Post Listing Update: This KR-1S did not get any action at the BIN of $17,000.
In the late 80’s, Kawi had some success with their KR250 road racer, and released the Kawasaki KR-1 as a wonderful little two-stroke race rep. It was quite successful, triggering increased competition from the big 4, and it set off a 250cc 2-stroke war among the Japanese – unfortunately us Americans didn’t get to enjoy these little demons. This one’s an Australian import with a 17-digit VIN, and it’s been titled in California.
While the KR-1 was one of the faster two-strokes ever built (a 1990 speed test clocked the successor to this bike at 139 mph), riders are usually more familiar with the competition – the RGVs, NSRs, and TZRs of the world. You got a two-cylinder, reed valve induction motor with a 180 degree firing configuration. KIPS – the Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System – was designed to broaden power delivery and was used in other Team Green 2-strokes. Less than 10,000 of the KR-1’s were produced, making it much rarer than the competition. The S was even rarer, and as noted in this look back from 2019 by MCN, it was differentiated from the KR-1 by “revised porting, new pistons, a new exhaust system and faster, computer controlled ignition.” This water-cooled bike produced 59 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque.
This example has approximately 7,700 miles and the seller says that it’s in excellent condition. The sale includes “a lot of NOS parts and engine parts,” and that’s pretty much all the seller has to say.
Find this KR-1S for sale in Salinas, California with a BIN of $17,000 here on eBay.