Kawasaki KR-1 (1989)

The Kawasaki KR-1 is a 1989 motorcycle with a two stroke, liquid cooled, parallel twin cylinder engine that has a capacity of 249 cc. It features a compression ratio of 7.4:1 and is equipped with 2x 28mm Keihin PWK carburetors, a capacitor discharge ignition, and kick starting. The motorcycle has a maximum power output of 55 hp at 10500 rpm and a maximum torque of 3.75 kgf-m at 10500 rpm. It has a six speed transmission and a final chain drive. The front suspension consists of 41mm stanchions with air assisted telescopic forks, while the rear suspension features a bottom link Uni-Trak with air adjustable gas shock and four-way rebound damping. The front brakes comprise of two discs with four piston calipers, while the rear brake has a single disc with two piston calipers. The motorcycle has a wheelbase of 1365 mm and a seat height of 855 mm with a dry weight of 123 kg. The fuel capacity is 16 litres and the motorcycle uses a 100/70 VR17 front tire and a 130/60 VR18 rear tire. A road test comparison with the Suzuki RGV250 and Yamaha TZR250 was conducted.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki KR1

Year: 1989

Engine: Ttwo stroke, parallel twin cylinder

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: 55 hp / 41.0 kW @ 10500 rpm

Max Torque: 3.75 kgf-m / 27.1 lb-ft @ 10500 rpm

Transmission: 6 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Front Suspension: 41mm stanchions, air assisted telescopic fork with unstopped preload adjustment

Rear Suspension: Bottom Link Uni-Trak with air adjustable gas shock, unstopped 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

Wheelbase: 1365 mm / 53.7 in

Seat Height: 855 mm / 29.7 in

Dry Weight: 123 kg / 271 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Road Test: Suzuki RGV250 Yamaha TZR250 Kawasaki KR1 Bike