Bob at Globe Motorcycles has presented several astounding restorations on RSBFS and eBay, and today’s ELR is surprising even in such prize-winning company. With just 2,700 miles, Bob treated this example to a long list of NOS parts, both visible and deep in the internals. The next caretaker will indeed take delivery of a singular Eddie Lawson Replica.
Though on the street the KZ1000R commands respect even of a seasoned rider, in 1981 Kawasaki plunked 23 year-old Eddie Lawson on the AMA racer and he brought home the Superbike championship. Over at the dealer, numerous changes made their way to the -R as the pounds melted away. The most substantive change was at the steering head, with slightly more rake and trail for stability. Showa made a pair of piggyback reservoir gas shocks, Kerker supplied the 4-into-1 exhaust, and the sculpted seat gave the rider a low comfortable spot. Footpegs were moved aft and up, and the handlebar got a suave Lawson bend. Mean green livery just needs a few placemat-sized number plates !
Bob provides a veritable tome of notes in the auction’s description, here are a few points not to be missed –
THIS BIKE UNDERWENT A MINOR CLEAN UP/REFRESH AT MY SHOP GLOBE MOTORCYCLES LIMITED. I USED A FULL SET OF “NOS” BODY WORK, SIDE COVER EMBLEMS, HANDLE BAR GRIPS, END CAPS, ETC. ALL SO VERY HARD TO FIND. I ONLY HAVE 1 FULL BODY SET LEFT. I SWAPPED OUT THE ENGINE SIDE COVERS WITH “NOS” UNITS AND NEW OEM GASKETS AND SEALS. SO NO LEAKS ON YOUR FLOOR.
WITH ONLY 2,700 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT THE ENGINE RAN GREAT WHEN I GOT HER, BUT I OPTED FOR HER TO RUN A BIT BETTER SINCE I WANTED TO RIDE IT TO AND FROM SHOWS. I INSTALLED A NEW HD CLUTCH, ALL NEW OEM SEALS AND GASKETS, CLUTCH PUSHROD, (IT’S JUST WHAT I DO). THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT NEED REPLACING ON MOST 40 YEAR OLD BIKES. THE ENGINE ITSELF HAS NEVER BEEN FULLY RE-PAINTED, SO NO PAINT IS WHERE IT DOES NOT BELONG. THE ENGINE SIDE COVERS WERE REPLACED WITH FACTORY NEW “NOS” UNITS, VERY HARD TO FIND.
THE KERKER KR EXHAUST IS THE ORIGINAL UNIT THAT I HAD RE-COATED TO MATCH THE ORIGINAL KAL-GARD FINISH. IT IS INSTALLED WITH OEM COPPER GASKETS. THE KERKER SIDE EMBLEM, THE HANGER BRACKET/BUSHING ASSEMBLY, AND THE BAFFLE ARE ALL “NOS” ($500). THE FUEL TANK, PETCOCK, FUEL GAUGE SENDER, FUEL CAP, TANK EMBLEMS, SIDE COVERS, FRONT COWL, REAR COWL, FRONT FENDER, WIND SHIELD AND RUBBER SEAL, EMBLEMS, AND ASSOCIATED HARDWARE ARE ALL “NOS” OVER $15,000 WORTH OF “UNOBTAINIUM”.
Bob asks $39,950 for his ELR and can be reached through the eBay auction or at (954) 816-0806
A careful examination of the photos show a cosmic attention to detail, as amazing as the fit and finishes are, the complete lack of nicks and rubs is even more. Even if KZ1000R’s had been assembled by a small cadre of artisans rather than on a busy assembly line, they still couldn’t look this good. Lawson left Kawasaki for the bright lights of Moto GP ( and Yamaha ) in 1983, so it was the end of green commemorative editions, but he went on to become a great all-around champion. For collectors who would like to celebrate his first championship and a great superbike, Bob looks like the man to talk to.
