Let’s go back to the early 80’s, a time when motorcycle manufacturers were in a real technological race. New innovations like liquid cooling, four-valve cylinder heads and advanced frame geometries were drastically changing the world of motorcycles. Kawasaki, however, chose a slightly different direction with their KZ1000 ELR, a bike that perhaps leaned a little too much on nostalgia and established technology.
The Kawasaki KZ1000 ELR, better known as the Eddie Lawson Replica, was released as a tribute to Eddie Lawson's successes in the 1981 American Superbike (AMA) championship. This “street legal superbike” was intended to emphasize Kawasaki's tough image and boost sales of the KZ1000J. The ELR was largely based on the race bike that Lawson rode to championship glory, complete with the iconic bright green color scheme synonymous with Kawasaki.
Despite the Kawasaki KZ1000 ELR’s impressive looks and racing pedigree, its technology fell short compared to the competition. While manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki were all embracing modern innovations like liquid cooling and lightweight frames, Kawasaki stuck with their air-cooled, two-valve, four-cylinder engine and conventional tubular frame. As a result, the KZ1000 ELR, while impressive in its own right, quickly became a bike of the past in an age that was moving forward rapidly.
Kawasaki initially generated a lot of interest from dealers and in the media with the ELR. However, sales were hampered by high prices and a rapidly changing market. With the arrival of more innovative motorcycles such as the Yamaha FZ750 and Suzuki GSX-R, and later Kawasaki's own Ninja 900R, the ELR was overshadowed by more modern technologies. This resulted in a production run of only 750 units, many of which remained unpacked in crates at dealers.
Despite this setback, the Kawasaki KZ1000 ELR has become an important piece of motorcycle history and a beloved collector's item. For those who want to admire this classic Kawasaki in the flesh: a copy is on display in the De Ramshoek museum in Emmer-Compascuum. A beautiful reminder of an era in which racing replica motorcycles were the dream of many motorcyclists.
We visited and photographed the bright green Kawa that was there. You can find the complete article, including beautiful photography, in the September issue. It is now on the newsstand.
