1989 Kawasaki KR-1 Stroker
Kawi two stroke fans take note, a clean KR-1 is looking for a new home. I know it is located in Canada but Kawasaki ring dingers just don’t appear for sale that often so grab your passport and cash in the frequent flyer miles. The KR-1 just might be the rarest of the Japanese 250cc two strokes. I found one figure that claims less than 10,000 bikes were produced over the entire production run. No wonder info on these bikes is at a premium. One place I do recommend visiting is KR-1S.co.uk, it has a wealth of info and has an active forum for the bike. I have to admit, I’ve never read a bad thing about these bikes, especially the parallel twin engine. In the UK it seems to be widely accepted the KR-1 is the easiest 250 to extract extra power from. If you are a lover of straight line speed the KR-1 might be your bike; it holds a couple of records at Bonneville. Where the KR-1 lacks a little is the chassis/suspension department. It didn’t survive past 1993 so it didn’t see the updated chassis and suspension components that later RGV’s, NSR’s and TZR’s received.
I know pictures don’t tell the whole story but this sure looks like a nice example. The mileage is low with just over 7,000 miles and it appears completely stock. What else can you ask for from a 1989 model?
From the auction:
Imported from Japan, a very rare bike.
The only registered, street legal KR1 in Canada.
250 cc twin cylinder 2 stroke motor. Liquid cooled. Oil injected. Servo controlled exhaust valves.
6 speed transmission.
A strong running bike.
Was the fastest, lightest 250cc when compared to the NSR250, TZR250 and RGV250. 55 rear wheel horsepower, 123 kgs.New tires, carbs have been cleaned. New battery. New fork seals. Completely stock condition.
Parts are easily available. Most consumable parts (brake pads, fork seals etc) can be sourced from dealers in Ontario. Engine parts are readily available from the UK.
11,300 kms.
It has an Ontario ownership. Was legally imported.
Never raced, or used as a track bike.PICK UP ONLY. Only buyers from Canada and US.
I don’t think I can add too much more here. It is a rare bike, it has low miles and appears to be in good condition. The only drawback for a buyer in the States is the location. Nothing that can’t be overcome but just a bit more work and cost. You Kawasaki fans are a hardy bunch, if there is a will there is a way. The auction has cranked up and can .
Just a pretty KR-1S with a nice set of after market pipes.
IK
wow, this bike is entirely new to me. Dont think they imported these to the UK, I dont recall ever seeing them there. Sweet little classic. How did it compare to the TZR and the RG(V)?
Adam,
It is not the most reliable source but Wikipedia claims the UK was an official import country. If it wasn’t, I know grey bikes are rampant in the UK. Engine wise it compared quite nicely. I think it lags a bit in the chassis and suspension department.
This is a KR-1R first introduced in 1988 in japan and sold also as a 1989 then in 1990 it became the KR-1S. It’s possible it came from japan or from Aus / NZ the KR-1S was offically imported into the UK.
It’s the KR1S that is the faster of the two models different porting, pipes, stronger frame (no visable ribs) and stronger swing arm also 5 spoke wheels.
Excellent info SmokinJoe, thanks.
I worked at a Suzuki Kawasaki dealership in the UK from 87 till 02. The UK got the KR-1 and the KR-1S. They were a very nice little stroker but overshadowed by the RGV. I also remember working on brand new RG500’s..ahh those were the days.