Description
Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator | 1985
Highlights:
– 991 cc inline-four engine, derived from the GPz900R
– 34,400 miles indicated on odometer
– US and Canada market model, American title included according to the seller
– Extensive parts renewal carried out according to the seller
– Repainted in Harley Orange, original exhaust system refitted
The seller offers for sale this 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator, powered by a 991 cc inline-four engine. Finished in an eye-catching Harley Orange repaint, this Eliminator shows 34,400 miles on the odometer and has been the subject of considerable attention during the current ownership. According to the seller, who acquired the motorcycle three years ago, a wide range of work has been carried out, including the fitting of a refurbished cylinder head with reground valves, new valve stem seals, a new timing chain and gaskets, a replacement carburettor bank, new wheel bearings front and rear, fresh brake pads and seals, a new gel battery, renewed air filter and oil, and tyres replaced in spring 2024. The motorcycle has also been converted back to its original exhaust system, and a number of spare parts accompany the sale, including the radiator cowl, the pillion seat, a small box of carburettor parts and the original valve cover with recirculation hoses. As the ZL900 was sold exclusively in the United States and Canada, the seller indicates that the original American title is included with the bike, adding a distinctive touch of provenance to this rarely seen machine, now offered in good condition due to the seller’s personal circumstances.
The ZL900 Eliminator was Kawasaki’s bold entry into the power cruiser segment, launched in 1985 as a machine that fused drag-strip attitude with genuine superbike performance. At its core sat a retuned version of the liquid-cooled inline-four from the legendary GPz900R Ninja, mounted in a long, low chassis with a shaft final drive and a muscular, stripped-back silhouette. The result was a motorcycle that could deliver blistering straight-line acceleration while remaining refined enough for everyday riding, a combination that set it apart from anything else on the road at the time. Because it was never officially sold in Europe, the ZL900 has always been a rare sight outside North America, and surviving examples have developed a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts of 1980s Japanese performance motorcycles. With its distinctive styling, its Ninja-derived engineering and its scarcity on the European market, the Eliminator represents a characterful and increasingly collectible slice of Kawasaki history.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
