Sellers should be banned from offering bikes this cool with just one tiny photo…
Rob Muzzy has had an incredible career in motorcycling – according to his site he’s the “most successful engine builder and tuner in racing history” with 21 AMA National Championships, 4 Daytona 200 wins, a World Superbike Championship, and more. His exploits are fantastic, and what’s most incredible to me is that his relationship with Kawasaki started when he answered an ad that Kawi placed for a mechanic in Cycle News in 1981. He was then tasked with preparing Team Green’s Superbikes! Fast forward to 1988, and Rob has opened Muzzys to help privateer racers compete at the highest levels. Two years later, Kawasaki had contracted him, leading to the creation of Team Muzzy Kawasaki.
In 1997, Muzzy debuts the Raptor, aka what happened when Kawi gave him a Ninja ZX-7R and told him to go nuts. The Raptor immediately competed in Formula USA, and Muzzy decided to produce 50 to offer to the general public. The specs were impressive – the $18,000 ‘base model’ provided over 150 horsepower from the 750cc engine with a dry weight of 407 pounds. 6 piston caliper brakes, Kayaba forks, Ohlins shock, and other goodies made this a Superbike racer for the street. For more info on this jewel, check out this re-hosted review from Cycle World. You should note that options included a 850cc engine ($3,999) or a magnesium SSSA ($3,749), both of which are on this bike. That’s because this bike is apparently none other than Muzzy’s personal bike, the first production Raptor. It was featured in lots of press and it’s got 1,200 miles. In addition to the above options, this bike features an adjustable swingarm pivot and steering head pivot as found on the Formula USA race bikes. I just wish the seller would include some photos!
Find this Raptor for sale in Bend, Oregon with an unmet opening bid of $25,000