Posts by Category: Kawasaki

Kawasaki January 23, 2020 posted by Aaron

Ride and cherish: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR is the ultimate expression of streetbike muscle from the era when racebikes actually were just tricked out street bikes with hot engine kits, big brakes and slicks. Without someone like Pops Yoshimura in your rolodex, you still weren’t gonna get close to Eddie Lawson’s horsepower numbers, but with a couple number plates and a decent imagination you wouldn’t be far off.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR for sale on eBay

The 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR was the company’s marketing play on Eddie’s 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike championships aboard a very green KZ1000. With bodywork from the previous year’s GPz, a warmed up engine and the hallmark bright green and blue bodywork over gold wheels, the look was perfect. The bikes were always meant to be a little extra special, so they sold few of them and the ones that remain are blue-chip collector bikes.

This one is a Canada-spec machine, with no smog equipment and a kilometers per hour speedo. It shows some wear and tear from its 37 years, but it feels nitpicky to mention them. With just under 11,000 kilometers on the dial, this thing has a lot of cruise nights left in it.

From the eBay listing:

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR (Canada / Europe spec) This model does not have engine head cover US emission valve as can be seen in photo. Speedometer in Kilometers. Very rare and hard to find period FOX race shocks. Bike is in very good condition with 6822 miles or 10979 Kilometers on the bike. 150PSI plus on all cylinder compression and valves adjusted. Repacked steering head bearings, new petcock seals, rebuilt front forks with seals and 20W fork oil. Good condition and painted side covers with decals and emblems as hard side cover grommets damaged the tabs on the side covers. Bike has new side cover grommets now. Owners manual and partial tool kit as can be seen in photo. Bike runs and have video of bike running . Shifts through all gears and no clutch issues. Brakes work as they should. All lights work. New Metzeler Sportec Klassik tires front and rear. New Yuasa battery.
Clear title in hand.

This bike is very clean and original, but not so gleaming that you’d feel bad about riding it, which we love. For someone out there, this bike is the perfect addition.

Ride and cherish: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR

Featured Listing November 21, 2019 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1978 Kawasaki Z1R TC

Update 11.20.2019: Joe’s bikes are being sold at Bonhams 2020 Las Vegas Auction. The auction is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 23rd 2020 at Caesar’s Entertainment Studios, beginning at 12 noon. For information about the bikes and the auction itself, please visit – https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25835/ You can also contact Michael Caimano directly at 929-666-2243 or Michael.Caimano@Bonhams.com

Check out all Joe’s bikes that are being offered at Bonhams. Good luck to bidders and seller! -dc

In the wonderful world of Turbo motorcycles, there are the “make your own” types, and the factory turbo offerings. But this special model, the mighty Kawasaki Z1R TC, not only blurs the lines between the two camps, it is also the very first in the factory turbo column. You see, the Z1R TC was sold through Kawasaki dealerships as a new model. However it was not (technically) a factory effort. The offspring of a mixed marriage, ex-Kawi exec Alan Masek convinced the Big K brass to ship bikes to his Turbo Cycle Company (TCC). Given the sluggish sales of the warmed over Z1R, this was no big feat. TCC applied an American Turbo Pak kit to the stock machines, and shipped the resultant mutants to select dealerships with a $1,400 premium tacked on to the sticker price. Appearing to be a factory effort – but devoid of the factory warranty – the Z1R TC went on to gain an incredible reputation for speed, on/off switch turbo boost behavior (Jeckyl & Hyde anyone?), and questionable longevity. For Kawasaki it was a huge win with very little risk. Today, these rare bikes are coveted by collectors world wide.

Featured Listing: 1978 Kawasaki Z1R TC!

The original Z1R TC bikes went out the door in stock Kawasaki colors; they were literally converted by TCC and kicked out of the shop. As the operation matured, several changes occurred. The first was a change to the exhaust plumbing and collector – in an effort to tame the boost. The next change was a new wastegate that limited boost to 6 PSI (the Gen I bikes had a fully adjustable wastegate). And finally the classic 1970s paint scheme emerged. These are all Gen II bikes, and can be identified by the “Molly Designs” logo on the tail section. With the new graphics the Z1R TC finally had the appearance to show off the induction upgrades. Today these Molly graphic bikes are the most desired of the Z1R TC set.

From the seller:
You should know that I am a serious collector, with a large motorcycle collection. I decided to sell some of the most valuable motorcycles in the collection. These motorcycles represent some of the most iconic motorcycles 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Those motorcycles are now being offered up for sale one by one. Many years ago when the best of the best was available, and that is what I was buying, these motorcycles were targeted for my collection by me.

In general, I do believe super rare Italian motorcycle of the 1970s and 1980s are the future Ferrari of motorcycle collecting. We all know what has happened with the Ferrari market.

An exception is the Kawasaki Z1RTC.

More from the seller:
The rare bike in this ad is the 1978 Kawasaki Z1RTC. To me it is one of the greatest and rare motorcycle you can collect. It is a very limited production motorcycle especially in the Molly Graphics configuration. It is unbelievably fast and has an exhaust that is a thrill to listen to as it winds up through the gears. I purchased this Z1RTC from the original owner and it has not been taken apart or restored or manipulated. The original owner explained to me that this ZR1TC turbo is a Stage 3 which is the best of the best for Z1RTC turbos. The original owner told me he took the bike to a drag strip only once and turned 9.9 seconds in the quarter mile and described the feeling by saying, “it felt like his eyeballs were pinned to the back of his head”

The Z1RTC is all original except for the upgraded pressure gauge. Always kept on a trickle charger and ready to fly down the road.

They are only original once.

I would suggest that you check out the other rare cycles that I am offering for sale.

Thanks for looking at one of the best!

While the Z1R TC put Kawasaki on the map, not all was tea and roses. This was a serious motorcycle that demanded the best riders. Boost was not easily manipulated and the remainder of the stock Z1R pieces were not engineered for the upgrade. The complete lack of engine controls that we take for granted (computer controlled fuel injection, programmable ignition modules, rev limiters) made for a very fragile existence. There was actually recommendations in the manual that new owners upgrade to stronger valve springs, weld the crank and upgrade the clutch if the bike were to be used aggressively. When was the last time your owners manual made those types of modification suggestions? But given that there was no factory warranty, there was apparently little to lose.

These are mean, aggressive yet beautiful motorcycles. They chronicle an era where experimentation and entrepreneurship could coexist with a larger factory effort. And the epic bikes that resulted from these strange bedfellows strike awe and wonder in the hearts and minds of viewers – and riders. To find a totally stock Z1-R TC is an amazingly rare sight. This bike is very, very close to perfectly original, and has a very limited list of owners. It looks absolutely pristine and clean enough to eat off of – should you dare to commit such sacrilege. For those in the market for something unique and special, few bikes can compete with this beautiful 1978 Kawasaki Z1R TC. If previous listings of this model are any example, this one will go quickly. Boost on, and good luck!!

Kawasaki October 25, 2019 posted by Aaron

Red, white and smoky: 1985 Kawasaki KR250S

The 1985 Kawasaki KR250S was a street-going version of a two-stroke road racer that took home four championships in the 1970s. They weighed less than 300 pounds, made 45 horsepower and packaging was kept tight with a weird “tandem twin” engine design. The mill was essentially two singles in a line with a unified crank. Before the KR-1, this bike carried the two-stroke banner for Kawasaki.

1985 Kawasaki KR250S for sale on eBay

This 1985 Kawasaki KR250S is in excellent shape and was just imported to the U.S. from Japan. It wears the marks and blemishes of its years and has not been treated to U.S. paperwork. In California, you won’t have any luck with documentation, but it might be worth trying in other states. Even so, as a vintage ride, limited trackday mount or museum piece, there is real value to the collectors among you.

From the eBay listing:

1985 Kawasaki KR250S located at our shop in Santa Ana, California. The pictures in this auction were taken at our shop in Japan. This bike is in excellent condition for it’s age. Bike only has 2691 KM = 1614 Miles. Engine runs very good. KR250S in this condition are very hard to find in Japan now. More info is available on our website. Bike is sold with a bill of sale only. I don’t have a title for the bike and can’t get one here in California. If your living outside the USA, you will have to arrange your own shipping. I can recommend a good shipping company. USA buyers will also have to arrange there own shipping. Bike is sold as is, no returns. So, ask questions and look at the pictures carefully before you bid. Payment must be received no later than 3 business days after auction close. Sorry, no Paypal

With a starting bid at $6,200, this thing is prepped for the collector or the well-heeled two-stroke connoisseur, but we dare you to find another one.

Red, white and smoky: 1985 Kawasaki KR250S

Kawasaki October 18, 2019 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

Update 11.18.2019: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Eddie Lawson won the AMA Superbike championship in 1981 and 1982. That alone should be enough to cement his name in the history books. But “Steady Eddie” did not stop there. He went on to become a 4-time 500cc GP champion, bettering the likes of Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey. And while this KZ1000R ELR – or Eddie Lawson Replica – commemorates his success with Team Green, what you are really looking at is a tribute to a two-wheeled legend. Unlike many “limited edition” models these days that have little to do with the men that raced them, the ELR stands out as a time capsule hot rod honoring the hero that rode it to victory. As such, it is glorious.

Featured Listing: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

There is a lot of Kawasaki family DNA in the ELR. The basic format harkens back to the 1970s, when the Z1 ruled the streets. All motor (old-school air cooled, with 2-valve heads no less) on paper, the Z1 began the shift whereby Japanese manufacturers realized the key role of the frame when it came to handling. And handling meant winning races. Still a far cry from the aluminum spar frames to come, the basic back-bone chassis was beefier than the competition, and continually evolved into the 1980s. The bodywork has the classic GPz theme to it, yet appears much different than a GPz with a green paint job. The twin piggy-back shocks were high-tech for the day, as were the triple disk brakes. Everything about this bike screamed “racer!” right down to the Kerker 4-into-1 pipe that looked like it came right off the factory works bike.

From the seller:
VERY LIMITED EDITION 1983 KAWASAKI KZ 1000R EDDIE LAWSON REPLICA THIS LOW LOW MILAGE JEWEL IS COMING OUT OF MY PRIVATE COLLECTION. 100% ALL ORIGINAL NEVER RE-PAINTED!!!!

I OWN 4 OF THESE AMAZING BIKES. THIS ONE IS ALL ORIGINAL NEVER MOLESTED WITH ALL ORIGINAL NOS BODY PARTS. THERE IS OVER $7000 IN THE NEW OLD STOCK “NOS” PARTS; TANK, COWL, FENDER, TAIL, SIDE COVERS, AND SIDE COVER, TANK, AND EXHAUST EMBLEMS, ECT. AGAIN ALL NEW OLD STOCK “NOS” OEM NOTHING AFTER MARKET ON MY BIKE.

More from the seller:
IF YOU HAVE NOT OWNED OR RIDDEN A KAWASAKI ELR YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT ON WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE MOST FUN BIKE OF THE ERA TO RIDE! YES I HAVE TOO MANY ELR’s ALONG WITH TOO MANY OF MY OTHER FAVORITE BIKES SO A FEW WILL BE OFFERED TO A NEW CUSTODIAN.

THIS EXAMPLE IS A PRISTINE ONE OWNER ALL ORIGINAL VERY LOW MILES 1983 KZ 1000R ELR THAT HAS BEEN PRESERVED IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED MINI MUSEUM. SHE IS UN-MOLESTED UNLIKE 90% OF THE ELR’s OUT THERE. THE ONLY CHANGE IS THE TIRES THAT ARE AS PERIOD CORRECT AS I WILL RIDE ON, YES MUCH SAFER TO RIDE ON. THIS IS A PERFECT RUNNING BIKE THAT NEEDS NOTHING AT ALL JUST TO BE RIDDEN AT LEAST A BIT WHEN YOU GET HER.

I HAD THIS BIKE WITH A FEW OTHERS AT THE BONHAM AUCTION IN THE BARBER MUSEUM DURING VINTAGE FEST THIS MONTH AND I TURNED DOWN THE HIGH BID. I SOLD ANOTHER OF ’83’S 2 YEARS AGO FOR 26K WITH “NOS” PARTS BUT HIGHER MILES AND JUST NOT AS PERFECT SO DON’T MISS OUT. I AM IN NO RUSH TO SELL HER. BUT IF YOU HAVE WANTED A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF AN ’83 ELR THAT IS FIT TO BE IN ANY MUSEUM, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE.

More from the seller:
THE ENGINE:
ALL ORIGINAL UNMOLESTED WITH ONLY 1759 MILES SHE IS JUST BROKEN IN. I JUST SERVICED HER WITH A MOTUL 300V OIL AND OEM FILTER CHANGE, REMOVED ULTRASONICALLY CLEANED AND RE-SYNCHRONIZED THE CARBS (THE BIKE DID SIT FOR A WHILE), NEW NGK SPARK PLUGS.

THE FRAME:
THE FRAME IS ALL ORIGINAL, UNMOLESTED NO SCRATCHES OR TOUCH UP PAINT, THE WHEELS ARE SCRATCH FREE, NEW TIRES, ORIGINAL CHAIN AND SPROCKETS, ORIGINAL GRIPS, NEW BATTERY, THE PAINT IS “NOS” NEW OLD STOCK PERFECT NOT A SCRATCH,THE OEM KERKER EXHAUST IS LIKE NEW WITH NO SCRATCHES AND HAS A NEW OLD STOCK NOS PERIOD CORRECT KERKER EMBLEM, THE FOOT PEGS AND BRAKE/CLUTCH LEVERS ARE ALSO SCRATCH FREE AS SHE HAS NEVER BEEN LAID DOWN/DROPED.

More from the seller:
THE BIKE STARTS, RUNS, RIDES, AND LOOKS LIKE IT JUST ROLLED OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN 1983.

I HAVE BEEN RIDING, RACING, BUILDING, RESTORING, AND COLLECTING SPECIAL BIKES SINCE BEFORE GRADUATING FROM THE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE INSTITUTE “AMI” IN DAYTONA BEACH IN 1980. THIS IS A REAL HEAD TURNER AND SO MUCH FUN TO RIDE SO BID HIGH AND DON’T MISS OUT. DON’T WORRY TELL YOUR WIFE THESE BIKES ONLY GO UP IN VALUE 10-20% PER YEAR AND SHE WILL LOVE THE BIKE TOO.

There’s a good reason why the ELR is the color of money. These bad boys of a bygone racing era are worth bank today. Parts are difficult to locate, and truly low-mileage original machines are coveted. To find a clean, original ELR today will set you back a significant sum, and that sum seems to be rising faster than the overall tide. These were rare machines in the day, and as time goes on that situation only becomes more so. The laws of Supply and Demand are pretty immutable; Kawasaki isn’t making any more of these, and there is a very limited supply of spares. These Lawson replicas are reaching the territory of the RC30 from a few years ago, and there is no reason to see that trend reversing. If you want in on the ELR craze, you’d better not wait much longer.

This particular specimen looks to be absolutely immaculate. We’ve seen this collector’s bikes before, and they all represent as the best of the best. And you’d have to figure he knows the ELR model, given that this collector currently owns four examples of the breed. With only 1,759 claimed miles and a boatload of NOS (read $$) parts on hand, this is as clean an example you are likely to see. And the price? Well it wouldn’t be the most expensive ask for an ELR that we have seen, and the market is certainly moving in this direction with no sign of slowing down. You could consider a good ELR about as blue chip as they come if you are speculating for the future (reference Bonhams, Mecum, etc). This bike is currently on eBay and you can check out all of the action here. Look closely, and then get in line to collect this homage to a legendary racer. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing October 2, 2019 posted by Aaron

Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

It came up recently in the comments section, but I got into motorcycles relatively late in life. I mean, I always thought they were cool, but they just seemed so dangerous, and I knew I’d never hear the end of it from my family and friends. They’re also of limited practical value in the northeastern US as primary transportation, unless you’re a masochist or have Yeti DNA. When I finally got one here in California, I used economics to justify it: just $500 got me a runner. And that still holds true: if you’re into motorsports and have a limited budget, just what kind of worthwhile car can you get for five to ten grand? And if you live in Southern California, where would you keep a fun hobby car anyway? But you can fit a small collection of bikes into a single parking spot. And a nice, classic superbike like this 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 can be had for that kind of money.

The late 1980s and 1990s were a golden period of superbike development. The basic formula was set, and the Japanese manufacturers were hard at work perfecting their creations. Only Ducati really went their own way with a v-twin: Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda all stuck with inline fours for their mass production machines, with the very limited-production RC30 and RC45 homologation machines from Honda being notable exceptions. Kawasaki’s ZX-7, known in other markets as the ZXR750, used a 748cc four that squeaked in under the 750cc limit for four-cylinder superbikes, a move that allowed the machine to be used in production-based racing series.

That engine was hung in a stiff aluminum frame, and backed by a six-speed gearbox. Power was rated at 105hp and the bike wasn’t especially lightweight at 450lbs dry, but there was the potential for more in the hands of skilled tuners, and the ZX-7 was famously terrific under braking and had excellent mid-corner stability. It might not have been the best bike on paper, but the Kawasaki found plenty of success in a variety of racing here in the US and abroad. This example isn’t perfect, or even stock, but looks like a sharp rider or a rolling restoration project. It’s not flawless, but has low miles and appears to have been sympathetically maintained.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

1994 ZX-7 (ZX750L) with 9,812 original miles.

Original plastics – All VIN tags in place.

Engine/Frame/etc. all very clean. No leaks.

New tires, fresh oil change (Mobil 1), new sprockets all this year.

Runs and Rides great (see video).

Light damage on left side from falling off lift while stationary.

Muzzy full system with correct jetting.

Original turn signals etc. will be included.

CLEAN NC TITLE IN HAND.

The seller has also helpfully included a nice, high-res video of the bike. So what’s to like here? The low miles, the likely reasonable final 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 the seller mentions. The front and rear turn signals are also missing, along with the rear fender, although those shouldn’t be too hard to source if you want to switch things closer to stock. 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.

-tad

Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 for Sale

Kawasaki September 23, 2019 posted by Donn

Before Kris – 1988 Kawasaki KR-1

Kawasaki had a tiger by the tale in 1988, and for a season or two the KR-1 bested every RGV, TZR and NSR. Coming out of a collection, this KR-1 looks to have missed the scrapes most 250cc two-strokes got caught up in.

1988 Kawasaki KR-1 for sale on eBay

Kawasaki’s 249cc two-stroke might have been furthest from a real race bike, as there wasn’t a factory presence in the 250 category. Still the snappy parallel twin, with balance shaft, was eminently tuneable and the package very light. The 55 hp produced by the Integrated Power Valve System worked beautifully with just 271 lbs. of dry weight. The frame looked overbuilt but was a light alloy, and 41mm forks were up front with dual discs. Out back there was the Uni-Trak monoshock and an 18-inch rear wheel. Pillion accommodations put the lie to racey looking bodywork.

This Seattle owner has a few classic sportbike auctions going, and goes into detail about their KR-1:

Recently completely serviced and detailed with clear Washington state title. The KR-1 is considered to be the fastest and more lively two stroke 250 sports bike compared to all the other models in its class. The model was never imported in to the USA and is probably the rarest model in the 250cc two stroke sports bike category around the world. This particular Kawasaki KR-1 has just 8,298 miles, the bike is mostly all original and in exceptional preserved condition.

The body work is all original and is in very good condition, there are absolutely no cracks on any of the body panels but there are some minor nicks and scrapes. The wheels are perfect with no rock chips or scratches anywhere. The frame and engine have no major corrosion and are nice and clean. Overall cosmetically this bike is in very nice condition.

The bike runs and rides great, and shifts smoothly through all 6 gears. The carburetors were recently ultrasonically cleaned and adjusted, and a full service tune-up was performed which included new spark plugs, chain, air filter, brake pads, oil change, new tires, and fluids flushed. All of the lighting, switches, and electrical components work as they should.

These bikes were never imported into the USA, and very few were exported outside of Japan to any other countries so this is a very rare Kawasaki model.

Kawi and Suzuki traded the “fastest 250” back and forth a few times, with the KR-1S snatching it back before the factory decided to focus on their four stroke offerings. Though Suzuki had staying power, the KR-1 stole the moment in the very late -80’s. Early interest in the auction says the hammer might fall at a high price, but the new owner will have a sparkling and rare example.

-donn

Kawasaki September 13, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R

Born to succeed the venerable Kawasaki GPz900R, the 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R spent two glorious years at the top of the list of world’s fastest production bikes before giving way to the ZX-10R, whose longevity has yet to meet its bounds. But for its fleeting moment in the sun, the 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R was very close to all things to all people. With anti-dive forks, a single-shock swingarm and the best part of 125 horsepower, they were truly astonishing sportbikes.

But those were the days before race replicas became everything, before comfort was seen as a detraction more than a benefit, and the bikes had plush seats, reasonable pillion perches, reasonable riding positions and stopped the wind effectively. They were just as happy to cruise the slab as they were to scare the burritos out of you on a track.

This example is as close as you’ll come to winding the clock back to 1987 or so, when lightly used Ninja 1000Rs still patrolled dealership floors. It has some light crazing on one side from being leaned against a wall, but apart from that, it’s a stellar, low-mile example of the name. The seller says the only things that have been changed from factory spec are the tires and grips. It has been ridden sparingly and stored in a heated garage since the seller bought it in 2001. The treatment has paid off, too, as every original rubber piece looks almost as good as new.

From the seller:

Up for sale is my original unmodified 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000r.
This bike has all original paint and mechanicals, the only items that have been changed are the tires and grips.
The 6898.4 miles are all original and the bike has never seen rain with me or the previous owner.
I’ve owned this bike since 2001 and haven’t ridden it much in those years but have kept it inside a heated garage the whole time.
This bike starts right up every summer when I take it out for a short ride and it sounds great, I’ve only used non ethanol fuel in this the entire time so there is no damage to the fuel system or carbs.
All the plastic and rubber parts are still soft and pliable as they have had no exposure to sunlight or rain, the seat is still as soft and flexible as when new.
The windshield is also original but the black accent paint on the inside edge pretty much all flaked off so it’s clear now all the way through, as you can see from the pictures there is some cracking at the screw holes but the windshield is still very clear.
The tank has a small paint chip on the left side and some paint damage on the left fairing where it appears a prior owner parked to close to a wall which you can see in the pictures, I choose to not touch up these areas as I wanted this bike to stay all original.
This would be a great addition to any motorcycle collection as it looks as good today as it did 33 years ago.

$5900.00
apache1479@hotmail.com

These truly original and truly market-changing bikes are becoming rarer and rarer, especially the beautifully kept non-restored examples. At $5,900, this bike is an easy way in to an incredible late-80s street machine.