Please note: This is part of the Greg Zydyk collection.
In the late 80’s, Kawi had some success with their KR250 road racer, and released the Kawasaki KR-1 as a wonderful little two-stroke race rep. It was quite successful, triggering increased competition from the big 4, and it set off a 250cc 2-stroke war among the Japanese – unfortunately us Americans didn’t get to enjoy these little demons.
While the KR-1 was one of the faster two-strokes ever built (a 1990 speed test clocked the successor to this bike at 139 mph), riders are usually more familiar with the competition – the RGVs, NSRs, and TZRs of the world. Anyone who ever played Tourist Trophy on PS2 will know. You got a two-cylinder, reed valve induction motor with a 180 degree firing configuration. KIPS – the Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System that’s advertised quite heavily on the fairing – was designed to broaden power delivery and was used in other Team Green 2-strokes.
All this meant the water-cooled machine produced 59 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. Less than 10,000 of the KR-1s were produced, making it much rarer than the aforementioned competition.
This example is VIN: KR250B002428. The seller imported the bike 13 years ago. The seller notes he purchased the bike because he “wanted to add a Kawasaki 250 two-stroke to finish off the 250s by manufacturer. Then I would have them all!”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles). The odometer shows 13,560 kilometers (8,425 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us flush and fill both the coolant and brake fluid. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Transmission Oil Level: GOOD
Transmission Oil Quality: GOOD
2T Oil Level: GOOD
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, <150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: NOT WORKING
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front ): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: GOOD
Shock/s: GOOD
Tire Date Code Front: 02/19
Tire Date Code Rear: 16/18
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 29 psi
Tire Press. Rear: 33 psi
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.67V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.48V
Running Condition: RUNS ON BENCH
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 2.05 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
•AFTERMARKET EXHAUST
•AFTERMARKET REARSETS
•TIRES AGED
•Cosmetic Imperfections:
-RH Brake Lever and bar end ground down
-Clutch lever end is ground down also
-Touched up LH turn signal
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Replace tires
Modifications:
LeoVince SBK exhaust.
Steel braided brake lines.
Tank pad.
Coerce rearsets.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental ContiGo! tires with date codes of 1618 and 0219.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Ohio title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any KR-1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
