Kawasaki KR-1S

Make Model	Kawasaki KR1S
Year	1992
Engine	Ttwo stroke, parallel twin cylinder, Electronic variable exhaust valve ( KIPS ) equipment
Capacity	249 cc / 15.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	56.0 x 50.6 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	7.4:1
Induction	2x 28mm Keihin PWK carburetor
Ignition	Capacitor discharge
Starting	Kick
Max Power	59.1 hp / 43.2 kW) @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	40.2 Nm / 4.1 kgf-m @ 10500 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Tubular diamond, Aluminium extruded E-Box frame
Front Suspension	41mm stanchions, air assisted telescopic fork with unstepped preload adjustment
Rear Suspension	Bottom Link Uni-Trak with air adjustable gas shock, unstepped preload, and four-way rebound damping
Front Brakes	2x discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	100/70 VR17
Rear Tyre	130/60 VR18
Rake	24.0°
Trail	90 mm / 3.5 in
Dimensions	Height 1,365 mm / 53.7 in Length 2,015 mm / 79.3 in Width 695 mm / 27.4 in
Wheelbase	1365 mm / 53.7 in
Seat Height	755 mm / 29.7 in
Dry Weight	131 kg / 288.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	16.0 Litres / 4.2 gal
Consumption Average	36 mpg
Standing ¼ Mile	12.9 sec / 108 mph 173.8 km/h
Top Speed	135.3 mph / 217.7 km/h

In 1988, Kawasaki produced a road racing replica motorcycle. The initial models were the B1, B2 series of the KR-1. In 1989, due to the sales success and updated models of competing manufacturers (RGV, NSR, TZR) the KR-1 (B series) evolved into the KR-1S and KR-1R (C, D series). The C1, C2, C3 and D1, D2 models shared the same engine (minor updates) and bodywork (different colour schemes) of the previous KR-1. The S and R models differed slightly in construction of frame, wheels, brakes, and colour schemes.

The engine for all KR-1 models was a two-cylinder, reed valve induction two-stroke motor of 249 cc (somewhat based on the previous Yamaha TZ/TZR configurations). The 180° firing parallel twin configuration featured a crank driven balance shaft. The power delivery was broadened with the use of the Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System (K.I.P.S.) arrangement shared by other Kawasaki two-strokes.

Total production of all models in KR-1 (B/C/D) series was less than 10,000 units worldwide. The low production numbers has increased collectibility. Worldwide markets for sales were Japan, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa (excluded USA due to emissions restrictions). Considered to be least successful of the four Japanese 250 cc Race Replicas (in terms of sales), the KR-1 series was notable for excellent handling, due to its light weight and steering geometry and least difficult to modify and increase the power output of the engine. Proven to be fastest of all 250 cc models (Suzuki RGV250, Yamaha TZR250, Honda NSR250R, Aprilia RS250) with a top speed of 139 mph (225 km/h) - tested by Performance Bikes Magazine and subsequently at Bonneville Speedway (World's Fastest Production 250 cc)

The KR-1R (D1,D2 models) were sold only for the Japanese market for 599,000yen (559,000yen for S model)
The 'R' was to compete against the more racetrack oriented SP models of the RGV,NSR(SE/SP),TZR
The 'R' featured larger carburetors (35 mm) and a close ratio gearbox, and only came in Ebony/Green(Black/Green) colour scheme.

In New Zealand, specifically for production racing, the Sports Production (SP/C3A) variant of the S model was produced. In very limited numbers, (less than 12 units) the SP was the based on a 'S' model and fitted with the 35 mm carburetors from the R model, and modified cylinder porting and compression ratio.

Lime Green/Polar White (B1, B2)
Firecracker Red/Polar White (B2)
Ebony/Metallic Zeus Blue (C1, C2)
Ebony/Lime Green (C1, C2)
Lime Green/Blue 24/Pearl Alpine White (C3/C3A)
Firecracker Red/Pearl Gentry Gray (C3)
Lime Green/Pearl Alpine White (C3)
Ebony/Lime Green (D1, D2)