Please Note: The seller is willing to deliver this bike himself anywhere in the contiguous United States (not Alaska or Hawaii) for $300.
In 1981, Kawasaki throughly upgraded the KZ1000G to the KZ1000J model with a better engine and chassis, though they did go down in one specific number: displacement. By decreasing the bore slightly, they were able to get displacement to 998cc, which is what they needed to compete in AMA Superbike racing. Despite the slight displacement decrease, Kawasaki was able to get an almost 25% horsepower bump from the G to the J bike (83 to 102) thanks to a lighter crankshaft, lighter flywheel, larger valves, bigger (and lighter) aluminum 34mm Mikuni carbs, and a higher compression ratio.
The chassis got stiffer but lighter and it was paired with bigger forks and steeper rake. It worked – Eddie Lawson won the 1981 AMA National Superbike Championship with a factory KZ1000J, and that led to the famous ELR (Eddie Lawson Replica).
This example is VIN: JKAKZCJ18CA008282. The seller purchased it two months ago from a private party in Minnesota.
During his ownership he has covered about 100 miles. The odometer shows 26,903 miles.
The owner recently sold a 1982 Yamaha XJ550R Seca through Iconic Motorbikes. He is selling this as he has “too many bikes and not enough storage area currently.” He notes this bike was “originally purchased by an aircraft mechanic in Minneapolis in 1982, he kept it until 1998 and the previous owner purchased it and owned it ever since. It was ridden from 1998 until 2002 then for the most part was garage stored under cover and taken out from time to time for a short ride. This bike has always been garaged and never crashed.”
Maintenance:
“I have given it a complete basic maintenance and changed all the fluids.” The seller states that there are no mechanical issues. “None, bike is fully functional.”
Modifications:
Fork brace.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Paint overall in great condition, striping has a couple spots needing attention. The bike is in great shape and has very minor wear for it’s age. A fantastic survivor bike.”
Currently located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Oklahoma title. Have any KZ1000J stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
