1984 Kawasaki KR250A1
Kilometers: 20,649
Listed Price: $13,500 NZ
Bike Located in Queensland, New Zealand
Prior to the codification of the quarter-liter two-stroke class characteristics in the mid to late 1980s, there were a few left-field experiments like this Kawasaki KR250A1. Inspired by Kawasaki’s successful Grand Prix bikes of the era and powered by a two-stroke parallel twin with a longitudinal crankshaft, it’s sometimes referred to as a “tandem twin” in reference to that unusual configuration. The angular styling is decidedly more early 1980s retro than later bikes in the class like the iconic Honda NSR250R, but I think it looks all the better for it. First shown in 1983 and then sold in 1984, the bike displaced 249cc from a 56 x 50.6mm bore and stroke, backed by a six-speed gearbox and hung from an aluminum cradle frame, with air-assisted AVDS anti-dive forks and an adjustable Uni-Trak rear. A 16″ front and 18″ rear wheel/tire combo add to the 80s looks. The package weighed in at 293lbs dry [claimed] and was capable of 112mph.
This particular KR250A1 is a rare find, especially in such excellent condition. The paintwork gleams with only a few minor scratches on the top fairing wings, and the belly cowl has been professionally repainted. Notably:
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Original exhaust: Undamaged and pristine.
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Seats: Flawless with no tears.
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Electrics: Fully functional.
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Fully serviced and test-ridden for peace of mind.
Although the tyres are a few years old, they’ll be replaced for the new owner. The bike comes with its original owner’s manual, adding to its collectible appeal.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a Kawasaki KR250A1 for sale, as they’re extremely rare in the US and were never officially sold here. They’re now legal to import, but are still nearly impossible to find as they’re basically rare everywhere outside Japan. This particular example is available over on Brad’s Vintage Cycles, a purveyor of classic motorcycles based out of New Zealand, where the bike appears to reside currently. There are a few minor cosmetic blemishes, but otherwise this one appears to be in excellent running condition, and the seller indicates that it’s “fully serviced and test-ridden for peace of mind.”
-tad
