For Sale: 1985 Kawasaki KZ1000 R Eddie Lawson Replica (ELR)
Today’s find is a *relatively* rare ’85 Kawasaki ELR. The part that really gets me is that this bike is located in Budapest, Hungary. How did a replica model of what was a very US-based AMA Superbike competition find its way so far from our shores?
I would think that a US racing commemorative bike (highlighting Steady Eddie’s ’81 and ’82 Superbike championships) would not translate well in other countries or languages. While it is true that racing is universal, the regional specifics are sometimes lost in translation. Note the comments from the seller, below. Ten points to whomever spots the error first.
From the seller:
Model year: 1985
Engine size: 1000 cc
Number of cylinders: 4
Power(PS): 125
Mileage: 59306 km
Condition: Perfect, completely renovated
Documents: with documentsDescription: In honor of the Australian world champion, Eddie Lawson the Kawasaki factory made this limited edition, signed by the world champion on the seat. 4-in-one Kerker exhaust, gas adjustable suspension, the unique design based on the motor of the champion. Completely new chain set, new tires, new brake pads, registration
These ELR models are not exactly a dime a dozen. Sure, they lack the homologation exclusivity of a RC30/45 or OW01/02, but neither are they common. Prices are reasonable, and this bike has apparently received some restoration treatment under care of the current owner. Mileage is higher than most we have seen (approximately 37,000 miles when converted from KM), but this is not usually a deal killer on the KZ-based powerplant.
This auction is going on right now, and the asking price is a very reasonable $3,650 – or best offer. This deal is going to be far sweeter for our European readers who have less distance to travel, as shipping this back to the US will not be cheap. But count on RSBFS to scour the globe to find those rare and collectable models, wherever they might be! For your chance to check this one out, click the link and jump over to the auction. European delivery of an ELR in Hungary anyone?
MI
Throw another shrimp on the barby, Ed!
Ding – we have a winner! That was really quick, Randy. Nice job.
Send your contact information to mike@raresportbikesforsale.com and we’ll hook you up with some swag for your great response.
What’s that they say : You always see these things when you have no money !!! And now that’s what I call a proper example of a four-stroke !!!
What do you guys figure its worth ?? Surely 4-6 times what he is asking ….? I look forward to the comments…..
ELRs are generally in the $7,500 to $10k range – top condition bikes could bring a bit more. This one is priced low to the market, but the transport from Budapest might be a deal killer. Thanks for the comments!
Oddly, the seller claims the Lawson signature is on the seat. No, that would be on the fuel tank. It’s also worth noting that the seat in the photo is not stock and the claimed 4-into-1 Kerker certainly isn’t the one that came on the bike (if it’s even a Kerker; it certainly is not period-correct).
I’d be looking for engine and frame serials before bidding on this. I have my doubts.
That’s not all that’s incorrect on this bike- the more I look closely at the pictures, the more I notice. Something just seems “off”, not right, not honest, about this thing…could be a replica or tribute, maybe I’m wrong. Hope an ELR expert can verify.
As noted above, windscreen is not stock. The pipe does not appear to be stock, as the originals were black, not chrome. The handlebar is usually black on these models, not gold, and the passenger grab handle has gone missing. No pictures of the top of the tank to verify the Superbike Championship #1 decal.
As we always say, ask lots of questions and check pictures carefully. Obtaining the VIN number for reference is also a good idea. This could still be the real deal.
And the biggest problem is that the whoever repainted it got it pretty much all wrong. The shade of green is off, and the graphics are completely incorrect. If you take a look at the pictures of the authentic one linked at the bottom of this listing, this bike looks even worse the more you compare. I really don’t like this thing, and would never consider purchasing it, even if it was in the same part of the world. Great example of needing to do your research, passing on poor examples, and patiently waiting for the right bike.
Indeed. The windscreen isn’t wrong; the whole fairing is non-OEM. As I wrote earlier, you’d want to check serial numbers. I highly doubt the R is there in the 6th or 7th digits.
Call me dumb, but I thought they only made these in 82 and 83. besides all the other obvious flaws
I think that’s correct, Bob. The KZ1000-R1 and -R2 were ’82 and -’83 models. To the best of my knowledge, the other models were 1100s with 4-into-2 exhausts, from ’83 through ’85.
This CANNOT be a “real” ELR. 82 and 83 only. It’s an 1100R Euro model that “I believe” has a different architecture. Go to kz100r.com for more info.
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