Update 9.6.2023: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
The Kawasaki KZ700 is a motorcycle of exceptional significance, particularly because of its unusually brief production period, lasting only one year in the early 1980s. This rarity is attributed to the U.S. tariffs imposed on motorcycles with engine displacements over 700cc during that time. To circumvent these trade restrictions, Kawasaki introduced the KZ700 specifically for the U.S. market, offering a model with a 652cc engine that fell below the tariff threshold. Despite the constraints, the KZ700 showcased Kawasaki’s engineering prowess, boasting an innovative inline-four engine, an advanced electric starter, hydraulic front disc brakes, and adjustable suspension. Its unique design and comfortable riding position also contributed to its appeal. As a result of its one-year-only status, the Kawasaki KZ700 has become a sought-after collector’s item, symbolizing a pivotal era in motorcycle history and exemplifying the brand’s ability to adapt and excel in the face of regulatory challenges.
1984 Kawasaki KZ700 for sale on eBay
Today’s example is from RSBFS Featured Listing regular, Bob Benyo. It is largely original with the exception of the period correct Kerker full exhaust system. The bidding starts at $3,500 or just buy-it-now for $7,500. At this price this is an interesting conversation piece with enough features, power and comfort to ride to your local bike meet. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc
from the seller:
1984 Kawasaki kz 700 a super rare #134 of approximately only 2000 ever built. Coming out of my private collection is my kz 700.
It was a one year only production model!!! Produced only to beat the us tariffs on import bikes over 700cc’s. We can thank Harley Davidson for pushing that import law.
This is a rare example of a mostly original kz 700. She has all original paint excluding the paint on the period correct front cowling (similar to the kz 1000r Eddie Lawson). This bike is part of the “l” family of kz’s coming from the 1982 and 1983 kz 1000r family of bikes. She has a period correct kerker 4 into one exhaust and is sporting a 1982 instrument cluster ( the original cluster with only 10k was used for a Lawson project). The rest of the bike is all original.
The frame is all original never painted and has no rust or scratches. The engine is the original low miles engine original to the frame (she had only 10k on the original speedo) the engine has never been removed or molested.
