For a collector of racing motorcycles, the ultimate prize are the official factory bikes from manufacturers with the most impressive track record.
From 1981 to 1983, Kawasaki partnered with a French team (ROC Performance) to compete in the Endurance World Championship. Powered by modified Z1000 engines, the KR1000 endurance machines won the World Manufacturers’ Championship three years in a row (1981, 1982, 1983), as well as the riders’ title in 1982 (JC Chemarin / J Cornu) and the runner-up title in 1983 (Lafon / Igoa).
All these machines, developed in France with the support of the Kawasaki factory in Japan, were preserved for 43 years.
A few were returned to Japan to the Kawasaki Museum. Others remained in France and are now available.
Our colleague Hubert Rigal (a former endurance and speed racer in the 1980s) rediscovered them and is pleased to present them to you.
We have the original 1983 Kawasaki KR1000 Performance.
World Champion Manufacturer and World Vice-Champion Rider (Jean Lafon / Patrick Igoa).
The 1983 results speak for themselves:
- Winner of the 1000km of Zeltweg.
- 2nd 24 Hours of Le Mans
- 3rd 6 Hours of Silverstone
- 2nd 8 Hours of Jarama
- 2nd 8 Hours of Suzuka
- 2nd 6 Hours of Mugello
This machine is complete and in its original configuration.
It was recently restored to running order by the original technicians.
A certificate of authenticity provided by the team manager at the time is available.
Visible in France.
Information and price upon request.
