Web Analytics

 Kawasaki - 500 KR
 Back to brands list


Kawasaki KR  motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : D. Ganneau
1710

Capacity : 500
Model : KR
Production : 1980 - 1981
Category : (R) Racing

KAWASAKI

500 KR -1980

Inspired- but lacking backing

When Kawasaki announced its entry into 500cc GP racing in 1979, observers of the Grand Prix scene were enthusiastic. The results obtained since 1977 in the 250 and 350cc classes spoke for themselves - between 1978-82 their bikes would take eight world titles, plus a further eight for their riders Ballington and Mang. Great things were expected of the japanese company, for its racing team was talented and inventive.

An Original Concept

Enthusiasts were overjoyed when they first saw the Kawasaki 500 GP bike. Though its engine was conventional, the frame was an aluminum box-girder; it had lever-arm rear suspension and the design of the fairing was very original. The marque's typically daring nonconformism boosted the popularity of the untried team; its efforts had alwayspleased the public and often inspired its rivals – the in-line twin-cylinder engine of the 250/ 350 bore witness to this.

Technically Daring

Sadly, the factoty didn't put enough effort behind the venture. A single rider, Kirk Ballington, was responsible for developing the machine, whose maintenance was very tricky. The ultimate versions were even more daring technically (anti-plunge suspension, 16 inch front wheel). He didn't even manage to win a single GP against massive opposition from Suzuki and Yamaha. Despite two encouraging victories in 1981, Kawasaki retired from racing at the end of the 1982 season without having demonstrated the soundness of the concept.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 494cc (51x51mm) water-cooled square-four

Power Rating: 125 hp@ 11 ,000 rpm

Valves: rotary intake valves

Fuel System: four 31mm carburetors

Transmission: 6speed; chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (from); swinging fork and radius arms (rear)

Brakes: disk (front & rear)

Wheels: 18 inch (from & rear)

Weight: 265 lb

Maximum Speed: 186 mph


As innovative as many Kawasaki designs, the 500KR was not backed by sufficient investment to stand a chance against tbe Suzuki and Yamaha bikes of its day.

 




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.