Even should you know little or no about Kawasaki’s historical past, you in all probability know concerning the KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Reproduction. Launched in 1982, it was a restricted version bike based mostly on the one which Lawson gained the championship with. Primarily a manufacturing bike with new paint and a few upgraded components, it was particular, however not overly so.
For those who wished one thing actually particular (and with a bit extra pep), Kawasaki had the KZ1000R S1—an nearly actual copy of Lawson’s precise GP bike. They constructed about 30 S1s, and should you knew the best individuals, you can purchase one for round $11,000. Understandably, they’re astonishingly collectable; some have been bought at public sale in recent times for ten instances that.
It’s simple to see why S1s are so collectable—however not everyone has six figures clogging their checking account. Which is why Tony Bucci at VSB Moto in Canada determined to construct this very convincing Kawasaki KZ1000R S1 reproduction. Classic superbikes are Tony’s forte, so who higher to do that iconic machine justice?
“We actually appreciated Kawasaki’s 82 KZ1000R providing, however we additionally actually appreciated the unique Kawasaki Manufacturing facility S1 race bike,” Tony tells us. “We mainly blended the perfect of what each bikes needed to provide to construct our S1 Road Reproduction.”
VSB Moto began with the KZ’s improved stablemate, the 1982 Kawasaki GPZ1100 B2, as a donor. The body was in tip high form and wanted nothing greater than a contemporary coat of powder—however the full bike took nearly 5 years to construct. A part of the problem was discovering genuine components to equipment it out with.
“We began amassing components for the bike years in the past and we’re simply thrilled with a number of the items we had been in a position to supply,” says Tony. “Interval right components are getting extraordinarily onerous to seek out as this bike is now 40 years previous! We had been very fortunate to seek out the ultimate elements that we would have liked.”
The components listing is as in depth as it’s spectacular. Tony bolted on a set of 18” six-spoke aluminum EPM wheels, preferring the look of them over the three-spoke Dymag hoops seen on the S1. A set of copy chrome steel brake discs had been fitted to the wheels; 330 mm up entrance and 250 mm on the rear.
The entrance forks are unique KZ1000R models, rebuilt with new tubes and upgraded internals. The swingarm is a real Calfab S1 braced unit, full with eccentric axle adjusters. A cush drive setup and period-correct Works rear shocks had been additionally sourced.
VSB rebuilt the GPZ1100 engine with slotted cam sprockets, degreed cams and back-cut transmission gears. A set of VM33 Mikuni carbs was restored, and fitted with Ok&N excessive circulation pod filters. A Kerker-style race exhaust with a 50 mm baffle, and an APE guide cam chain tensioner had been added to the construct sheet.
The billet oil cooler take-off manifold is customized, and feeds oil to an Earles cooler, mounted on customized brackets with braided strains. A Dyna 2000 ignition system and Dyna coils had been fitted, receiving energy from a brand new stator and regulator. A slew of billet components adorns the engine to complete it off.
VSB Moto additionally handled the Kawasaki to new superbike bars and controls, with a quick-action throttle, Oury grips and KZ1000 clocks. There’s LED lighting all-round too, and a set of S1 reproduction rear units.
The eye to element on this restomod is unbelievable. VSB Moto even employed an previous trick utilized by AMA Corridor of Famer, Rob Muzzy; they raised the rear of the tank by an inch to copy the proper S1 styling. A interval right fairing, seat, tail and livery drive the purpose residence.
Tony is proud as punch, and rightly so. “It’s a dream to trip with the 18” wheels, has very nimble dealing with, the suspension is agency and progressive, and the seat and controls are comfy. The engine produces 100 hp on the wheel with 89.5 Nm of torque, and pulls onerous to the redline—we’re simply blown away by how properly it rides.”
And we’re blown away by how good it appears.
VSB Moto | Instagram | Photographs by Mondo Lulu