Big mean green machines from Kawasaki are worth big bucks these days, and we have seen a number of attempts to cash in on the ELR trend. This bike is the latest ELR we have come across, and it comes to us from Arkansas with 14,150 on the clock.
Unlike many of the pristine and restored examples, this bike has been ridden and shows some age. The Kerker exhaust is stock, but the black chrome has been worn off over time. The paintwork is not exactly perfect, the rear shocks have been swapped out for shorter units to accommodate a rider without sufficient inseam, and the seller notes numerous “fixes” and mods to the bike.
From the seller:
For your consideration is this 1983 ELR in Mostly Original Running Condition!
Much of the bike is original, but does have some damage, plenty of wear, and amateur touch-up & alteration – please read the entire listing.The tank, seat fairing, side covers and front fender have original paint; the front fairing and a few black parts are poorly re-sprayed. It looks like all the stock plastic (air box, chain guard, tool tray, etc.) is there and uncut. Even has the Original Owners Manual and Took Kit!
The motor runs fine, with no smoke, knocks, rattles or slaps. There are no broken fins, scuffed covers, welds or repairs other than a generous application of silicone sealer on the valve cover gasket; it still leaks some. The clutch and gearbox operate smoothly, the “Neutral Finder” works, and the bike handles well. Case guards have been installed. The stock exhaust has been repainted, but turned grey at the header.
The Stock Rear Shocks are Missing. The bike has been short-shocked for a vertically challenged rider, resulting in the rear tire wearing a hole through the plastic inner fender. The bars and mirrors have been changed. The tank has 6 dents ranging from shallow ‘silver dollar+’ diameter (on the lower right front) to hard-to-find tiny, and the petcock will not shut off (inline valve installed); the inside of the tank is very clean, but there are plenty of chips in the green.
The lights, signals and charging system are functional; the kill switch and fuel gauge do not work. Wheels, brakes, disks and hydraulics look original – the chain and tires are good. The chassis and body paint has nicks, marks and scratches, the mounting tabs on the grab rail are broken, and there are welded repairs on the signal brackets. The visible part of the seat cover looks great, but the bottom edge has a few splits.
A quick road test around the block revealed no apparent issues. It makes good power, shifts through all 5 gears, and stops well using either front or rear brakes. No high speed wheelie passes though; the test ride was not far or overly aggressive.
ELRs can be cash machines – but only clean and original – or fully restored – bikes need apply. The opening bid for this one is $7,500, which is very steep for a bike in this condition. If you are jonesing for an ELR and have been unable to find one, here is a good foundation for a restoration. If you are looking to show, you might want to look elsewhere; this one will need some work. Good Luck!
MI