KR-1S.co.uk Forum

For those of you that don't know, Kawasaki launched the KR250A back in 1984 to celebrate 4 consecutive years of winning the 250 & 350cc World GP Championships. Kawasaki UK didn't import it, in fact it only officially reached South Africa, New Zealand and Australia as well as the home market.

It's a watercooled two-stroke twin, but with the cylinders placed in-line instead of the more conventional side-by-side. It's called 'tandem' instead of V-twin because each piston has it's own crank rather than sharing one. It uses the 'RRIS' method of disc & reed valve induction (like the AR125). There was also a KR250S with a 'KVSS' powervalve top-end. The motor was housed in an aluminium square-section frame with underslung rear shock and conventional forks with 'AVDS' anti-dive.

I got one in 2002 and struggled to find out anything about it. I started a website (KR250.ORG) to document what I discovered and I'm in touch with KR owners all over the world now. There's an owners club in Japan with their own bulletin board but there's no English-text forum... until now ! We've been given our own section on here to discuss anything to do with the original (and best ) KR. Ask questions, post pictures, advertise for parts - it's up to you !

i saw one up at rivington barn a couple of weeks ago with one of your kr.org stickers on the tail section. it drew quite a crowd and there wre lots of head scratchers who didnt have clue what to make of the engine layout.

Erm...thanks, I had been wondering about them, but what are they like to ride/own etc?

Been looking for year's, but i still haven't seen one .

I remember them coming into Huddersfield Kawasaki and riding my valve over the tops to have a look at one, was tempted but stuck with the Yam-
Showing my age now

cardiffcarl wrote:what are they like to ride/own etc?

They were cutting-edge in their day, all the latest kit like an ally frame, 16" front wheel, anti-dive etc. 45 bhp was up there too.

Bit dated now though obviously. They're very narrow 'cos of the inline engine and the bars are fixed at a strange angle, so it's an odd riding position. 16" front wheel and skinny tyres don't make for top handling these days either. And the anti-dive is best bypassed...

Nowt wrong with the motor - goes very nicely and makes a great sound. Gutless below 7000rpm then it really takes off. They can be difficult to start but no-one knows why.

Spares are thin on the ground but not impossible - I've had parts sent from Japan and Australia and pistons/gaskets. etc are still available new. Good bodywork is hard to find. Every part is unique to the KR apart from a few bits like brakes and the anti-dive. Workshop manual available from me.

Obviously I love 'em but my TZR Reverse Cylinder feels about 20 years more modern in every way (they're both on an H-plate ! ). Buy one if you fancy one - you won't get tired of admiring all the little details on it and it will always provoke interest from people, but think of it as a classic bike, not a nutters track weapon.

They're the best ones alrite!! I've got two in my shed!! Yay!! one day, they'll go...

They're the best ones alrite!! I've got two in my shed!! Yay!! one day, they'll go...

A couple of pics in this post:
viewtopic.php?t=188

I've still got my KR250 sitting in a garage in Australia. After the top gasket died and I ran out of cylinders to knacker I couldn't sell it, but I'm giving serious thought to buying another (perfect body work - dead engine) and making a new, improved KR as a bit of fun Being in Japan helps as I can get my hands on parts now, and send them back to Aus.

If you want some parts Strokerboy....

Ewok wrote:I've still got my KR250 sitting in a garage in Australia. After the top gasket died and I ran out of cylinders to knacker I couldn't sell it, but I'm giving serious thought to buying another (perfect body work - dead engine) and making a new, improved KR as a bit of fun

Yeah, do it.

Ewok wrote:Being in Japan helps as I can get my hands on parts now, and send them back to Aus. If you want some parts Strokerboy....

I want a powervalve top-end from a KR250S - barrels, head, valves and servo. If these parts exist anywhere it'll be in Japan. Cash waiting...

Ewok, could you price out a full gasket, seals, and bearings kit? two piston kits, and maybe nikasil liners.

Thanks.

nzkrnut wrote:They're the best ones alrite!! I've got two in my shed!! Yay!! one day, they'll go...

Howdy, I got 2 1/2 of them. One actually goes and I use.
Where in NZ are you? I am in Auckland

freway wrote: Where in NZ are you? I am in Auckland

Up north mate. Mangonui, with that famous fish shop! Sent you a PM.

Up north mate. Mangonui, with that famous fish shop! Sent you a PM.

Cool, been there lovely bit of country that.