Geoffs 1998 Kawasaki KR150

Post date: Jun 13, 2011 10:19:58 AM

The featured 1998 KR 150a was the early model in a production run of around 10 years, [accurate data is not always easy to find on these primarily Asian market machines] but they were proof positive that Kawasaki heavy industries had not forgotten how to build high performance two stroke road bikes after production of their twins, tandem twins, and triples finally ceased.

Featuring a single cylinder 150cc motocross based water cooled two stroke, this smallest KR, [remember the older 45hp KR 250], remains, a favourite of younger two stroke hooligans in it's mainly middle east, South African and South American markets, along with Honda and Suzuki's similar NSR and RG 150 models, both highly regarded in their own right.

The KR/KRR has been popular and successful with both NZ bucket racers and those after high performance on a budget, perhaps the reason many are now off the roads!.[Interestingly, while the early Kawasaki H1 500 triples produced some 20Hp for each 166cc cylinder, a claimed 30ps was extracted from the KR, giving this 125Kg machine an excellent power to weight ratio.]This particular local bike is a reliable and unmolested original example, running original chain and sprockets and mechanically untouched after some 36,000 Kms of almost daily use.The KR150 featured 'uni trak' rear suspension, a full fairing, and front and rear disc brakes, while the steel 'cradle-box frame' and wire wheels of early models were later replaced by alloy wheels and an updated tubular frame and fairing to become the very classy final model, KRR 150, the engine remained essentially unchanged until Kawasaki Thailand ceased production in approximately 2008 [a non- faired but nearly indenticle 'Victor' model mains, a favouriteof younger two stroke hooligans in it's mainly middle east, South African and South American markets, along with Honda and Suzuki's similar NSR and RG 150 models, both highly regarded in their own right.

was made, but was not imported here.]All models featured the usual rev counter, speedo and temp gauges, and also a useful 'low fuel' and top, [6th] gear lights, while a switchable temp/fuel gauge was added to the KRR.160 Km isabout average before reserve is reached, while a reasonable 65 mpg is achievable by the non 'throttle-happy' pilot.While having very good acceleration in it's power band [7500rpm up to the red line of 10,500] and a top speed of perhaps around 160 Kph courtesy of, amongst other things, that two stroke 'secret weapon' the expansion chamber, and KIPS power valves enable it to still hold top gear against a blustery headwind and also allows relaxed commuting.The 17Hp and 15Nm figures of Yamaha's latest 150cc R15, a R1 look- alike' [great and economical little fun machine that they seem to be], fall well short of the old KR, RG, and NSR power outputs, that are actually very similar to the latest 250's on the market. Although small, the KR 150 is, very much still, a typical Kawasaki two stroke, with the power to surprise and delight, and with that built in 'charisma' Kawasaki seems so good at, being simply great fun to ride and own.

Geoff Noyes.