Posts by tag: Kawasaki

Featured Listing September 17, 2021 posted by dd

Featured Listing: 1987 Kawasaki 750R Ninja

Contact: Russell at 508-933-0191
Location: Whitman, Massachusetts
Price: $5,500
Mileage: 19,100

Up for your consideration is a very well preserved 1987 Kawasaki 750R Ninja in a rarely seen Red and White color scheme.

In 1987, the 750R was crowned “The Best 750 of the Year!” That’s a pretty strong statement when you consider the other models it was up against. The middleweight Ninja offered a very nice balance between sport and sport-touring with it’s lower foot rests, plush seat and it’s comfier than most clip-on location on top of the triple clamp.

The 750R power plant was all new for 1987 and put out 106 horsepower at the crank and 85 at the rear wheel. I owned this exact model in 1989 and I can attest that it is a very capable machine for spirited sprints or all day two-up riding.

From the Seller:
1987 Kawasaki Ninja 750R rare Red and White color. The carburetors were gone through less than 100 miles ago. It sports a set of new Bridgestones with less than 100 miles on them, new spark plugs, air filter, fresh oil change less than 100 miles ago and brand new Zero Gravity windscreen. The original windscreen is included in the sale. I have some parts to go with the bike plus a factory owners and service manual. Also included is a period correct Vance and Hines 4-1 exhaust

As you know, most 34 year old motorcycles have been chopped up and sport truck cab lights for turn signals, but not this one. This one managed to escape the hacksaw and to maintain it’s rear fender and original directional blinkers.

If you’re into collecting 80’s sport bikes or need to add the first 750 Ninja to your H, J, K, L, M, N and P collection, you might want to give this one a look. This one averaged only 560 miles a year! I’d say the owners of this low mileage machine left a lot of fun on the table and a lot of life in this one.

Reach out to Russell at 508-933-0191 and see if you can park this one in your collection.

Cheers!

Kawasaki September 16, 2021 posted by Mike

Albino Unicorn: 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

I know what you are thinking: How can this possibly be a genuine ELR if it’s in white?? And if you think that way, you are likely located in North America. You can thank the RSBFS institution of higher learning to help widen your viewpoint and knowledge base. You see, while the ELR was strictly painted in electric lime green (i.e. the AMA Superbike racing colors) for the US and Americas, international markets enjoyed a couple of more subtle color palette choices that retained the distinctive striping. This rare white example is a UK model, the muted colors more in alignment with the British market. The remainder of the specs were pretty similar, save for country-specific requirements around emissions, lighting and licensing.

1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R for sale on eBay

The whole concept of the ELR was to celebrate the victorious conqueror that was one “Steady” Eddie Lawson. But there is much debate among the inner circle of the ELR fans as to what comprises a “real” ELR. You see, the model that we consider the Eddie Lawson Replica was actually several, with some subtle and some not so subtle changes. Originally marketed as a 1,000cc model, the engine grew in size to 1100 (which was no longer Superbike legal, but that wasn’t really the point). The earliest model years were known as ELRs thanks in part to the tank graphic. Along the years those changed to Superbike Replica instead. And of course we learn of the stepchildren of international heritage – the replicas that were NOT electrified lime green (the horror!) – which would not likely be considered an ELR, although the spec sheet reads much the same (sans paint code).

From the seller:
Here we are selling a very rare white eddie Lawson original colours, Genuine ELR 26,000 miles resent German import to Uk . Spare 1100 engine installed original engine with sale (needs piston). Bike runs great, original exhausts and un molested condition…too many toys great opportunity for the collector or enthusiast. Wwwkz1000r.com for more information, rare find, serious bidders only, good luck.

Those looking for museum originality might wish to continue looking further, as this original 1,000cc model now has a bigger bang 1,100cc unit installed. The original engine is included with the sale, but requires what sounds like a significant rebuild. The pictures show a pretty bike with original black chrome exhaust – even if the European bikes shipped in the 4-into-2 configuration unlike the hotrod 4-into-1 unit that came on US bikes. Mileage is a surprising 26,497, which means this beast was ridden a fair bit. The good news is that this one has been imported and currently sits in Florida. If you are looking for something a little different – but not totally different – this KZ1000R in unique white just might be your ticket. The starting bid is nearly $10,500 – so be forewarned that this one is not in the bargain bin category. Did you know these were shipped in colors other than green? Do you like the white? Check out all of the details here, and then share your thoughts in the comments. Good Luck!!

Kawasaki August 16, 2021 posted by Mike

Past Present Future Classic – 1982 Kawasaki GPz550

A blast from the past, the GPz was perhaps the ultimate expression of sport bike back when Olivia Newton‑John was getting physical, Rocky had the eye of the tiger, and Tommy Tutone was trying to remember Jenny’s number. This was an era before liquid cooling, before fuel injection, and long before computers had anything to do with motorcycles, preferring to spend their time printing out “hello world” messages. Pre-FaceBook, pre-Twitter, and before internet-streamed content because it was pre-internet, the GPz 550 exudes old tech, old-school cool.

That is not to say that the middleweight GPz did not contain some tech. For the day, it was an evolution of the KZs that came before: 58-ish HP from the air-cooled, 2-valve inline four breathing through Constant Velocity (CV) carbs. But the real trickery was in the suspension. Air-assisted front forks allowed for some degree of tuning, but out back was the first appearance of Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak – a rising-rate, single shock linkage that finally but the twin-shock concept to bed. Fitted with triple disks (of modest proportions by today’s standards) and a bikini fairing, the GPz was the embodiment of the modern era sportbike.

From the seller:
1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550. 20,172 miles on the odometer. Not a dent in the tank and the paint is excellent. Carbs will need to be cleaned and I have 4 carb kits for the bike (K&L). New battery, rebuilt front calipers and rear caliper. Factory manual comes with the bike. This is truly a beautiful motorcycle. Come with 2 new tires that will come with the bike….they will need to be put on the bike

The GPz line was mass produced and there were no special, limited edition models within a size range. Therefore one GPz550 of a given year is very much like any other GPz550 of the same year – no S model, no R spec, and no homologation examples. As a massively produced motorcycle, the GPz550 was not rare – nor where they expensive, nor were they hard to come by (unless you were teenage dreamer living at home spending hours pouring through Cycle magazine… but I digress). Today, a clean and original GPz is becoming a rare find. These were picked up, traded hands, tracked, commuted, parked wherever, and most languish in that nether world of potentially great, but not in great enough shape to care about. That is what makes today’s find special.

This one has been on the block for a while, and the Buy It Now price is a pretty rational $4,500 OBO. Yes, that is more than what it cost when new. But much less than it would cost to bring a rat bike back to former glory. And the seller is open to offers. If you have a collection in your stable and you don’t have a GPz, you should definitely find some room somewhere to sneak one in. For the early eighties, the GPz was the motorcycling pin up equivalent of Bo Derek or the Lamborghini Countach. Check out all of the details here, and then jump to the comments and share your GPz experiences. Good Luck!!

Past Present Future Classic – 1982 Kawasaki GPz550

Kawasaki August 6, 2021 posted by dd

2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR

2004 Kawasaki ZX-6RR For Sale on eBay!

Merriam Webster defines Homologation as:
homologate verb
homologated; homologating
Definition of homologate
transitive verb
: sanction, allow especially : to approve or confirm officially

From 2003-2006 Kawasaki defined it as ZX6-RR noun.

Are you scratching your male pattern bald head and thinking “What in the hell is this dude talking about?”

I fully suspect the 6RR is not well known as a homologation, but it is in fact one. In 2003, the standard ZX-6R was a 636cc machine. The 636cc was perfect for the street, but didn’t meet WSB Super Sport guidelines. So, what was Team Green to do? Build a homologation 599cc machine!

From 2003 and 2004 the RR 600 machines were largely the same, but were a little off center from the standard 6R 636’s. The RR’s received a slipper clutch, adjustable swing-arm, coated forged 3 ring pistons, upside down (the correct way to me) forks, a super tidy dash with a stratospheric 15,500 redline and radial mounted brakes squeezing 280mm petal rotors. I’m sure your scratching your head again and asking “Why are radial mounted brakes a big deal on the 6RR?”.- Because the 6RR was the first production machine to ever offer radial mounted brakes. See, Team Green isn’t always last 😉
In my opinion, the 2004 model is stuck in the middle and the least desirable of the 6RR models because it’s not the first run and the later models received the MotoGP style swing-arm along with lighter 6 spoke wheels.

Here’s what the seller has to say about their machine:

I am the second owner of this bike, this motorcycle is very rare only 2,000 bikes were made and not many are still around and you are unlikely to find another one with low miles in this good of shape. Serious buyers only. Mods include a full titanium exhaust, NGK iridium spark plugs, I’m pretty sure it has a custom tune, and custom brake light/indicator. Bike needs nothing

After viewing the photo’s, I’m not sure about that last statement, but you can be the judge.

So, what do you think? Is the 6RR destined for K1, K2, M1, M2 and N1 greatness or will it be forgotten?

Check out this future classic here-

Cheers!

Kawasaki July 21, 2021 posted by Mike

Moto Madness: Mike Baldwin’s 1979 Kawasaki Factory Works Race Bike

Star power. It is what sells. Be it the star power of a famous race bike, a famous team, a famous rider, a famous win, or all of the above. This is what sets certain bikes above the rest. And today’s find is a wonderful reminder that the lime green team was once a very dominant force in racing other than WSBK. This bike is a claimed works Kawasaki factory KR750 racer, piloted by none other than Mike Baldwin.

1979 Kawasaki KR750 Factory Race Bike for sale on eBay

In the early to mid 1970s, there was a flurry of activity on the racing scene. Yamaha had brought out their TZ750 – which looked to dominate all and sundry on both the factory and privateer levels – and Kawasaki wanted a piece of that action. Having a successful two stroke in the form of the H1 triple style, Team Green acted quickly to assemble a factory racer that could bring home the gold. With lower restrictions regarding homologation, Kawasaki was able to make use of existing tech, massage it heavily into GP-level machinery, and unleash it upon the world. Utilizing a 750cc triple, Kawasaki offset and skewed both the intake and exhaust ports to narrow the now liquid-cooled motor significantly. A one piece crank simplified the overall engine arrangement (as opposed to the Yamaha, which utilized a series of intermediary shafts to drive the primary and ancillaries), resulting in a powerful, but lightweight package. Coupled with a six speed transmission, triple disk brakes, and what appears to be ancient dual-shock rear suspension, the KR750 nearly won the world championship with Gary Nixon aboard. But runaway success was not to be for Kawasaki, even though the KR750 showed immense potential.

From the seller:
Mike Baldwin was a record-setting five-time AMA Road Racing Champion and the all-time wins leader in AMA Formula 1/Formula 750 history. In all, Baldwin won 27 AMA national races – 17 in AMA F1/750 and 10 in AMA Superbike – and he is considered one of the top road racers America has ever produced.

More from the seller:
At Daytona in ’79, Baldwin appeared to be a real threat to win the Daytona Triple Crown (the Daytona 200, the Daytona Lightweight and the Daytona Superbike races). He was easily the fastest in Superbike and battled for top billing in the Daytona 200 and Lightweight qualifying. Unfortunately, Baldwin high-sided in practice on Thursday and broke his collarbone. Without racing in the qualifying race, Baldwin had to start from the back of the grid in the 200. The leaders had completed nearly three-quarters of a lap by the time the third wave of riders, of which Baldwin was in the back, was given the green flag. In spite of his huge disadvantage and riding in pain with the broken shoulder, Baldwin tore through the field on the factory Kawasaki KR750 and finished a strong fourth, giving him at least a moral victory. In addition to racing for Kawasaki in 1979, he also raced in Europe during the gap in the AMA schedule after Daytona.

More from the seller:
The bike was restored in 1993 by author Stephen Wright with help from Norm Bigelow at the Kawasaki Racing Dept. It has been shown at Del Mar in 1997 and at the Bedford Museum in “The Wild Ones” exhibit in 2003. Also, first place at the Wheelcraft Motorcycle show at Sears Point raceway in 2001. Current owner purchased the bike from Stephen Wright in 1999. Sold on bill of sale. Race notes and history come with the bike.

Race bikes are very difficult to judge when it comes to value. To be certain, factory racers are built and campaigned in limited supply, making them rare to begin with. Couple that with the numerous mods that occur organically over the course of several seasons (due to rules, additional performance, etc), plus the very real potential for crash damage and it is not too surprising to realize that not many of these bikes survive to be restored to this particular level. That is especially true with a well-known and respected rider, such as Mike Baldwin.

The Buy It Now ask for this green monster is a very cool $125k. There is no doubt the bike is historically significant. Sadly we cannot comp this to other sales given the scarcity of pristine Mike Baldwin KR750s on the market. The seller is open to offers and it looks like there are a fair number of watchers on this one, so we may yet see a sale. Let’s all hope it finds a good home, as bikes this rich in history deserve a spot of honor. Check out all of the details here, then start shopping for some green leathers and gear. Good Luck!!

Kawasaki July 7, 2021 posted by Mike

Home Market Hero: 1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R

There are so many cool things about today’s listing. For starters, it is an ultra-rare (in the US) 400cc Ninja that was only available in Japan. As we know, the small-bore market in Japan is serious business which means that they get serious hardware. Think of this as a bike just as potent as any of the 600 hyper-sport or 750cc Superbike set, in a smaller size. What else is cool? How about a California title? For a grey market import, that is mecca (and usually very, very difficult to obtain). Dig deeper and you will see that this bike has been listed on RSBFS before way back in 2017. Even better? This came out of the indoor man cave(s) of Utah collector Gary, who listed a significant number of bikes on the site. All signs point to something wonderful.

1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R for sale on eBay

The little 398cc inline four featured 16 valves and screamed to an unheard of 14,500 RPM. Today those revs seem expected, or even tame for a four stroke, but 26 years ago that was a pretty big deal. Those revs paved the way for the 62 HP worth of very angry bees – and shows you just how serious the Japanese home market was compared to what was released into the US. The 350 pound package is reportedly scalpel-sharp in the braking and handling department, while similar to a two stroke in terms of powerband; if you are in the lower half of the rev range, better click down a few gears in order to find motivation.

From the seller:
1995 Kawasaki ZXR400R.
This is the single seat R model. Very rare, never sold in the states. California titled with correct vin and year. Should easily transfer to any state. Bone stock, never molested. Still has original Japanese stickers on windscreen and tank. All original paint that’s in amazing shape. It is unrestored and doesn’t need it, so it’s not perfect. 16k kilometers. Runs like new. Bike screams with a 15k redline. Basically a baby zx7R. One of the most gorgeous bikes you will ever see. I’m 6’1 and fit perfectly on it. Surprisingly roomy. Has fresh motul fluids. The petcock and fuel system has been gone through recently. New chain.

Writeup on rarest sport bikes in 2017 of this bike. Lots of info and pics. I’ve put 300 miles on it since then.

The seller has included a startup video of the bike in question. If it is in similar condition to when it sold from the Utah collection, one could expect a very well sorted and well loved machine. By all counts, the pictures and video show that to be true.

The value equation on these rabid 400s is skewed – there is no doubt about that. If you are looking for cheap fun, look elsewhere. Any number of larger capacity bikes could be had for much less money, while offering better real world performance. However if you are looking for something rare, something that expects more from you as a rider than simply twisting your wrist, something that challenges you to be your best at every corner entry, every apex, and every exit – your next ride is waiting for you. Located in sunny California and titled and plated in same, this gorgeous and rare 1995 ZXR400R is on the market and looking for a good home (preferably inside – we know it is housebroken, after all)! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Kawasaki May 20, 2021 posted by Mike

Racetrack Weapon: 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR

Homologation machines exist to go racing. Sometimes it is the street bike that makes the race bike possible. Sometimes the street bike is the actual privateer race bike. In almost all cases, homologation machines are collector items because by nature they are limited in numbers. And of those numbers, many of the supply have been lost to the racing circuit (as might have been originally intended from the manufacturer). In almost all cases homologation machines exist to prove that certain features or components were included as stock with production motorcycles, thus providing factories an edge at the race track.

1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR for sale on eBay

The Kawasaki ZX-7RR is no exception to the homologation game. Fully $3 grand more than the next highest spec ZX-7R, the RR sports the type of components that one needs in order to win a Superbike title. Or many, as the case may be. From a stronger bottom end bearing caps to better and more adjustable suspension front and rear, the adjustable steering head rake and swing arm pivot, to the tall-gearing of the close ratio six speed box to the oversized flatslide carbs (the latter two which incidentally don’t do very well on the street), the RR is really a starting point for teams to begin their tuning. From a “right off the showroom floor” perspective the lower spec Ninjas were better around town – and possibly all around – riders. But the RR was faster, meaner, sharper and far more exclusive.

From the seller:
Absolutely beautiful 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Stock pipe and not modified. Runs as good as it looks. Only 8000 miles.

For bikes that were meant to be raced – or at least to allow manufacturers to race – homologation machines in low mileage, clean condition are coveted. And rare. All told this is a serious motorcycle. The brand won 12 AMA Superbike championships, thanks to a few names you might have heard about: Eric Bostrom, Doug Chandler and Scott Russell for example. To find a bike this clean and cared for after all these years, to find one in stock, unmodified condition is really too much to ask for sometimes. But if you’re in the market – or in North Carolina where this bike is located – this one might be worth checking out.

This example is being listed as a Buy It Now classified – with pricing a cool $19,500. Looking through the RSBFS archives we find similar examples offered for more, and some for less. We don’t see these every day, and therefore the pricing spread is over a couple of years. That tells me that at least this one is priced in the ballpark. And given the rate at which collector values have been inflated in 2021, this may well be right on the money or even a bit low! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Kawasaki February 9, 2021 posted by Mike

Poor Man’s RC30: 1989 Kawasaki ZX750 H1

In the 1980s all the major Big Four manufacturers were geared up to go racing. This was a massive boon to the consumer; not only did racing improve the overall breed, race-ready bikes showed up in the showrooms as homologation models. And while Honda and Yamaha produced actual race bikes with street concessions (read: RC30 and OW01, respectively), Kawasaki brought an excellent street bike to the party. Capable of being tuned into a fire-breathing racer by privateers, the H1 was an upper echelon sport bike for the masses.

1989 Kawasaki ZX750 H1 for sale on eBay

The ZX750 H1 has all the basics that make it an excellent platform – but without the super exclusivity of the Honda and Yamaha specials. That did not make the Kawi any less special, just less pricey. Yet all the goods were there from the beginning with the twin spar aluminum frame tying together multi-adjustable suspension front and rear with a jewel of a 108-ish HP inline four and 6-speed tranny mounted in the middle. All this was draped with endurance racer bodywork (including elephant snorkels to bring fresh air into the airbox) and drenched in gallons of lime green paint. The effect was significant, and hooligans everywhere were mesmerized. Aspiring professionals could obtain a race kit to unleash the inner beast and turn this street machine into a racetrack razor.

From the seller:
An original low mileage ZX750 H1. Very hard to find one In this condition. It’s like new a true time capsule.
Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. Thank you very much.

Because ZX750s were more accessible than other 750 superbike-class offerings – but only slightly less capable – Kawasaki cranked out a significant number of them. This invariably meant that while OWs and RCs were headed for collector stables, ZX750s found their way into garages and street parking everywhere. Today it is the passage of time and overall condition that make these nostalgia machines valuable.

Today’s example of the ZX750 H1 is about a clean as we’ve seen for a while. Located in California and from the stable of our new favorite collector, this 1989 mean green machine is looking for a new home. If the condition of some of his other bikes is any indication, this one should be very minty indeed. The Buy It Now price is a rather lofty $18k, however that is far below the asking prices for some of the aforementioned homologation racers and reinforces Kawasaki’s design goal criterion. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!