Trade Classic Bikes 70's, 80's 90's

The KR-1 / KR-1S is Kawasaki's version of the Suzuki RGV, Yamaha TZR, and Honda NSR. Its basically a road usable 250cc GP bike. It is the closest thing to a fully blown GP bike that you can ride off the show room floor. Closely examining this bike will give you an indication of its potential. From the massive cast aluminium-alloy twin-spar frame to its wide low-profile tires, twin 300mm front discs and racing body work. Sitting on this130kg 60HP rocket has you dreaming of lifting the front wheel off the ground and taking chequered flags. However, this little green machine is really impractical for anything other than hard revving action packed riding. A sensational bike for what it does, but definitely life losing for all but the most experienced riders.

KNOWN PROBLEMS;

If yours hasn't had a top end rebuild throughout its life it may be a good idea to get some new pistons and rings Depending on which model you have, there was a modification on early KR1-S C1 models by the C3 the problem was sorted and they stopped seizing. It was something to do with the Piston Ring Pegs coming loose in the bore. Apart from that problem they are very good bikes for the money you pay. One piece of advice though if you can afford it is to run it on fully synthetic two stoke oil (approx £8 a litre) and also four star fuel (whilst it is still around) They are designed to run on unleaded but it runs cooler on four star.

Kawasaki KR-1

Technical information;

Manufacturer - Kawasaki

Model - KR-1

Year - 1988

Engine - 249cc, liquid cooled, 2-stroke, parallel twin

Bore / stroke - 56 x 50.6 mm

Power - 55 bhp @ 10,500 rpm

Transmission - 6-speed gearbox, chain driven

Suspension - Front; 41mm stanchions, air-assisted telescopic fork with unstopped pre-load adjustment

- Rear; Air-adjustable gas shock, unstopped pre-load, 4-way rebound damping

Brakes - Front; 300 mm twin disc, 4-piston calliper

- Rear; 197 mm single disc, 2-piston calliper

Tyres - Front; 100/70 VR17

- Rear; 130/60 VR18

Seat height - 755mm

Fuel Capacity - 16 Litres

Weight - 123 kg

Frame - Aluminium alloy, twin spar

Wheelbase - 1365mm

Kawasaki KR-1S

Technical information;

Manufacturer - Kawasaki

Model - KR-1S

Year - 1990

Engine - 249cc, liquid cooled, 2-stroke, parallel twin, 2-valves

Bore / stroke - 50.6 x 50.6 mm

Power - 60 bhp @ 10,500 rpm

Top speed - 135.3 mph