Pickled Project: 1989 Kawasaki KR-1R for Sale

We feature a lot of rare motorcycles here on Rare Sportbikes for Sale. I mean, it’s right there in the title. But despite looking decidedly rough and perhaps a bit unremarkable, this 1989 Kawasaki KR-1R is one of just 180 built worldwide, making it one of the rarest sportbikes you’re likely to see posted anywhere.

Honda’s NSR250 is the poster child of the hotly-contested 250cc two-stroke sportbike class that captured the imaginations of canyon carvers and backroad hooligans across the world. It was also the most common, with over 100,000 built over its nearly ten year production run. But less than 10,000 Kawasaki KR-1s were produced over its three year lifespan and it was never officially sold outside Japan, making it especially rare here in the US.

Just looking at the spec sheet, these raspy little smokers can be hard to tell apart: alloy twin-spar frames, 249cc twin-cylinder engines, some sort of proprietary powervalve technology, six-speed gearboxes, decent suspension, triple disc brakes, and a sub-300lb dry weight. All were generally restricted to just 45hp, in accordance with Japanese laws, but all were also capable of a good deal more when properly tuned. Make no mistake: these were wicked, cutting-edge machines. Just small.

The KR-1R used the expected alloy beam frame, but stuck with a parallel-twin configuration after most of its competitors had moved to v-twins. Kawasaki’s Integrated Powervalve System [“KIPS”] helped with the powerband and it had a balance shaft to improve smoothness, but vibrations were still a bit of a problem on longer rides. Luckily the abysmal fuel economy took care of that issue… Larger 35mm carburetors were fitted to the R to match the higher state of tune, along with wider wheels and a close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

The result was a bike that was less stable to ride than its competitors and also more fragile, but roomier and a good bit faster, with a frankly shocking 139mph as-tested top speed. Unfortunately, this particular bike has a somewhat stormy history…

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Kawasaki KR-1R for Sale

1989 Kawasaki KR-1R like the NSR and other 2 stroke bikes. Imported from Japan years ago.  It was not a running bike, I never worked on it. It sat in the garage and went under water completely last Sept in Hurricane Ian. It looks pretty much exactly the same as it did before because i washed it off and cleaned it out. Motor spins, etc.  I took off some parts to rinse it well, exhausts, etc.  The insurance company made me convert it to Salvage.  It has the Florida Salvage title that can be converted to Rebuilt.  It is not 100% stock as it came with different forks. I think in Japan they upgrade the forks with inverted forks for handling, etc.  It also has a carbon front fender and some other small differences.  The carbon fender just has sticky residue left from blue tape, it will clean off.  The tank did not get water in it.  I put oil and gas in tank to keep it conditioned and clean.  The tank is good on the inside with just minor rust that you see that will clean up quick. I also have a new windscreen with it and some other small items.  I also have a running KR-1S that is not part of this listing or sale.   These are fun bikes and I am happy to help the buyer source items, etc.  This bike is part of the 2 stroke family that includes the NSR250, RGV250, TRZ250. I can help with shipping.

Please reach out for all the information you need.  Thank you.

It’s an absolute shame that this example will be forever shamed by the dreaded “salvage” title, but it could represent an opportunity for someone who’s always dreamed of smoky, two-stroke heaven at the helm of the incredibly rare KR-1R to own their dream ride, assuming they’re willing to put a bit of effort into bringing this exotic back from its watery grave…

-tad