LOT 388

1988 Kawasaki 998cc ZX10B Tomcat Registration no. F485 PNC Frame no. JKAZXCB16KA017483 Engine no. ZXT00AE041236

Sold for £4,140 inc. premium

Lot 388

1988 Kawasaki 998cc ZX10B Tomcat

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1988 Kawasaki 998cc ZX10B Tomcat
Registration no. F485 PNC
Frame no. JKAZXCB16KA017483
Engine no. ZXT00AE041236

• Imported from the USA
• Only 3,662 miles from new
• Recent professional (cosmetic) restoration

Kawasaki followed up its trend-setting GPz900R superbike of 1984 with the GPZ1000RX, which after only two years in production was superseded by the ZX10. Introduced for 1988, the latter boasted an aluminium 'E-box' frame and was 35lbs lighter than its steel-framed predecessor. The extensively revised 16-valve water-cooled engine now produced 137bhp, which was good enough for a top speed knocking on 170mph. UK customers had to make do with 'only' 125bhp courtesy of the industry's 'gentlemen's agreement' to restrict maximum power, though the missing horses were easily reinstated by modifying the carburettor tops to enable the slides to open fully. Bodywork was similar to the outgoing GPz's but featured a higher screen giving greater wind protection to the rider. The ZX10 was only manufactured for three years (1988-1990) before being superseded by the ZZR-1100.

This example of Kawasaki's cutting-edge late 1980s superbike was imported from Texas, hence the US-market 'Tomcat' name (import certificate on file). The machine had covered only 3,662 miles from new and had spent most of its life in storage. It even has the Kawasaki running-in sticker on the rev counter!

The Kawasaki looked a little tired when acquired and was sent to a professional restoration company (Jap Retro), who were instructed to dismantle and rebuild it for cosmetic purposes only. The entire bike was stripped and cleaned; the wheels repolished and repainted; the bodywork fully resprayed and given new decals; and the exhaust system Cerakoated and powder-coated to give it the 'as new' look. The Kawasaki now looks as it should and must be one of the best ZX10 Tomcats currently available. The rebuild is fully documented by images on a memory stick, which prospective purchases may view on request. There is also a video of the machine running, available to view on the Bonhams website.

Accompanying documents include a (copy) Kawasaki Certificate of Origin; ZX10 owner's manual; two MoT certificates (most recent expired May 2023), and a UK V5C Registration Certificate showing only one former keeper. Four keys present.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles