Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Featured Listing June 9, 2021 posted by Dan

Featured Listing: Kawasaki KRR150

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 is asking $3,799 for his KRR and 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.

The asking price is $3,799 and Michael welcomes your email – here -. Bike is located in San Anselmo, Ca, 94960.

-donn

Kawasaki May 20, 2021 posted by Mike

Racetrack Weapon: 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR

Homologation machines exist to go racing. Sometimes it is the street bike that makes the race bike possible. Sometimes the street bike is the actual privateer race bike. In almost all cases, homologation machines are collector items because by nature they are limited in numbers. And of those numbers, many of the supply have been lost to the racing circuit (as might have been originally intended from the manufacturer). In almost all cases homologation machines exist to prove that certain features or components were included as stock with production motorcycles, thus providing factories an edge at the race track.

1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR for sale on eBay

The Kawasaki ZX-7RR is no exception to the homologation game. Fully $3 grand more than the next highest spec ZX-7R, the RR sports the type of components that one needs in order to win a Superbike title. Or many, as the case may be. From a stronger bottom end bearing caps to better and more adjustable suspension front and rear, the adjustable steering head rake and swing arm pivot, to the tall-gearing of the close ratio six speed box to the oversized flatslide carbs (the latter two which incidentally don’t do very well on the street), the RR is really a starting point for teams to begin their tuning. From a “right off the showroom floor” perspective the lower spec Ninjas were better around town – and possibly all around – riders. But the RR was faster, meaner, sharper and far more exclusive.

From the seller:
Absolutely beautiful 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Stock pipe and not modified. Runs as good as it looks. Only 8000 miles.

For bikes that were meant to be raced – or at least to allow manufacturers to race – homologation machines in low mileage, clean condition are coveted. And rare. All told this is a serious motorcycle. The brand won 12 AMA Superbike championships, thanks to a few names you might have heard about: Eric Bostrom, Doug Chandler and Scott Russell for example. To find a bike this clean and cared for after all these years, to find one in stock, unmodified condition is really too much to ask for sometimes. But if you’re in the market – or in North Carolina where this bike is located – this one might be worth checking out.

This example is being listed as a Buy It Now classified – with pricing a cool $19,500. Looking through the RSBFS archives we find similar examples offered for more, and some for less. We don’t see these every day, and therefore the pricing spread is over a couple of years. That tells me that at least this one is priced in the ballpark. And given the rate at which collector values have been inflated in 2021, this may well be right on the money or even a bit low! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Kawasaki February 23, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Express Ticket: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

I’m sure you all must be exhausted by the never ending stream of exotic Italian confections that have assaulted your senses this week. Rich, high-calorie recipes that include a bit too much of all the things that make motorcycles great. As a palate cleanser, I’d like to offer this very clean, very handsome, very appropriately painted, and very fast Kawasaki ZX-11.

Kawasaki’s entry into the 1990’s Horsepower Wars was introduced in 1990 and produced until 2001, when it was superseded by the reskinned and stroked ZZ-R1200. Power naturally came from a big inline four that displaced 1052cc and was connected to a six-speed gearbox. Aided by one of the very first functional production ram-air systems, the big four produced 150 crankshaft horses, enough to push the bike to a top speed of over 175mph.

Handling was neutral and very stable, exactly what you’d want from a bike this powerful. But although it was fast, the ZX-11 was no track bike: it was designed as a roadbike, with very reasonable ergonomics that made it far more of a gran tourismo, as the sleek, mature looks and lack of the period’s famously garish graphics suggest. The near 600lb wet weight helped provide stability at speed and pummeled road imperfections into submission.

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

100% OEM Condition… 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX11 D-1 in a very desirable Candleberry Wine Red with only 27,800 miles that comes out to 989 miles a year. This bike could easily qualify as a survivor (Pride in Ownership shows). Overall paint is in great condition. Exhaust and ECU are stock. Exhaust cans are very clean. Starts and runs good! Everything works as it should. No leaks, no smoke, no overheating. Plenty of tread on the tires. Decals and emblems are all original. Adult owned and cared for its entire life.

Original tool kit is under the seat. This is a very clean example and as the time progresses these are harder to come by in such great shape. As a matter of fact I’ve only ever come across a couple that were even close to this condition in years past.

You will be very hard pressed to find one let alone in this condition. Free and clear title in hand. Bike has never been laid down or crashed. I purchased the bike from the original owner who was well into his late 70s. Hate to see it go. Price is firm. No rust whatsoever and garage kept.

I’ll include bar risers and a flat bar should the new owner decide to take touring comfort to another level. I will also include JTR488-45 rear sprocket. Zero Gravity tinted screen mounted, stock clear screen and a black out screens will be included.

Condition of this Candleberry Wine Red example appears excellent, although miles aren’t especially low. But it’s not surprising that the previous two owners racked up some miles, considering the ZX-11’sraison d’etre: ballistic mile-munching performance. I genuinely think these are very cool and, when prices were at their nadir, entertained fantasies of finding a clean example and fitting a set of soft luggage so I could blast up and down the West Coast. I’ve seen lower-mileage examples for less than this one’s $4,200 asking price in years past, but I have a feeling this will look like a very good deal in just a couple years’ time… Snap bargains up while you can still find them.

-tad

Express Ticket: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

Kawasaki February 9, 2021 posted by Mike

Poor Man’s RC30: 1989 Kawasaki ZX750 H1

In the 1980s all the major Big Four manufacturers were geared up to go racing. This was a massive boon to the consumer; not only did racing improve the overall breed, race-ready bikes showed up in the showrooms as homologation models. And while Honda and Yamaha produced actual race bikes with street concessions (read: RC30 and OW01, respectively), Kawasaki brought an excellent street bike to the party. Capable of being tuned into a fire-breathing racer by privateers, the H1 was an upper echelon sport bike for the masses.

1989 Kawasaki ZX750 H1 for sale on eBay

The ZX750 H1 has all the basics that make it an excellent platform – but without the super exclusivity of the Honda and Yamaha specials. That did not make the Kawi any less special, just less pricey. Yet all the goods were there from the beginning with the twin spar aluminum frame tying together multi-adjustable suspension front and rear with a jewel of a 108-ish HP inline four and 6-speed tranny mounted in the middle. All this was draped with endurance racer bodywork (including elephant snorkels to bring fresh air into the airbox) and drenched in gallons of lime green paint. The effect was significant, and hooligans everywhere were mesmerized. Aspiring professionals could obtain a race kit to unleash the inner beast and turn this street machine into a racetrack razor.

From the seller:
An original low mileage ZX750 H1. Very hard to find one In this condition. It’s like new a true time capsule.
Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. Thank you very much.

Because ZX750s were more accessible than other 750 superbike-class offerings – but only slightly less capable – Kawasaki cranked out a significant number of them. This invariably meant that while OWs and RCs were headed for collector stables, ZX750s found their way into garages and street parking everywhere. Today it is the passage of time and overall condition that make these nostalgia machines valuable.

Today’s example of the ZX750 H1 is about a clean as we’ve seen for a while. Located in California and from the stable of our new favorite collector, this 1989 mean green machine is looking for a new home. If the condition of some of his other bikes is any indication, this one should be very minty indeed. The Buy It Now price is a rather lofty $18k, however that is far below the asking prices for some of the aforementioned homologation racers and reinforces Kawasaki’s design goal criterion. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Kawasaki February 4, 2021 posted by Mike

Turbo Time! 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo

When Honda launched the Turbo wars with the 1982 CX500T, the rest of the Big Four were not far behind. Before the very brief rise of the factory turbos came crashing down, Honda had produced both the CX500 and CX650 Turbos, Suzuki introduced the stunning XN85 Turbo Katana look-alike, Yamaha phoned in a warmed-over Seca 650T, and Kawasaki produced the fastest motorcycle money could buy in 1984: the GPz750 Turbo.

1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo for sale on eBay

The recipe during this era of motorcycle innovation followed pretty similar routes; take an existing engine/platform, build up the bottom end to withstand additional power, bolt up a turbocharger and associated plumbing, and create an induction system to maximize both performance and longevity. In the case of Kawasaki the GPz unit was already fairly stout. By reducing compression via the use of special pistons, the real magic was in the oil delivery system. Oil is a cooling medium for air-cooled engines, and Turbos are notorious for creating heat quickly. Kawasaki beefed up the oil capacity, added a scavenge pump, and generally increased oil flow through the engine. But the secret to the boosted GPz was in the exhaust. By optimally placing the turbo in front of the engine – and thereby feeding the turbo hot exhaust gasses as directly from the combustion chamber as possible – Kawasaki managed to minimize turbo lag and really extract the most from their turbo setup. Electronic fuel injection fed the beast, and the remainder was an interesting mix of GPz750 and GPz1100 components.

From the seller:
Up for sale is my 1984 GPZ 750 Turbo with only 269 original miles. I bought this bike directly from Kawasaki Motor Corp two years ago. The new Kawasaki President sold off all of Kawasaki’s inventory in California that had been sitting there for years and this was one of them. I bought this bike just as you see it. As far as I can tell, the bike looks 100% original and has matching VIN with Engine VIN. Bike has been stored in my heated garage. The bike has been on display since I purchased it and never put fuel in it. This may be the lowest mileage turbo in existence, and it came straight from Kawasaki Motor Corp. I have all the paperwork needed to register the bike in all 50 states. You may never find another one like this, there are turbos out there but with this low of mileage would be near impossible to find. The only reason why I’m selling is because I am downsizing and moving south. Freight shipping will be coordinated and paid for by the purchaser. Thank you and happy bidding

While Honda and Yamaha produced sport touring rigs and Suzuki created something all new, Kawasaki extended their GPz lineup to include this Turbo model. That was smart from an advertising perspective, as even folks who couldn’t afford the Turbo might kick down for a normally aspirated GPz750 (or even a GPz550 or lowly 305). The fact that Jay Gleason ripped off a quarter mile time quicker than the company’s own GPz1100 earmarked the Turbo as something special – and fast. Available for only a few years with very minimal changes, the GPz750 Turbo is often (and rightfully) considered one of the best turbo bikes of the era.

Today’s example has a claimed 269 miles on the clock. That seems unreal today, but the entire bike looks to be pretty clean and well preserved. This came directly from Kawasaki very recently according to the current owner who has paperwork to match. If it all checks out, this is as new as new gets for a 37 year old bike. I suggest you check out all of the pics and details here, but be warned: this bike is breaking the price barrier for the Turbo set. Bidding is up to nearly $11,500 at time of writing, and there is still a reserve in place. It is uncommon for Turbos of any make to cross the $10k barrier, so this just might be one to watch. Stay safe, and good luck!!

Kawasaki February 1, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

KR1S KR0S: California-Titled 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale!

Here in the US, the entire class of 250cc two-stroke sportbikes was long nearly impossible to come by and, let’s be honest, probably not much missed by the majority of the riding public. In a land of GSX-R1100s being ridden by guys who considered a mullet and wraparound shades to be adequate protection, the market for 45hp two-strokes was always going to be pretty limited. But if you were just the right kind of motorcycle enthusiast, it must have been excruciating to read about bikes like today’s Kawasaki KR-1S in the pages of Fast Bikes and other European magazines of the period.

It’s easier to get a number of these formerly forbidden fruits here these days, now that they’re legal to import. After all, the Honda NSR250R was in production from 1987 until 1996 so, if you’re not too picky about which particular NSR you get, it’s not really all that rare a bike in its home market: nearly 100,000 were built in total. But Kawasaki’s entry into the class is rare, even in Japan, and was only rarely seen outside its domestic market. And even then, just 10,000 were built between 1988 and 1992, the bike’s entire production run.

By the time the 90s had rolled around, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha had all shifted to v-twins, but Kawasaki stuck with a parallel twin configuration, with the engine hung completely beneath the typical aluminum beam frame of the class. Like every other two-stroke two-fiddy, the KR-1 was light, agile, and involving to ride. Technology in the hotly contested class was cutting edge, and Kawasaki brought their KIPS powervalve and a slick six-speed gearbox to the party. Power was officially limited to a government-mandated 45hp, but the bike was naturally capable of much more when derestricted.

There were three versions of the KR-1 available: the base KR-1, the KR-1S seen here that included wider wheels at the front and rear, and a few hundred examples of the KR-1R that featured larger carburetors and a close-ratio gearbox. Top speed was a frankly incredible as-tested speed of 139mph!

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale

A Very rare 17 digit frame (Australia) CA titled 1991 Kawasaki KR1S 250 two stroke bike. Bike is in excellent condition. Bike will come with a lot of NOS parts and engine parts as well. Feel free to message me if you have any questions thank you very much.

The price for this two-stroke unicorn is a steep $17,900. Is it worth it? Well that’s hard to say: if that Cali title is easily transferred and if that cache of parts is extensive, I’m sure it will be to the right buyer. You may have heard that there are lots of well-heeled enthusiasts here in California with more money than sense… If you’re interested, move fast: there’s just about one day left on this auction!

-tad

KR1S KR0S: California-Titled 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale!

Featured Listing January 4, 2021 posted by Donn

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 Mike

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!!