Introdcued in 1975, the KR750 was Kawasaki’s top tier road racing machine, piloted by legendary names such as Gary Nixon, Steve Baker, and Mike Baldwin. Normally when I feature something that looks like a KR750, it’s a tribute – but today someone’s got Baldwin’s actual machine up for sale!
#186 of 200 – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Spirit of America
Post Listing Update: This KZ1000 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In 1978, Kawasaki was the only Japanese manufacturer with a facility in the US. Kawi’s president (Dave Mehney) and Marketing Vice President (Dick Terrell) decided to highlight that with an “All-American Ride-away” – a program where Kawi customized 200 of their KZ1000s with an American paint …
1981 Suzuki FS50X
Sold in some markets as the Shuttle, the Suzuki FS50 was a family of scooters related to the FZ50 and FA50. The FS was built between 1980 and 1991 and was powered by a 49cc 3.2 hp engine paired with a two-speed transmission.
Mick Grant’s Racer – 1982 Suzuki XR69
Also known as the GS1000R, the Suzuki XR69 was born out of Pops Yoshimura’s request for Suzuki to help him with some development of his GS750-based Formula 750 racer. In 1977, F750 became Formula One and they allowed 1,000cc motors. Suzuki started using the GS1000 motor (good for 74 horsepower stock) but Pops was able to coax approximately 130 horsepower …
2002 Suzuki Hayabusa
Suzuki’s just released an all-new Hayabusa, but here’s one for those of you that like the classics – it stands out thanks to nearly-immaculate bodywork and choice modifications.
1978 Kawasaki Z1-R
In a 1978 review of the Z1-R, Cycle Guide described it as such: “The bike has enough raw horsepower to be truly impressive on the straights, but the first rule of handling for a 90hp motorcycle is to give it a 90hp chassis, and that is something the Z1-R doesn’t have.” It was fast, it had distinctive styling, and it …
What Do You Want To Know? 1990 Honda RC30
Normally when I offer up these kinds of posts, it’s because I’ve got something on loan for a few weeks. This one’s a bit different…I bought a RC30!
Documented Restoration – 1985 Yamaha RZ350
The last two-stroke officially imported into the US, the Yamaha RZ350 is very much a sought-after collectors bike in the US. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters.
1982 Kawasaki GPz550
When Kawasaki introduced the GPz550 in 1981, it was a shot in the arm of the middleweight class. Now riders could get something fast, nimble, and sporty without having to get a big bike!
“Zucati” – 1978 Suzuki GS750 Custom
Originally built to be shown at the 2018 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas, this custom GS750 was dubbed “Zucati” because it features the suspension, wheels, and single-sided swingarm from a Ducati 1098. What do you think of the end result?
1978 Honda CB750F Super Sport
Honda’s CB750 was a game changer when it was first released, but by 1975 the bike had been overshadowed by the Kawasaki Z1. Honda responded with the F Super Sport alongside the K5 model. The F got a new gas tank, a rear disc brake, and a 4-into-1 exhaust. Other modifications improved horsepower and the chassis – Cycle magazine said …
No Reserve – 2001 Honda RC51
Sold between in 2000 and 2006 in two different versions, the RC51 has gone down as one of the most legendary motorcycles to ever come out of Honda, well-deserving of the “RC” designation that’s graced other famous Hondas like the RC30, RC40, and RC45. It was Honda’s take on the V-Twin replica racer, beating Ducati at it’s own game with …
Restomod In Canada – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Built by the current 500c production class Bonneville Land Speed Record Holder and offered by the current SCTA 500/350 production record holders (as well as the 350 AMA national record holder), this incredible Gamma is said to power wheelie in 3rd gear. Purists need not apply, but two-stroke junkies should be right at home.
2008 Suzuki B-King With Zero Miles
The best way to think about the Suzuki B-King is to consider it a naked version of the famous Hayabusa. Sold only for one year in the US, it features the 2nd generation, 1340cc Hayabusa engine that was retuned for more mid-range torque. When it was unveiled to the world as a prototype, this bike featured a 240 section rear …
Land Speed Racer – 1965 Honda S65
Here’s an unexpected platform to go land speed racing with – a Honda S65!