Starting in 1978, Kawasaki won 4 consecutive 250cc World Championships with their KR250 racer – its most notable feature was the “tandem twin” engine which had one cylinder behind the other and two cranks!
This helped keep the bike narrow as the engine was slimmer and both headers could exit on the same side, but it required liquid cooling to ensure that the rear cylinder did not overheat.
The 45hp engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, aluminum frame, triple disc brakes, anti-dive front end, and one of the most distinctive taillights of the 1980s.
This example is VIN: KR250A012343.
The odometer shows 43,390 kilometers (26,961 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and detail the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Gas Cap is stuck
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Fail (>0.30V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: Unknown
Headlight Low Beam: Unknown
Passing Light: Unknown
Parking Light: Unknown
Turn Signals: Unknown
Tail Light: Unknown
Brake Light (Front Switch): Unknown
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Unknown
Plate Light: Unknown
Horn: Unknown
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 10%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Leaking
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Unknown
Tire Date Code Rear: 04/07
Tire % Remaining Front: 70%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 50%
Tire Press. Front: 14 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 19 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: Dead
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: No Crank, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Hydro (Front and Rear Brake Fluid) Failed for water contamination
-Bike is currently a crank no start unknown condition
-Will require carb rebuild
-Front forks are leaking
-Tires are old and out of date spec
-Front brake pads are extremely low and have fork oil contamination
-Gas cap is currently stuck
-Currently no front brake pressure lever swings loosely due to collapsed piston assembly in front brake master cylinder
Recommendations:
-Rebuild front brake master cylinder
-Fork 2 Rebuild
-Hydro 2
-Front Brake Pad Replacement
-Front and Rear Tires
-Carburetor Assembly Rebuild
-Free up gas cap and inspect Fuel Tank Condition
Modifications:
This bike has a custom livery that pays homage to the KR500 that Kork Ballington (who’s signature is on the tank) rode in 1982.
The fuel cap is stuck and we are not able to get a photo of the inside of the tank.
It is riding on Dunlop tires with date codes of 0407 and 4009.
The sale includes one key and a framed newspaper article about this bike from Japan, featuring an image of the bike being signed by Kork Ballington.
The seller states: “I was told by the previous owner that this bike was on display in the Tokyo museum, which is where Ballington signed it.” The framed piece measures 14.5″ by 20.5″.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title. It is believed to be on Planned Non-Operation registration status, however the DMV system was unable to confirm this.
Have any KR250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
