1993 Kawasaki ZXR750, 750cc. Registration number L854 JRM. F...

Hammer

£480

1993 Kawasaki ZXR750, 750cc. Registration number L854 JRM. Frame number ZX760L 010977. Comes with service record, owner manual and V5C.

Such is the predominance of the ‘race replica’ motorcycle today that it is hard to imagine a time when they were seen as unusual, even exotic, but back in the 1980s such machines had the power to amaze. Although now ignored by all except Suzuki, the 750cc class was fiercely competitive 20 years ago, and while Honda (RC30) and Yamaha (OW01) offered expensive track-focused models that were little more than thinly disguised ‘homologation specials’ aimed at the World Superbike Championship, Kawasaki opted to produce a contender which, although lacking its rivals ultimate specification, was at least available at an affordable price. Introduced for the 1989 season, the ZXR750 used a revamped GPX750 engine in a sexy-looking alloy chassis based on that of the ZXR-7 factory endurance racer. Much more practical as a road bike, the ZXR750 gave little away to the considerably more expensive RC30, Bike magazine finding that the Kawasaki was quicker through the standing quarter-mile and flying half-mile, while possessing a superior top gear roll-on. It also handled brilliantly, once the over-hard rear suspension had been sorted, and had one of the best front ends around. Kawasaki began by offering a separate race kit before introducing the limited edition ZXR750-R, which came with most of the kit as standard. Introduced for 1991 alongside the road-going ZXR750J, whose new short-stroke engine it shared, the ‘R’ (ZXR750K) version came with a raised compression ratio, 39mm flat-slide carburettors, close-ratio gearbox, alloy fuel tank, single seat and a greater range of suspension adjustments.

JRM was the road bike for East Riding motorcycle racer Mick Brown. Mick had the bike resprayed in his racing colours and all the panels appear to be present and without serious defects. According to MOT history, JRM passed MOT in April 2013 with no advisories and had a recorded mileage of 20,092. With the usual safety checks this machine could soon be recommissioned for road use.

Comes with service record, owner manual and V5C.