1988 Kawasaki KR-1

Description

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1988 Kawasaki KR-1. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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 (as noted in the listing, 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 will know what I mean. 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. Less than 10,000 of the KR-1’s were produced, making it much rarer than the competition. This water-cooled bike produced 59 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque.

This example is VIN: KR250B003010. The seller acquired the bike from a private party in January 2020.

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 6,222 kilometer (2,866 miles) The odometer shows 16,470 kilometers (10,233 miles).

Maintenance:
The seller states that he has “rebuilt the carburetors, replaced the spark plugs, and changed the fluids and filter. Fork seals are dry, tires are old. If the customer prefers, a deal could be worked out to have new tires installed before the bike is shipped.”

Modifications:
Tail tidy.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop Sport Radial tires that have aged out.

The sale includes the owner’s manuals, a microfiche and a binder with the microfiche print-out, as well as an assortment of spare parts.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Swansea, Massachusetts, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Massachusetts title. Have any KR-1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!