1982 Eddie Lawson Replica I found in storage

[srsupertrap]

What can you say finding a 1982 ELR in that condition with perfect paint is once a lifetime opportunity. I think I still have the Cycle short on 1982 ELR lying around somewhere.

I live in Colorado but must not be have the right connections.

[Rob S.]

My ELR as it came out of dry storage:




Missing 3 windscreen screws


Tires aired up and ready to roll out








The Lawson was fortunate to have a Z1R Storage mate for the last 18 years so as not to be lonely. I tried to buy the Z1R also but it was already spoken for. 13,000 miles with Supertrapp & OE exhaust prepped well for storage.

This is truly bike porn for those of us of a certain age. And then the money shot - the Z1R. (A GPz 1100 would have done the trick also.)

[viperg]

What can you say finding a 1982 ELR in that condition with perfect paint is once a lifetime opportunity. I think I still have the Cycle short on 1982 ELR lying around somewhere.

I live in Colorado but must not be have the right connections.

srsupertrap, I could not agree with you more. I knew that it was a once in a life time opportunity when I had a friend tell me about the existence of this ELR. On a deal like this I knew to run not walk. It was a private offering and I was the first on the scene. It was one of those friend of a friend kinda deals. In fact, here is exactly how it went down. A vintage riding friend of mine walks up to me at a meet/show and says, "hey I know you are into this period of bikes here is a friend of mine selling these bikes that have been in storage that were in the family for two decades".... he hands me a very short list. Out of the half dozen bikes listed (74 H1, 78 Z1R, (2) 82 CX500 Turbo, 86 GSXR, 82 ELR) the ELR jumped off the page at me on a page of rare bikes. So much so, I could hardly believe it was real. I followed up on the lead and 5 days later it was mine. When the seller heard that I had an interest in 70's & 80's Superbikes & owned a few he felt comfortable dealing with me. So, I did not find this bike it actually found me. I never thought of buying an 82 ELR because I considered it unobtanium. Funny the things you find when you are not looking.

I am very embarrassed to admit that for a split second I thought of passing on the deal. But I immediately realized I would be kicking my own ass later. Turns out after the list was circulated for a couple of days buyers lined up for the ELR, but thankfully I had acted when I did.

As someone commented earlier, "you can cross that one off your bucket list!"

[viperg]

Took the Lawson out for a ride last Friday and ran across suzuki-dog's Katana. S-dog was nowhere to be found so I snapped some pics. Really dig the Moto GP Werks pipe on the Kat.

[suzuki_dog]

Took the Lawson out for a ride last Friday and ran across suzuki-dog's Katana. S-dog was nowhere to be found so I snapped some pics. Really dig the Moto GP Werks pipe on the Kat.

Thanks for stopping in, Friday was a busy day, I didn't spend much time at the store. The Lawson looks great! Hope to see it up close sometime.

[jeff.saunders]

Nice find. The ELR is really a special bike. Unlike the Wes Cooley from Suzuki which is just a regular GS1000 with blue/white paint, the KZ1000R is a unique build. Different frame geometry from the other KZ1000's, higher performance engine, better shocks than other KZ1000's...

[winfield]

Thx for sharing those pictures and the story. This is such a great score to go along with your really cool stable. It's a good feeling to see someone we "know" be able to acquire one of his dream bikes.

[amxsteve]

Took the Lawson out for a ride last Friday and ran across suzuki-dog's Katana. S-dog was nowhere to be found so I snapped some pics. Really dig the Moto GP Werks pipe on the Kat.

Like it's 1982 all over again. I would have bought the Kat just for the wow factor but that cowasaki is the king.

[viperg]

Thanks guys! The ELR truly is a pleasure to ride and work on. I must say I am like a kid at Christmas with this toy. I have always been a Suzuki guy at heart and now I have had to see the err in my ways. Never owned a Kaw before, not one. Comparing the Katana and the Lawson is almost impossible to do because they both make power and ride so differently. My son and I took these two out for a run the other day and had some fun switching bikes back and forth and comparing. His only comment, "Dad I see what all the hype behind the ELR means now. This thing is awesome!" Very simply & correctly put by my 23 year old son...

The lines of the Katana still capture just about everything I love in looking at a motorcycle. But, the Lawson captures my soul with it's racing pedigree, street tracker like superbike handling and whaling Kerker Comp pipe. That damn green paint makes my gums sweat! Is that bad?

[Rob S.]

...the Lawson captures my soul with it's racing pedigree, street tracker like superbike handling and whaling Kerker Comp pipe. That damn green paint makes my gums sweat! Is that bad?

That's called motorcycling (good).

I have lusted after that bike for several decades now.

[viperg]

That's called motorcycling (good).

Rob,

Truer words were never spoken!

[viperg]

Nice find. The ELR is really a special bike. Unlike the Wes Cooley from Suzuki which is just a regular GS1000 with blue/white paint, the KZ1000R is a unique build. Different frame geometry from the other KZ1000's, higher performance engine, better shocks than other KZ1000's...

Thanks Jeff,

I have both the Cooley & Lawson as well as the Katana (have owned a black/orange 900f too) to compare and the differences are subtle but very apparent. Over time I will share my thoughts & direct comparisons here. I have a special place in my heart for the GS1000SN though. That period 79 to 82, contained so many advances in racing & the evolution of motorcycle engineering that even just subtle changes as in electronic gauges both speed sensor & RPM sensor on the Lawson are appreciated. Even the scalloped (finger grooved) lever handles just feel right. And the rubber mounted factory modded KZ powerplant is pure butter at any RPM.

This era of motorcycles and particularly the Superbikes fascinates me as it is the pre-dawn of true technological advancements to come by 1986. Yet the bikes still have much of the looks, feel & tech from previous decade before the tidal wave of change. Then bam, after 1985 every manufacturer takes off.

Jeff, the intake boots I ordered from you at Z1 for the Lawson are fantastic. After years of storage the original units had stiffened up. I was pleased to see how soft and pliable the Z1 set was. Makes any carb/airbox work a snap. Highly recommended as a must for any Kawi guys here.

[viperg]

2014 Barber Vintage Festival Report:

The bike I took this year was my 1982 KZ1000R1. For those that have never been to Barber I highly recommend the weekend as one of the best in vintage motorcycling. Pure MC nirvana! You almost cannot even get out of the parking lot for all the amazing machines that people have ridden in on.

In the Barber Museum Lawson and Cooley riding into history together.


Barber's Lawson Replica is special as it is signed by "steady Eddie" himself.




VJMC show area with over 100 member bikes.


My 82 Lawson showed well at the VJMC "all original show" and brought home his first trophy. I would have never imagined 6 weeks earlier that I would be the proud owner of one of these mean green machines. Kaw owners from all around the world approached me to talk about the bike. Most, if not all, who admired the bike said they had never seen an 82 alive let alone still on the street.


From left to right H1, KZ1000R1, GPZ550. After my experience with the ELR the GPZ 550 must be one hell of a bike to ride. Anyone with experience riding the GPZ550 please chime in.


1969 Honda Sandcast! Maybe one of the most rare, desirable and valuable vintage Japanese bikes. An original ultra rare example sold at auction last year for 130K.


Over 60 Vincents were present this year and were just downright gorgeous.


Suzuki Smoker's Club: Suzuki was very well represented with two-strokes at the VJMC show. Three excellent 1972 GT750J models... WOW!


I am partial to the Lavender as it was my first big bore street bike.

[suzuki_dog]

Congrats on the trophy! The Lawson looks great, at first, I thought that was yours on display...... Once again, thanks for all the great pics, you always do a good job with bringing the events back for us to enjoy. It looks like there was a nice variety of motorcycles. Looks like a fun trip.

[amxsteve]

That museum is definitely on my bucket list.