Posts by tag: Ninja

Kawasaki August 24, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

The Danger Zone: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Today’s Kawasaki GPz900R “Ninja” is one of the most iconic Japanese sport bikes of all time: the image of Tom Cruise racing a Tomcat along a runway, with just a pair of sunglasses, a bomber jacket, and his million-dollar smile to protect him from bugs traveling at 221 feet per second was burned into the minds of fans, cementing the Ninja’s place in motorcycling history as one of the coolest bikes ever. Unlike the film version, this example is slathered in classic Kawasaki green-and-white paint, making it just that extra bit 80s.

Elsewhere, the bike was known as the GPz900R, a clear evolution of the earlier GPz models. But here in the USA, it got a much more evocative name: “Ninja.” It’s clearly a bit silly now, naming your motorcycle after an ancient and heavily mythologized group of secretive assassins. But in the 1980s, ninjas were the height of cool, and the edgy styling of the bike certainly fit the name.

But the bike was sophisticated under that angular skin as well: the Ninja used one of the first liquid-cooled engines fitted to a motorcycle, and it eschewed the usual center-mounted cam-chain for one mounted on the end of the 16-valve engine to make it more compact. Today the numbers look decidedly sport-touring: 546lbs wet, with 115hp and a 151mph top speed. But at the time, the bike was pure sex and finding one this clean is pretty difficult today.

From the original eBay listing: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Up for auction is a rare opportunity to purchase a fully sorted and functional ninja 900R in the KAWASAKI trademark A2 export lime green. Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours went into the restoration/sorting of this motorcycle by a factory trained Kawasaki technician as a means of therapy. Believe it or not, it has $500.00 worth of OE o-rings in the cooling system and carburetors alone. Has had the mechanical work necessary for it to be right, whatever was needed was done or replaced (carburetor kits/cooling system complete overhaul etc.

This was the series of NINJA that started it all as the first water-cooled road-superbikes by Kawasaki. Restored by veteran motorcycle restorer that has been doing this since the 1980s. Valves adjusted to specifications, good cylinder pressures, pulls hard! Valves lapped for optimum pressure. Good compression as would be expected with the low miles! New tires, chain, clutches pulled checked, counter-balance shaft chain adjusted. Replaced front wheel bearings because he did not like the way they felt in his hands. All new fluids in every system. This bike has standard drive sprocket ratios.

This 617 LIME GREEN (this is not a lime green of a 1970 barracuda) it is a proprietary mixture color that can only be bought through authorized KAWASAKI dealers at $200.00 a quart retail. PPG DC-3000 premium clear.

Like most Japanese sportbikes, these depreciated to a point where they became nearly disposable, and many were thrashed, heavily modified, or written off. This one has obviously had a ton of attention lavished on it, and that paint! With just 10,500 miles on the odometer this is very clean and ready for anyone looking for a quick trip down that highway to the danger zone…

-tad

The Danger Zone: 1985 Kawasaki GPz900R for Sale

Kawasaki May 29, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Sharp Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 for Sale

Known variously as the Kawasaki ZX-6, ZX-6E, and eventually the ZZ-R600, depending on the year and market, the 600 Ninja’s specifications were virtually indistinguishable from its competitors at the time: 599cc, four cylinders, four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, and liquid-cooling, with a six-speed gearbox. But unlike the CBR600 and FZR600, the Ninja brought a light and very stiff aluminum frame to the party. The resulting 430lb dry weight and 100hp or so meant best-in-class acceleration and a 153mph top speed.

When introduced in 1993, the Ninja ZX-6 was considered by many to be the best bike in the 600cc class, superior in terms of both performance and comfort. 1995 saw the introduction of the sportier ZX-6R, but the older version was simply renamed the ZZ-R600 soldiered on until 2006 alongside the more modern, focused version of Kawasaki’s 600cc sportbike.

The ZX-6 is still a highly competent sportbike and should be great fun to ride, if a bit underpowered, compared to modern machines. It’s also hugely versatile by today’s standards: Kawasaki’s later “ZZ-R” designation generally applied to less focused machines suitable for light sport-touring, in addition to back road scratching. Even when it was Kawasaki’s premiere supersport, it was considered a pretty comfortable ride by reviewers.

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Kawasaki ZX-6 for Sale

1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX600-E, 18,357 miles. This is one of the cleanest 26 year old bikes I’ve ever seen. No issues. Marks on lower left case probably from a tipover (see photo), and windscreen plexiglass is scuffed from shipping. A couple other very small, and almost completely unnoticeable blems. Most of the visibility features of the bike are showroom condition. Starts easily, rides beautifully. Title in hand.

Cycle World magazine chose the ZX-6 as the “best 600 cc streetbike” of 1993. The fastest sportbike of the period, the ZX-6 claimed a top speed of 153 mph and could complete a quarter mile in 11.19 seconds at 123.5 mph.

Re-listed due to a non-payer. Sorry, but if your eBay account is new or you have no history, your bid will be deleted.

The odometer shows 18,000 miles, and the general cosmetic condition appears to be excellent, although that chain and sprocket are very nasty and should obviously be changed posthaste. Some people might find the lurid, Kawasaki green and white colors on this example a bit garish, but those people also probably aren’t reading this post. I hated this design when I was younger, but love it now. Go figure. So much for “mellowing with age…” In any event, this is a very clean example and should provide tons of fun and nostalgia for a minimal outlay of cash, both now and in terms of maintenance down the road.

-tad

Sharp Survivor: 1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 for Sale

Kawasaki May 26, 2020 posted by Donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Despite being a generation or so in the rearview mirror, the original GPZ900R Ninja had a lot of firsts for Kawasaki and big sportbikes in general. Looking complete and mostly original, this example might be a good riding restoration.

1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja for sale on eBay

Beside being the first Ninja to our shores, the 908cc’s were liquid cooled, had four valves per cylinder, and a counter balance shaft in a compact architecture which kept the center of gravity low. Four 34mm Keihin carburetors and 11.0:1 compression pushed the Ninja well over the goal line with 115 hp. Super-high tech hadn’t quite made it to the steel chassis or pretty conventional suspension, but the triple drilled disk brakes were a plus, and linked to the anti-dive system. At this point the lines are beyond classic, bringing visions of a drag race with an F-14.

Homing in on 28,000 miles, this GPZ900R has been around the world, but on silent more recently. Appearing quite stock, it’s without damage unexpected for its age. The owner is upfront about the work required to bring it back in the eBay auction:

Original except exhausts. Very good condition, does have few nicks and imperfections as per photos Tank has some surface rust inside. Ran well before I mothballed it around six months ago and now sits on top of my car lift with many others due to space constraints so plan to do the basics to recommission it for daily use. It will also need a new battery and regulator/rectifier as it didn’t charge battery while riding. A very easy candidate to turn into a full replica or take to top level. Stating the obvious but this is same bike used in the Top Gun movie with Tom Cruise. Has become much more in demand since announcement of the new movie. I know because I had 5 of them and since I started selling I have one left.

The GPZ900R was popular enough to fight off in-house challenges from liter-size successors, and had almost a 20-year run worldwide. With the delayed opening of the Top Gun re-make, the new owner will have a chance to tidy this one up before donning a flight jacket and heading to a show. The ask seems a shade more than the condition demands, but the Make Offer button is available.

-donn

Too Close for Missiles – 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R

Kawasaki May 22, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

Update 6.3.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Kawasaki’s ZX-7R is finally getting its due and clean, low-mile examples are getting pretty hard to find anywhere near the rock-bottom prices they fetched not too long ago. Older, 1970s and early 1980s Kawis like the KZ1000R have found their collectible niche as well. But the mid-1980s bikes like this Ninja GPX750R have been a bit too new for the classic fans, and too old for anyone into superbikes with more modern looks. So maybe now is the time to start looking for one to add to your collection?

The Ninja name always seemed a little… silly to me, but I’m obviously wrong because Kawasaki still has a bunch of them in their lineup. GPz900R Ninja introduced in 1984 packed a big engine into a lightweight, round tube steel chassis and was very popular, with a great mix of handling and straight line performance. In 1984, Kawasaki took the GPz900’s chassis and dropped a 750cc into it to create the GPz750, a bike with well-rounded and competent but unexciting performance, compared to bikes like the GSX-R750.

An improved engine in 1987 led to the bike seen here, the GPX750R that was available until 1991, depending on the market. That means it would have been available alongside the ZX-7R in some places, long after the GPX would have been considered cutting-edge. Power came from a 748cc sixteen-valve inline four with liquid-cooling and a six-speed gearbox, and the package was good for 141mph. Mechanical anti-dive forks worked well enough, although they and the air-shock out back are obviously not as sophisticated as modern examples. The 16″ front and 18″ rear wheel combo date the bike somewhat, but you still should be able to find decent rubber to fit.

Ultimately, the GPz and GPX750R represent a bit of an in-between stage for Kawasaki, which may be why they’re a bit forgotten today. Performance was perfectly adequate for the class, but they didn’t have exciting new technology or class-leading power. Style isn’t quite Top Gun classic like the GPz900R or World Superbike classic like the ZX-7R, but the GPX750R is supposedly a great bike to ride. If you’re a collector, or just feeling nostalgic, this could be a great candidate. Miles are very low, with a mere 6,065 on the odometer, and overall condition is excellent. There are a few minor blemishes clearly shown in the seller’s photos as you can see from the gallery included.

From the Seller’s eBay listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

At One-Up Moto Garage (https://www.oneupmoto.com) I have high standards for condition and I would rate this Ninja cosmetically 9.5/10 and mechanically 10/10. I am the second owner, the original owner put 95% of the miles on it (totaling just over 6,000). Since day one it has been stored indoors with a bike cover, so it has no sun fading, rust or corrosion. I took pictures of every little chip and blemish I could find on the bike. The tires are nearly new, and carbs were addressed with new float bowl gaskets a few months ago. Not because they were leaking, I just wanted to see how the insides looked- and it was like new (I can send pics upon request). Gas tank also looks new inside. The bike starts easy, runs and rides flawlessly. It has never had ethanol gas in it. Everything feels like new on it, throttle cable is smooth, hydraulics are firm, all switches are tight and snappy.

It spends most of its time in my showroom with the battery tended, I ride it once every few weeks to keep things moving. You won’t be disappointed with this bike! I can send a start, run, and ride video upon request. I can also give you the whole life story of the bike going back to its original sale in Arkansas in 1990.

Bikes we’ve traditionally considered “classics” are wonderful, but require that you temper your expectations: 1950s motorcycles require more attention and maintenance, have much less power, sketchier handling, and brakes that won’t hold a candle to what even a Ninja 300 can provide these days. The best thing about a bike like this Ninja GPX750R is that it straddles the classic and modern eras. It may not have ABS and an autoblipper, or make 200hp at the rear wheel, and you won’t be able to fit the very best rubber but bikes like this offer good comfort, reliability, and plenty of performance to handle the cut-and-thrust of modern traffic, all while helping you relive your lost youth.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1989 Kawasaki Ninja GPX750R for Sale

Kawasaki March 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Dark Horse – 1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R with just 5,800 miles !

One of Kawasaki’s alternative livery used basic black instead of championship lime, but this carefully tended example is an eye-catcher even so.

1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R for sale on eBay

Right in the middle of the 1989-2003 model run, the ’96 was the first year where the rest-of-world and North American models had the same ZX-7R name. The classic 748 cc inline was carburetted and boasted 111 ponies. Intake runners were dialed back a few mm to improve throttle response, and mid-range torque was augmented by a crossover pipe between downpipes 1 and 4. Not messing with the good, the alloy twin-spar chassis can handle whatever comes its way and the conservative headstock geometry takes it all in stride. Components like the 6-piston front brakes and piggyback reservoir rear shock were definite improvements.

This Virginia owner took super care of this baby, and the detailed photos show no wear or corrosion, not even a rub on the heel guards. Rarely seen OEM mirrors and signals might actually work as intended. The rims look as though they’ve been subjected to just one tire change. From the eBay auction:

Bike still has over 99% of its original OEM parts – Bridgestone Battlax Hypersports and stainless steel front brake lines are not. Extremely well preserved and under 6K there’s not much of a service record here. Maintenance done recently – MOTUL 10W40 100% synthetic, OEM Kawasaki oil filter, MOTUL 7.5W 100% synthetic fork oil, MOTUL MC CARE chain clean and lube, OEM Kawasaki air filter, NGK spark plugs, OEM Kawasaki fuel filter, rear 41 PSI, front 37 PSI, P21S Carnauba Wax – check!

Clearly this bike is ready to show or ride to the beach, canyon. Runs like it looks, INCREDIBLE. Items included in sale: original owners manual, clear Exempt title, 2 keys and 1 spare, original sales ad, period correct never used tank bra, 100% original never used OEM Kawasaki tool kit. Rare was the factory Ebony with reflective iridescence decals that color morph in sunlight but rarer here is a true survivor time capsule ready to take you back – don’t miss it.

Though the street-going ZX-7R had grown up into a slightly overweight kit, the AMA Superbikes had to make room for Doug Chandler and his Team Muzzy special, who repeated in 1997. For a fan, this might be a perfect redux – hardly used, perfect shape, serious rather than flashy, and sensibly priced.

-donn

Dark Horse – 1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R with just 5,800 miles !

Kawasaki August 12, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1994 Kawasaki Ninja 600R (ZX600C)

It takes something special to stand out in the middleweight sportbike segment, especially in the used market when a goodly number join the fray each year. The seller spotted this back-of-the-garage find a few years ago and returned it to the road with several major service items. As delivered in period black and turquoise livery, this 600R is a great survivor and affordable classic.

1994 Kawasaki 600R ( GPX600 ) with just 6,900 miles !

Though there isn’t much radical engineering in this profitable corner of the showroom, the Ninja 600R does boast more than 100 hp per liter at 84, thanks to 11.71-to-1 compression on the twin-cam four. Kawasaki’s Electronic Suspension Control ( ESCS ) compensated for front end dive under braking, and their Uni-Track with adjustable monoshock tamed the rear end. The frame-mounted fairing cut a hole in the wind for rider, and vinyl tank panels offered good grip.

Likely purchased new by a fledgling rider, this 600R was parked soon afterward, and re-commissioned by the new owner after almost 20 years on the lam. Since the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof, the rehab involved all liquids, new rubber, carb rebuild and a thorough cleaning of the fuel system. The seller has these comments about the bike and its return to service:

I acquired this bike back in 2016 with approximately 2,500 original miles and it was completely original down to the tires. It still has the original owner’s manual, tool kit, factory key, and is completely stock right down to the exhaust.

I replaced all the fluids, installed new spark plugs, a new UNI air filter, a new battery, and had new Bridgestone Battleax BT tires fitted. The tank has been removed and professionally cleaned, given a new petcock valve, and I had all four carburetors professionally rebuilt at the same shop that the tank was cleaned.

The bike has since been ridden 4,500 trouble-free miles over the past three years, and at the time of writing has about 7,000 miles, however, this number will go up every weekend as I like to ride it to keep the carbs in shape. Minor cosmetic blemishes include light scratches on the tank, two small scratches on the left rear cowl, mild corrosion on the coolant drain plug, and small bits of rust starting to surface on the exhaust.

You never see these anywhere anymore and this all original example is the best I’ve seen for sale in years. Even if you’re not a collector, this Ninja 600R is a fun, reliable survivor that gets attention from onlookers that know, and is a terrific and inexpensive way to enjoy a classic sportbike.

Asking price is $3,500 and offers are requested by text message at (757) 806-9296

Having served a generation of daily riders, The seller is right that they are rarely seen in this condition these days, and the best way to maintain a fuel system is to use it occasionally. Maybe this all original model was your brother’s favorite bike, or a friend needs a down payment-sized entrée into the sporty side, either way this 600R looks ready to please a new owner.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1994 Kawasaki Ninja 600R (ZX600C)

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.

Kawasaki April 18, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1990 Kawasaki Ninja 750R

This Featured Listing is for our friends at Iconic Motorbikes. Thanks as always for supporting the site guys! -dc

This is not the bright-green, dual headlight monster most people call to mind when you say, “750cc Kawasaki Ninja.” Instead of the truly featherweight lairiness of the Kawasaki ZX-7R, the 1990 Kawasaki Ninja 750R delivers a still-potent punch with much better manners than its race replica stablemate.

The Ninja 750R originally was designed to compete with the likes of the Honda Interceptor and the Suzuki GSX-R 750, but from the get-go it had higher bars and a slightly less spine-eroding seating position. It was fast enough to keep yourself entertained, but cushy enough to go two-up. It also bears the distinction of being the last fully-faired Japanese sportbike to rock a steel frame.

This one, offered by our friends and site sponsor Iconic Motorbikes, is in close to immaculate condition, with just north of 9,000 miles on it. It has apparently been sitting for some time, but was put away and stored properly, so new tires and perhaps a new chain should be all it needs to fall right back into duty as a big mileage puller. The red-black-silver livery is much less noisy than the racebike’s, and is a nice nod to the GPz 900 that graced Top Gun.

From the seller:

1990 Kawasaki Ninja 750R – Excellent Condition – Only 9032 Miles
Here we have one of the cleanest Ninja 750R’s we’re yet to come across.

This 1990 750R is a solid 9.5 out of 10 and 100% stock! Harder and harder to find in this condition and even more difficult to find unmolested!

Perfect for a collector or a rider however if you’re planning to ride, plan on tires and some recommissioning costs as she’s been sitting for quite some time. Thankfully the bike was put away dry and stored properly so costs will not be excessive and we’d be happy to help!

At $6,050, the bike is priced according to its condition and scarcity when compared to the faster ZX-7R. For that, you’re getting a great, classic sport tourer with tons of years left.