Posts by tag: Kawasaki

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

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.

Featured Listing: 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R

Featured Listing September 11, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2

Update 9.11.2019: Neil has renewed the Featured Listing for his 97 ZX-7RR. His description has been updated and he’s also dropped the price to $16,000. Good luck to buyers and seller, and thanks for supporting the site Neil! -dc

Maybe it’s the Ninja Turtles paintjob, or the twin headlights or the gaping air scoops that flank the headlights, but the 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR oozes with purpose. After all, nothing about a lime green-and purple single-seater sportbike says “ride me to work.” These are the colors of losing your chicken strips up the inside of a dentist on a Ducati. This is the livery of a long day in the general district courthouse followed by indefinite license suspension.

The 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR was built to homologate the bikes Rob Muzzy was tuning to within an inch of their lives for AMA Superbike and Formula USA competition. Aside from the fairly obvious single-seat tail section and deleted passenger pegs, the bikes had beefier Nissin brakes, fully-adjustable suspension and 41mm flatslide carbs.

With Doug Chandler and Scott Russell on board, the ZX-7RR’s predecessor took four AMA Superbike titles in the 1990s, as well as a brace of Daytona 200s courtesy of Russell. Eric Bostrom also rode a ZX-7RR in the latter half of the ‘90s.

Thanks to the big flat slides, a tall first gear, the ZX-7RRs made pretty miserable street bikes, which led to most of them being stripped of their street equipment and thrown around amateur road racing series and track days with abandon. To find one as blemish free and low mileage as this one is a real rarity.

This 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2 is completely stock except for an air-valve mod, and has done less than 6,000 miles. It resides in Canada, but the seller says he has explored importing it to the U.S. and does not anticipate any serious issues.

From the seller:

I have for sale a 1997 Kawasaki ZX7RR in very good or even excellent condition. This fine example has been ridden only 9500km (5900mi) by its original owner. The seat cowl, tank, upper cowl and fender are scratch and dent free. There are a few paint chips and a small rub mark on the muffler that I have tried my best to point out in the pictures. I can provide more pictures if desired.
The bike is stock with the exception of the seat pad which I had re-upholstered.

I believe I am the third owner and I have had it in my collection for 6 years. Although not ridden during that time, I periodically started and ran the bike and kept fresh fuel in it. I did recently ride it to the local garage for a safety inspection and everything performed as a like new bike should.

I live an hour and a half east of Toronto, Ontario and would consider delivering the bike to the New York City area or Buffalo NY. This model may be imported into the USA (VSP312) via an importer to whom I would supply the paper work including the ‘Recall letter’. i have installed a MPH speedometer face as required for US importation.

I am asking $16,000 for this clean example of a ZX7RR. Please call Neil at (705) 924-9147 or email n_macmillan@hotmail.com

At ~~$18,500~~ $16,000 U.S., the bike is priced as a rare collector bike, and a low-production piece of AMA history. Considering that similar homologation mounts from Honda and Yamaha of this vintage are going for more than double that, this Kawi represents something of a bargain.

Featured Listing: 1997 Kawasaki ZX-7RR N2

Kawasaki July 27, 2019 posted by Mike

Peer Pressure: 1985 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo

The 1980s were wild time of experimentation. There was a technology explosion as liquid cooling, computerized fuel injection and other performance enhancers hit the scene. The sport bike battleground became a dizzying array of different configurations, each manufacturer vying for top honors on the racetrack and the showroom. Nowhere was this more evident than the brief window of the Turbo craze; the promise of liter bike power in a mid-sized sport bike never materialized, but the Big Four made seemingly every effort to make it so. Today what remains are the carcasses of the aftermath; an antiquated reminder of how quickly technology moves forward.

1985 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo for sale on eBay

Honda Turbos followed the route of the 500 & 650 cc CX twins, Suzuki went with a 650cc Katana rip-off that originated the air-oil cooling later made famous by the GSX-R series, Yamaha phoned in a warmed over Seca with a unique blow-through, carbureted 650 cc configuration, and Kawasaki built the Top Dog of the bunch with the GPz750 Turbo. Rated by motorcycle magazines as the fasted bike in 1985, the Kawi Turbo did deliver on the 1/4 mile promise of turbocharging. However the drawbacks of forced induction – weight, cost, complexity, turbo lag, lack of power predictability, etc – quickly sunk the ship. Buyers weren’t interested in paying the premium for the Turbo, and riders preferred the real world performance of the less expensive liter bikes. The year of the Turbo was over.

From the seller:
1985 KAWASAKI GPz750 TURBO (ZX750E), RARE and ORIGINAL
Manufacture Date – 08/84. One of 1,500 1985 GPz750 Turbos produced!!

An ALL ORIGINAL example of the fastest production motorcycle made in 1985, per Kawasaki. OEM motor, bars, seat, pipes, turbo, levers, mirrors, signals, brakes, fairing, wheels, etc. The ONE exception is an after-market uni-shock (single shock) the previous owner installed. I have the OEM uni-shock for it too and it still works great.

CLEAN and CLEAR TITLE!

Runs great! Looks great! Collector quality! This rare bike has already surpassed collector and vintage status. And, dependent on who you ask or where you look, has reached Antique status at 35 years old. Does NOT run like an old, decrepit bike….no way. ONLY 10,846 original miles on the odometer (see pic). There may be a few more miles on it when it sells. A RARE TURBO ANTIQUE YOU CAN RIDE! And ride fast…if you’re into that sort of thing. How cool is that? Fresh gas. Fresh battery. Newer front and rear brakes. Turbo works like it should. All electrics work like they should. Good compression. Good tires. All those little OEM Kawa stickers and decals are still in place; see RPM gauge, chain guard, base of tank, etc. Dual helmet locks! Original, original, original. If you are tired of looking at GPz 750 Turbo’s that are not original and in great condition, you can now stop looking. You have found The One.

This Turbo was last ridden in 2012 – see pic of temp tag – with annual fuel and oil changes. Basically long-term storage. New battery installed and starts right up. Currently has 92 octane in it (premium). There is very, very light surface rust around the base of the tank neck filler hole – see pic. Tank is very, very clean.

This bike isn’t new (obviously) but in very, very, very excellent condition with SUPER LOW miles on it and the starting bid reflects that condition.

More from the seller:
Many OEM Kawi parts and accessories go with this antique GPz750 TURBO motorcycle. Items such as (see pics):
OEM Kawa Uni-shock absorber
OEM Kawa GPz750 Turbo tool kit!
OEM Kawa Ignition keys, 2 each
OEM Kawa SERVICE MANUAL (1984)
OEM Kawa WORKSHOP MANUAL; SERVICE MANUAL SUPPLEMENT (1985), TWO EACH
OEM Kawa GPz750 TECHNICAL TRAINING MANUAL, TWO EACH
OEM Kawa 20-page “PRESS KIT”. This is cool. An OEM (copy) of a 1985 Press Kit, authored and published in Japan but written in English. Used for the roll-out introduction of the 1985 GPz750 Turbo for the Press
OEM Kawa “750 Turbo” sticker (bumper sticker)
OEM Kawa Fuel filter, NEW, 1 each
OEM Kawa Air filter, NEW, 1 each
OEM Kawa Clutch Cable, NEW, 1 each
OEM Kawa Horns, dual set, 1 each

Kawasaki-branded key fob; color matched to bike
Mini-turbo key ring ornaments, color matched to bike, 2 each – Super Cool!
Bike cover with custom Kawasaki patch
Master Lock wheel disc lock; color matched to bike, 2 keys
OEM equivalent NEW battery, 14L-A2 (replaces 12N14-3A); just installed
Deltran “Battery Tender Automatic” (full size) WITH pigtail connection already installed on bike
K & N oil filters, NEW, 2 each
Canyon Carver handlebar tie-down set, 1 each
Custom aluminum license plate bracket
Some extra high-pressure fuel line hose

As stated previously on these pages, Factory Turbos are rare. But they are rare for some of the wrong reasons; nobody wanted them. The big Four quickly realized the poor ROI this direction was offering, and pivoted back to more mainstream sport bikes. Nearly 35 years later the song remains the same. Yes, prime examples of the XN, CX, XJ and ZX have slowly gained in value in recent years, but certainly not any faster than a super-clean example of any other 80’s era sport bike. It seems completely unfair, given the rarity, uniqueness and performance of these puffer bikes – but the public votes by wallet share, and these machines have proven to have a narrow focus of interested buyers. This particular GPz750 Turbo looks awesome and has some cool stuff that comes with it. But is it worth the opening ask of $9,999? Historic values would say probably not, but the market is constantly changing and conspires to make fools of us all. Check it out here, and Good Luck!!

Kawasaki July 3, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7

Update 9.9.2019: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Every once in a while it’s nice to see a clean, honest and awesome sportbike come across our screens that would be as comfortable as garage art as it would be on your morning commute and in the mountains, and this 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 might just be that bike. It’s not particularly rare, but it’s an early iteration of a sporting icon and a link between Kawi’s beastly GPzs from the 1980s to the modern Ninjas.

1989 Kawasaki ZX7 for sale on eBay

With the best part of 100 horsepower on tap and a reputation for being a sweet handling street bike, this early Ninja has a ton of upside for the right sportbike rider. We love that this bike is in the stealthy, classy black and silver color scheme. More often than not, we see these things with Kawasaki’s trademark green and blue paintwork, but the black looks just as good and you don’t see as many of them.

This 1989 Kawasaki ZX7 is mostly stock, but has a couple of modifications to aide rideability. There’s an Ohlins shock and a 1990 ZX7 swingarm out back, along with titanium chain adjusters and the carbs have been jetted to cure the stock flat spot. Past that, it’s as it left the nest.

From the eBay listing:

1989 ZX-7 up for sale in beautiful riders condition. No major damage other than a few normal road scratches from age. I ride this bike to work several times a week and it runs great, no issues, selling only to raise funds to purchase a house. Very rare Ohlins rear shock, upgrade to 90′ ZX7 swingarm, shorter suspension dogbones, new fork seals and chain. Factory Pro stage one jet kit. Stellar handling, braking and side to side transitions. I had an 07′ R1 awhile back and this bike is more fun. Would make a great addition to any collection or daily rider. Shipping at buyers expense but I will deliver for free if you live in SoCal. Or, if you live close contact me for a test ride.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/t1Nggxx34VY

Price: $4,800

If you’re looking for something to stick on track stands and ogle instead of enjoy on a backroad, this probably isn’t your bike. The marks are mostly superficial, but lower-mileage and cosmetically perfect examples are out there. This bike should go to someone who will ride the hell out of it like Kawi intended.