This 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica makes as much of a statement today as it did when it rolled out of Minato City 37 years ago. In ‘83, the bikes announced what those who followed AMA Superbike racing already knew: That Japanese bikes were about to take over road racing for good, with the help of a brave, skinny Californian kid named Eddie Lawson. Today, this bike’s impeccable, unrestored condition sets it apart.
With Steady Eddie aboard, the KZ1000Rs stormed to the AMA Superbike title in 1981 and 1982, and the ‘83 ELR looked like it was an eyelash from the bike that did the deed.
The bikini fairing, boxy tank, deep-dished seat and ducktail rear cowl were lifted right from the 1982 GPz1100, but the unmistakable lime green and electric blue livery were all racebike. Gold wheels finished off the look, and a Kerker pipe and reservoir shocks meant it sounded fierce and handled its weight and power with aplomb.
This one has fewer than 1,800 miles on the clock, and has had a minor refresh but is otherwise as it was purchased. The clutch is new, the carbs have been freshly cleaned and painted, and couple cosmetic pieces were swapped out for NOS parts. Otherwise, it’s all original. As a bonus, it will be supplied with a set of NOS bodywork, from the fenders to the tank.
1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica near perfect all original! Multiple award winning with all “NOS” body parts coming out of my private collection.
Multiple award winner just won 1st place best original Japanese bike. The judges from the pebble beach event were blown away at how perfect she was.
This bike underwent minor clean up/refresh at my shop globe motorcycles limited. I used a full set of “NOS” body work so very hard to find i only have 2 full sets left. I swaped out the engine side covers with “NOS” units and new OEM gaskets and seals.
I have had this bike for several years and it has been the elr that i ride. She looks and rides as good as she did back in 1983.
The engine:
Serial number kzt00je041780 the engine is the original that came with the bike. I get asked this question all the time, why are’nt the ELR engine numbers ever close or similar to the frame numbers? The engine numbers have a specific range they must fall into for 1982 and 1983 kz1000r’s. This is the engine that came with the bike when she was new and is in the correct serial number range for a late 1983 elr.
With only 1789 miles it the engine ran great when i got her but i opted for her to run a bit better since i wanted to ride her. I installed a new hd clutch, all new OEM seals, pushrod, and gaskets (its just what i do). The engine itself has never been painted so no paint whent where it does not belong. The engine side covers were replaced with “NOS” units, very hard to find.
The carburetors were completely disassembled ultrasonically cleaned, and painted just as the factory did, resembled and synchronized. I re-jetted them with #132 main jets and raised the jet neddle with one washer to aid in running better with the competition baffle.
The frame:
The frame and swing arm are all original paint and look better then any of the other original elr’s i have had.
The tires have been replace with Dunlop k400’s (k300’s are not available). The grips, levers, mirrors, , end caps are all “NOS”.
The seat is all original with no blemishes.
The Kerker KR exhaust is the original unit that i had re coated to the original kal*gard finish and installed with OEM copper gaskets. The Kerker side emblem, the hanger bracket/bushing assembly, and the large competition baffle are all NOS ($500). The fuel tank, petcock, fuel guage sender, fuel cap, side covers, front cowl, rear cowl, front fender, tail light, wind shield and rubber seal, emblems, and associated hardware are all “NOS over $7500 worth of unobtainium. A modest amount of NOS/OEM hardware was used.
Tell your wife this is a great investment that will only go up in value unlike her shoe and handbag collection :). So here is your chance to own the best example of 1 of the 750ish 1983 Kawasaki kz1000r Eddie Lawson superbike replica’s ever built for north America. It is as close to when it came out of the crate with the exception of the Dunlop k400 tires and a very small amount of patina on the wheels. I will refinish the wheels to exact OEM specs for the new caretaker at my cost if he or she prefers “NOS” looking wheels (a very expensive process). I will for sure cry when it sells but i am blessed to have a few more ELR’s.
I have owned more then 20 ELR ‘s in the 15 years and have the largest inventory of ELR parts so bid with confidence. This bike will not disappoint. Please feel free to contact me with any questions 954-816-0806 Bob. Please come see her first if you have any doubts. I have been riding, racing, fixing, restoring, and collecting special bikes since graduating from American motorcycle institute “AMI” in Daytona beach Florida.
This ELR belongs in a museum so don’t miss out. I restored and preserved more bikes then i can count and have satisfied owners around the world with giant smiles on there faces every time they look at what the bought. The last 2 ELR s i sold (a 1982 and a 1983) went to Japan. They both had NOS body parts on all original bikes with low miles and sold for $28,500 and $36,000 and just not a perfect as this one.
The original tool kit, owners manual, and 2 keys come with the bike. The first buyer to hit the buy from the 2 ELR’s i have for sale will get my autographed custom painted 1983 bell helmet. The second one will end up with a custom painted 1983ish bell helmet that we will have to send to Eddie and wait for him to sign it.
Lets keep e-bay a great place to do business and only bid if you are planning to buy it.
$1000 deposit and the balance within 3 business days in cash or bank wire. I can store the bike for a few months and help arrange shipping
With ELRs getting rarer by the day, and NOS bodywork essentially unobtanium, we imagine it would be impossible to find another one like this. It’s a collector’s dream and an absolute museum piece.
