPRINGS

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH CONVERSION

NEW CLUTCH/BRAKE MASTER CYLS

BRAIDED CLUTCH/BRAKE LINES

FLOATING FRONT DISCS

NEW REAR DISC

PROGRESSIVE FORK SPRINGS

FFTP ANTI DIVE BLOCK OFF PLATES

PROGRESSIVE REAR SHOCK

5″WIDENED RR FACTORY WHEEL – NEW 160 RR TIRE

NEW MATCHING FRONT TIRE

SPEEDHUT GUAGES WITH MATCHING BOOST GAUGE

WORKING FACTORY BOOST GUAGE – LED BACKLIGHT UPGRADE

L.E.D. TURN SIGS W/L.E.D. FLASHER

L.E.D FACTORY WARNING LIGHTS

ZX7 MIRRORS

NEW ZERO GRAVITY WINDSCREEN

POLISHED SWING ARM AND WHEEL LIPS

CHROMED TURBO “WING”

CUSTOM RR FENDER DELETE (HAVE FACTORY FENDER)

2 STAGE PAINTED INNER FAIRING

RECENT FACTORY PAINT JOB w FACTORY DECALS

630 CHAIN CONVERSION

By the time all four Japanese manufacturers had their turbo models ready, OPEC ministers had peeked around the corner and calmed oil prices.  And insurers saw potential losses in all the leading-edge equipment aboard these bikes, dampening sales further with higher rates.  Still for a while the GPz 750 Turbo was the fastest bike in the showroom, and this one has been worked for even more power – while maintaining its great GPz looks.

-donn

Texas Tornado* – 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo
Kawasaki May 29, 2020 posted by
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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
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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