Posts by tag: Rob Muzzy

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Kawasaki August 10, 2021 posted by Donn

Clean Slate – 1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja

A new-to-you classic sportbike often means wading through multiple previous owner’s improvements and mishaps. Not this time, as the 1991 ZX-7 presented here looks un-modified and never down.

1991 Kawasaki ZX-7 Ninja for sale on eBay

The industry had been expecting the EU to declare 100 hp a street-wise maximum, and tuned a lot of engines into conformance. Not a bad thing for a road rider, since the torque numbers were excellent. Most of the ZX-7’s innovations came in the original ’89, but the 1991 model came with 43mm upside-down forks, and using the engine as a stressed member made the chassis lighter and more rigid. New then was a curved radiator, which saved frontal area but still had the volume to cool the 750. Several liveries were available but the green / white / blue is instantly recognizable from the AMA superbike days.

This St. Pete owner came upon this ZX-7 when it was only ten years old, and evidently continued riding carefully. The tail tidy, low-profile signals, and blue windscreen are entirely normal, but the lack of any apparent rash and the factory muffler are pretty unusual. After a time in the garage, some return to duty maintenance is expected, as noted in the eBay auction:

A very rare and collectible ZX-7 Ninja. The last time it was ridden was 2 years ago and at that point it ran great. The bike has been covered in my garage. It has been an amazing bike for me. It needs the regular maintenance a bike that hasn’t been ridden would need to get it in great running condition. I’ve owned the bike for 20 years.

Though a first-year H-model or race homologation K would be more collectible, the J has a nice set of updates and weight savings. With race kit and Muzzy prep, the ZX-7’s went on to multiple crowns on several continents, making that green a key color to fans worldwide. For a rider not quite ready to take a more rare bike on a trip or park it at a cruise night, this example might be a good choice.

-donn

Kawasaki July 10, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Privateer Superbike: 1995 Kawasaki ZX-7R for Sale

We don’t post too many racebikes here on RSBFS. Ex-racebikes are tricky to value. By their very nature, they evolve and change over time to remain competitive and, unless a bike is retired immediately after an historic race win, it’s not likely to be in anything like “original” condition. That very word contradicts what racing is about: if something doesn’t work, it’s discarded, if something better is introduced, it goes on the bike. They get crashed and blown up and rebuilt and raced again. But this particular Kawasaki ZX-7R had too many impressive names attached to it to pass up.

This Kawasaki is a bike from the glory days of World Superbike racing, when 750cc fours were pretty much the go-to configuration for everyone but Ducati. In stock form, the ZX-7R was a bit heavy at 450lbs dry, and the 748cc engine’s 105hp is decidedly underwhelming by today’s standards. But the bike made an excellent racing platform, and this version was kept in production for 7 years, a near eternity in terms of sportbike development and a testament to its sound design.

Of course, this isn’t anything like a stock motorcycle. The claimed 150+hp is impressive and the WSB-spec Öhlins forks and Brembo brakes that replace the stock Nissin six-pots are all very, very tasty, but it’s the frame that makes this particularly interesting: it was supposedly used in World Superbike racing by Anthony Gobert and obtained from famed tuner Rob Muzzy. The seller’s description goes into more detail below.

From the original eBay listing: 1995 Kawasaki ZX-7R Racebike for Sale

1995 Kawasaki ZX7R Superbike. Works frame (WSB Gobert frame, Purchased from Muzzy in ’99), 2 Superbike motors: 800cc (for ’03) and 750cc. Fully kitted, Ohlins WSB forks, brembo brakes, everything. Spare valve springs (2 sets), valves, rods, pistons. 800 has Carrillo rods. Hasn’t been run for 15 years. Gets turned over now a couple times a year.

This is probably the finest privateer 1995 Kawasaki ZX7R Superbike ever built. The works frame (purchased from Muzzy in December of ’99) was supposedly Gobert’s. It was a World Superbike frame; done in Japan by Kawasaki. It was black when we got it. A work of art, they added a oil catch tank in the frame and welded a frame around the frame. It turned the bike from a pile of crap nightmare that would wind up and launch you at any second (with the fully built 150+ hp superbike engine) to a dream that is predictable and smooth. Which is why they won. Unfortunately those weren’t available to any of us, and we were lucky to get it for the 2000 season. After we got the frame, that bike won every club race and set track records in 2000 (beating the 1000s) until we had a Brembo rotor explode and put me in the ICU… ending that season. I raced it a few times since and we built a 800cc motor that put out 170hp (on the juice, no ram air) that ran with the 1000s of ’03. Unfortunately the KLS shifter broke during that national and we DNF’d. Later, it had a “tip over” in a practice due to a leak in a front tire, and it never got repainted. I got bodywork for it and never fitted it or painted it. Unlike the “works” bike Chandler rode and got claimed in the F-USA in 1996 (was just for sale on bringatrailer.com), these engines do NOT have the “works” gear driven cams. Those are not serviceable for privateers. This bike makes a ton of power with the conventional chain driven cams, works oil pickup, etc. Further, we still have a couple sets of valve springs (and tons of spares) which are now unobtainable. These motors can be serviced and freshened up. This will be an AHRMA killer.

This is obviously a well-developed package and should be a blast to ride. It also includes extra engines and spares to keep them running, although at that $25,000 asking price, you’d hope it would. There are cheaper ways to get into vintage [?!] racing, but none quite as evocative…

-tad

Privateer Superbike: 1995 Kawasaki ZX-7R for Sale

Kawasaki July 8, 2016 posted by Marty

Collector Alert: Pristine 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR/N1 formerly owned by Rob Muzzy

Attention collectors, here is an opportunity to acquire a bit of unobtanium; one of the actual 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR bikes owned by the legendary Rob Muzzy in pristine OEM condition. The seller includes a lot of good ownership history information in their ebay listing plus the bike itself looks to be in amazing condition. Location is on the east coast of the USA, so if you haven’t earmarked all your monies for air conditioning bills, this one might be worth a close look.

1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR/N1 on ebay

The 1996 Kawasaki 750RR is currently one of the top 3 750cc homologation bikes for anyone building a 1990’s sportbike collection, with the others being the Yamaha OW01 and the Honda RC45. The ZX-7RR, also often referred to by its ‘N1’ model number, had a lot of true race oriented tech, including an adjustable swing arm pivot, race orientated close ratio gearbox, larger flat sided carbs as well as track level Nissan calipers and upgraded suspension pieces.

For anyone who wants to understand the development of the N1, good information is available in previous RSBFS posts.

Condition of this one looks to be excellent and all OEM/bone stock, including the exhaust canister and turn signals. Mileage is indicated as approximately 1800 miles.

Here is a summary of what else the seller has to say regarding condition.

Stock including all the warning labels and reflectors

Has never seen the rain or elements, always stored indoors, no rust or oxidation present anywhere on the bike.

Bodywork and Tank are 100%, grips show no wear, the headlights don’t have any pitting.

Comes with the factory OEM exhaust in excellent condition.

An untouched unmolested original.

What is this 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR worth? Well as previously noted, its one of the 3 main 750cc homologation bikes currently prized by collectors and its been said that only 500 were produced (although that number has been disputed) so rarity has to be taken into account. Additional pluses for this one are pristine condition and that it is previous ownership history by Rob Muzzy. The only minuses are a bit of an issue with the title mileage and some minor scuffs are mentioned.

The last two 1996 Kawasaki ZX7RR/N1’s we had on RSBFS in similar condition went for between $17,000 and $19,000 USD so this one isn’t probably going to be cheap…I would expect the final price to be somewhere in the same area.

-Martyy/Dallaslavowner

Collector Alert: Pristine 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR/N1 formerly owned by Rob Muzzy

Kawasaki September 26, 2011 posted by Ian

Remember FUSA? 98 Kawasaki ZX850RR Muzzy Raptor

“Run what ya brung” pretty much sums up what Formula USA ( FUSA) was all about back in the 90’s. At any given race you might see a heavily modded GSXR1100 racing against a TZ250. For a year or two there was even Rich Oliver riding a Roberts YZR500 (I think there was some pissing and moaning after these arrived). The Raptor was Rob Muzzy’s answer to the dominant Valvoline Suzuki’s of the time. Basically, give Muzzy a ZX7 and let him have his way with it.

By the way, can someone please bring a series like this back? I’ve had my fill of NASCAR on two wheels. I like the exotic.

50 is the widely stated production number of the Raptors. 50 also happened to be the number required to be FUSA legal. The seller states Rob Muzzy claims the actual production number is around 35. Rare, unique and semi-American made all in one.

This particular Raptor has a very cool mix of Muzzy, Kawasaki kit and high end aftermarket parts:

The motor is the highest spec 873cc ,GEAR DRIVEN CAM, Ti Carillo rods, lighten crank,world superbike head,undercut tranny. 41mm Kehien Flatslides breath through a ram air sealed carbon fiber airbox. It’s making around 175 rwhp. I did not dyno it but its a torque monster. The motor sounds almost like a turbo because of the gear driven cam whine. Very sic!

The suspension is full GP spec 48mm Ohlins forks, Special factory Ohlins rear shock, custom suspension linkage and a adjustable triple clamp looks like it could support a bridge! Massive pinch bolts. The swing arm and fork are equipped with quick change Ti axles. A KES quickshifter controls the full throttle shift and the guages are all KHI (Kawasaki Heavy Industries) factory superbike pieces.

The brakes are set up with sublime AP 6piston front calipers, clamping 330 mm (they might be 320mm) Brembo Full floating cast rotors, actuated by a Brembo radial master cylinder. The rear brake is a tiny AP unit clamping a ultra light full floating KHI rotor.

Wheels are a beautiful set of magnesium Marchasini’s, 17 x3.75 front, 16.5x 6.5 rear. I just refinished them and the are perfect. A new set sprockets and a gold DID chain complete the drive line. These a pretty fresh set of Dunlop Ntech’s on the bike right now.

Body work is a collection of one off carbon and fiberglass. The tank is a one off Carbon Fiber piece of beauty. The fairings are Jap spec 8hr Suzuka replicas. There is a headlight custom faired in next to the number plate. The tail/subframe is all KHI SPEC. The battery box is relocated in a custom Muzzy box along with a billet aluminum oil tank.

Who wouldn’t want that engine with the gear driven cams? Exotic!

This is where the Raptor was meant to be but it was also sold as a street bike. This one definitely saw it’s share of track time:

This bike is one of the three prototypes that Muzzy built for contesting the unlimited racing series Formula USA. The history is as follows. Doug Chandler raced this bike twice in FUSA for the Muzzy Team. He won the first time out at Daytona and came in third at Pocono. The bike then was passed on to Steve Grigg who went on to crush everyone in WERA unlimited series. Grigg held the track record at Summit Point and Road Atlanta on this bike. So this is no ccobbed up street bike but a real GP racer.

Who is going to snap this one up? A Kawasaki collector or someone who wants to keep it on the track? With a starting bid of $20,000 I’m going to lean collector. There are just too many options out there today for that price for the track. Is it worth $20,000 or higher? I have to honestly say, “I don’t know”. It sure has some trick parts and you can’t argue it isn’t rare. If you sleep in Kawasaki pajamas I know you want this bike.

There is a decent thread on the Raptor on the Kawasaki forum if you’d like more info and pictures. There is actually some photos of this particular bike there as well.

You can check out the auction here.

Ian

Kawasaki March 2, 2011 posted by Alex

1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7RR With Very Low VIN (#025) On eBay–Again

The is a great looking ZX7RR N1 that we haven’t seen since September!

Bike: 1996 Kawasaki ZX7RR N1

Miles: 6,998mi

Price: $6,000 Starting bid with no reserve

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

This ‘RR is on consignment from the third owner, was fully serviced prior to being listed, and the bike is stated to be all original. Some defects include light scratching to the ram air covers, front fender, some of the left fuel tank decal has been removed by a fuel spill (new one is included with the sale), the battery is dead and the forks have started to leak. Not exactly what I expect when a bike has supposedly had “…detailed service work” and “…several different services including thorough carb work.” Regardless, this bike appears to be a very collectible piece with some light love–and front turn signals.

Doug had some very good observations when this bike was first spotted in September:

Downs:
1. Missing the front turn signals
2. Missing the side fairing reflectors
3. Doesn’t have the Muzzy 7rr Special sticker on the tank
4. Butt pad is a little beat up
5. Seat has a gas cap stain – can see if you look closely at pictures
6. Needs a new front tire, but it’s the original D204 Sportmax
7. Has a pencil sized dent in the gas tank.
8. Rims may have been painted at some point.

Ups:
1. It’s a N1!
2. Better than average condition
3. Low miles
4. Has one original tire
5. It’s priced right.
6. I like it a whole lot for the money

I’m going to have to agree with Doug, this is a very good–great–bike for the money compared to what we’ve seen other N1’s going for. If you wanted an occasional weekend bike with collector credibility this is a fantastic choice. With a little work, I don’t think anyone would be ashamed to have this in their garage. See Doug’s very thorough write up here. See some of the other ZX7RR’s we’ve posted .

Ducati March 1, 2010 posted by Alex

1990 Ducati 851/888 One Owner Bike With 1,800 Miles

This is a one owner, low mile, 851 with some very nice parts. Located in Tampa, Florida is a 1990 Ducati 851 that is fitted with a factory 888 kit and only has 1,800 miles. The seller states that this bike was purchased from Eraldo Ferracci (Fast By Ferracci):

“Prior to delivery, Eraldo installed one of the first Factory 888 race kits which included 94mm pistons and factory race rods along with completely blueprinting the engine, including porting, polishing, matching ports and balancing the engine as well as new FBF eprom chip which raised the redline to 10,500.”

And even more interesting is the story behind the exhaust:

Exhaust is a prototype set built by Rob Muzzy of Muzzy Kawasaki and has an incredible sound.

A Muzzy prototype exhaust is a very cool, and insanely rare, piece of unobtainium. The seller states that he is the original owner so all these claims should be verifiable with receipts/correspondence. I hate to always be pessimistic but, as I’ve said before, if you’re paying for something special, make sure it is actually special. The seller states that this bike is in perfect mechanical and cosmetic condition. The asking price is $6,450. In summary, this is a one owner 851/888 that has very low miles and two very nice extras. See this bike on Craigslist here.