Even if you know very little about the history of Kawasaki, you might know about KZ1000R Copy Eddie Lawson. Released in 1982, it was a limited edition motorcycle based on the one that Lawson won the championship. Basically a production bike with new paint and some upgraded parts, it’s special, but not overdone.
If you want something really special (and a little extra fancy), Kawasaki has the KZ1000R S1 – an almost exact replica of Lawson’s actual GP bike. They built about 30 S1s, and if you know the right people, you can buy one for about $11,000. Understandably, they are amazingly collectible; some have been auctioned in recent years for ten times the price.
It’s easy to see why S1 is so collectible – but not everyone has six numbers clogging up their bank account. That’s why Tony Bucci at VSB Moto in Canada decided to build this very convincing Kawasaki KZ1000R S1 replica. Classic supermotos are Tony’s forte, so who better to do this iconic machine’s justice?
“We really like Kawasaki’s 82 KZ1000R, but we also really like the original Kawasaki Factory S1 race bike,” Tony told us. “We basically combined the best of both bikes to create our S1 Street Replica.”
VSB Moto started with KZ’s improved stability bike, the 1982 Kawasaki GPZ1100 B2, as a sponsor. The frame is already in top form and needs nothing more than a fresh coat of powder – but the finished bike took almost 5 years to build. Part of the challenge was finding authentic parts to assemble it.
“We started collecting parts for the bike many years ago and we are delighted with some of the parts we were able to create,” says Tony. “Timely parts are getting harder and harder to find as this bike is now 40 years old! We were very lucky to find the last ingredients we needed. “
The parts list is as extensive as it is impressive. Tony started a set of 18-inch aluminum six-spoke EPM wheels, preferring their styling to the three-spoke Dymag wheels seen on the S1. A set of regenerative stainless steel brake discs are fitted to the wheel; 330mm front and 250mm rear.
The front fork is the original KZ1000R, reworked with a new and upgraded inner tube. The swingarm is a genuine Calfab S1 brace, complete with an eccentric shaft adjuster. A periodically correct cush drive and rear shock absorber is also provided.
VSB rebuilt the GPZ1100 engine with slotted cam sprockets, cams and reverse cut drive gears. A set of VM33 Mikuni carbs that have been recovered and fitted with K&N high flow pod filters. A Kerker racing exhaust with 50mm baffle and APE manual cam chain tensioner has been added to the build.
The billet oil cooler take-off manifold is custom and oil-feeds the Earles cooler, mounted on a custom bracket with braided lines. A Dyna 2000 ignition system and Dyna coils were installed, receiving power from the stator and new regulator. A wide range of preform parts decorate the engine to complete it.
VSB Moto also appreciates Kawasaki with its new superbike bars and controls, with fast action throttle, Oury grips and KZ1000 meter. There is also a full LED lighting system and a set of rear turn signals that are a copy of the S1.
Attention to detail on this rehibilitate so magical. VSB Moto even uses an old trick used by AMA Hall of Famer, Rob Muzzy; they raised the rear of the tank by an inch to recreate the true styling of the S1. A proper fairing period, seat, tail and livery driving points home.
Tony boasts like a punch, and rightfully so. “It was a dream to drive with 18 wheels,” the handling is nimble, the suspension is firm and progressive, and the seats and controls are comfortable. The engine churns out 100hp at the wheel with 89.5Nm of torque and pulls hard to the red line — we’re just blown away by how well it runs. “
And we were blown away by its beauty.
VSB Moto | Instagram | Photo of Mondo Lulu
