Kawasaki KR500

Kawasaki KR500
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Production 1980–1982
Successor Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR
Class racing (500 class)
Engine 494 cc (30.1 cu in) square four, two stroke, liquid cooled
Bore / stroke 54.0 mm × 54.0 mm (2.13 in × 2.13 in)
Top speed 180 mph (290 km/h)[1] depending on gearing
Power 120 hp (89 kW)[1]
Transmission six speed, dry clutch
Frame type aluminium monocoque[2]
Suspension Front 38 mm Kayaba telescopic forks
Rear single shock Kayaba
Brakes Front Dual 290 mm (11 in) discs with Kawasaki magnesium twin piston calipers
Rear Single 230 mm (9.1 in) disc with Kawasaki magnesium twin piston caliper
Tires front 16 x 3.00” Dymag rims
rear 18 x 4.00” Dymag rims
Wheelbase 1,450 mm (57 in)
Weight 133 kg (293 lb) (dry)
150 kg (330 lb)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity 32 L

The Kawasaki KR500 was a racing motorcycle built by Kawasaki from 1980 to 1982 for the 500 cc class. The bike used a true aluminium monocoque frame, a rarity at the time aimed at improving aerodynamics with a small frontal area, improving chassis stiffness and also keeping weight down.[1]

Ossa in the late 1960s successfully raced a similar magnesium monocoque-framed bike. [3] In 2000 Kawasaki released the ZX-12R the first production motorcycle with a aluminium monocoque frame, then in 2006 the ZX-14 utilized this type of frame, also the 2008 Concours 14 that was based on the ZX-14.

The bike debuted in the world championship ridden by Kork Ballington at the 1980 GP of Nations held on the Misano circuit. At the season-end the South African rider finished 12th in the standings.

For the 1981 season the KR500 was improved, a new chassis was built which was stiffer and lighter, with magnesium crankcases and anti-dive front forks. The season saw the KR500 get its first podium finishes with two third places (in Netherlands and Finland) with Ballington finishing 8th in the final standings of the championship.

The main change before the 1982 season was switching to Showa suspension. Ballington finished 9th in the championship, with a best result during the season of 6th place in Misano. At the end of the season the Kawasaki retired from the Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

KR500 engine

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Kawasaki KR500". Classic Motorbikes. November 19, 2004. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Kawasaki Technology". Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  3. ↑ Bike Exif (undated), Retrieved March 17 2017
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