1st bike - Kawasaki KR1 250 ??

[prvoke]

Right so ive wanted a bike for like ever and then my mate told me his boss has one he doesnt use and is selling. As above its an 89 KR1 250. Done round 50,000 i think. Needs a new rear brake rotor, pads and callipar maintanence and a new front tyre. Guy wants $1200 for it.
Ive always been into cars so i dont really know squat about bikes. I did a search but couldnt find much on the KR1. Just wondering if its worth the $$, what to look for on it and if its a decent learners bike.

Any help is much appreciated.

[Postie]

Its a nice bike, pretty fast being a 2 stroke 250 but it also has its problems, first one being that its a rare bike and getting parts, new or second hand will be very hard, if not impossible.
As with any 2 stroke (except the Aprillia RS250) reliability is always an issue and the bike will require a lot more maintainence then a 4 stroke 250. Basically, it is not what you want as a first bike.

[Racey Rider]

It may be worth that. They are almost in the collectors bikes realm now.
At 50 000km it would be well ready for new pistons and rings if it hasn't been done before. Not a hard job to do yourself.

Ok as a first bike, but I would think your better off with a KR150 or RG150 to learn on.

[James Deuce]

$1200 is a bit cheap IMO.

As for it being a learner bike, I have a mate who used one for nigh on a decade and loved every minute, including his learner phase.

I have another mate that took a mere 2 days to destroy the bike and himself.

The riding position doesn't make observation easy and loads up parts of your body, like wrists and knees which can become distracting.

However, if you really want it, go for it, but bear in mind there is no such thing as "taking it easy" on a KR-1.

At 50,000km it should probably have had two sets of pistons and rings, a crank, and had the fork internals and rear shock replaced, as well as steering head bearings and swingarm bushes. It should also have had a couple of decokes.

Ask for receipts.

[Mr. Peanut]

NONONONONONONONONONO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :gob: :gob: :gob:
Don't touch it. It's a hand grenade.

I paid $1200 for mine incidentally. Just finished the full rebuild....

Where are you gonna get parts??? They dont exist anymore! KR-1's love to shit themselves as well.

*RUN AWAY NOW*

[prvoke]

Ok doesnt sound like its a good option then. Is it possible to get something decent in the 250cc range for around $1500 ?

[Wasp]

its not a red/black one is it? (possibly green/white - had spare fairings) my bro had one - it had engine problems

[Mr. Peanut]

Pre 1990 GN250 ~$1000 Newer one's aren't as good.

If you want something with a bit more spunk in the lower price bracket an 80's Honda Cbr250r is a good bet. :yes:

[Mr. Peanut]

....As with any 2 stroke (except the Aprillia RS250) reliability is alwa...:nono: Stroker n00b.


RGV engine in the RS250 is rather nasty. The NSR250 is the reliable one.

[Postie]

:nono: Stroker n00b.


RGV engine in the RS250 is rather nasty. The NSR250 is the reliable one.

Aprillia used to use the RGV engine but they improved them to get more power but also to prevent the power valves finding their way into the cylinders, they improved the power and reliability.
They no longer use the RGV motor as they just build their own from scratch. This is what I ws informed, someone with more knowledge would be able to confirm or deny this.

The NSR is more reliable then the RGV though, but I had an RGV for about 9 months, used it every day and it never missed a beat. Wish I never sold it.

[Postie]

Ok doesnt sound like its a good option then. Is it possible to get something decent in the 250cc range for around $1500 ?

if i were you, i would offer they guy $900 cash, don't do anything to it and stick it straight on trademe, you'll make a nice little profit there.

[James Deuce]

if i were you, i would offer they guy $900 cash, don't do anything to it and stick it straight on trademe, you'll make a nice little profit there.

Shut UP! :)

I was just about to PM him for the details.

[Mr. Peanut]

Sorry lol, I'm an NSR fanboy.

Did you notice? :blip:

[Mooch]

As Jim2 said,had one for about 12 -13 years. Brought as first bike. Fine to learn on , but learn how to corner before giving it heaps. The lock isn't great to learn on , but being light weight and low seat height makes it easy to hold / hard to drop. Brakes / cornering at great and has plenty of useable power.

At 50,000 KM's it would pay to find out if it's had a rebuild as that's very high KM's for that motor. Mine went at 29,000 km and spent the best part of $4k for a full engine rebuild. The crank alone retails for over $2k and will most likely need replacing.

Also check out this thread on the KR1S
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=21849&highlight=kr1

[marty]

i did 20000kms on my rs250 and it never missed a beat. set of rings, cleaned the p/v's, always run on high quality gas and oil means the busa is cheaper to run and a lot easier to live with.....

a bit like women really - the 2 stroke goes off, but is high maintennance. the busa goes hard all day, needs an occasional drink and lube, but is nice and quiet and contented just pottering about.......

[Mr. Peanut]

Mooch.

Did you buy it new, or was it raced? 29000km isnt long for a crank to last >_<

[Mooch]

Brought it second hand , I suspect it was a combination of low quality two stroke oil , High RPM,a very long hill incline.

Word in the 90's was that the Kr1 / s had a crankshaft design problem fault.Mechanically mind people here may be able to verify.
High Rpm certiainly finished mine. However , I had no further engine issues after the rebuild.

[TLDV8]

I kept breaking power valves which sucked arse.

Back when i were lad ridin Kawasaki 250,the only thing with powavalves were Radio :scooter: :laugh:

3 cylinders..29 hp ..drum brakes :woohoo:

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[Mr. Peanut]

That riding gear... Awesome ^_^

[prvoke]

Sounds like i should give it the skip then, mate of mine compared 2 stroke bikes to rotaty's go hard but not for long ?
Whats an example of something i can pick up for 1500-2000 ish and learn on but not get bored of too quick ?

[Mr. Peanut]

Suzuki RG150e with low km (pref less than 20000km.)
Run it on good oil and get it serviced regular ya hear? :rockon: