VINTAGE RACE BIKES

KAWASAKI

Green Power. Uncompromising Performance.

THE STORY

Kawasaki arrived in racing with a philosophy of raw power and mechanical aggression. The H1R and H2R two-stroke triples were terrifyingly fast — machines that demanded respect and rewarded bravery. They defined an era when horsepower outpaced chassis technology.

Through the 1970s, Kawasaki's KR250 and KR350 tandem-twin two-strokes brought a new approach to GP racing, winning the 250cc and 350cc World Championships. In the 1980s and 1990s, the ZX-7RR became a formidable Superbike World Championship contender, with Scott Russell winning the title in 1993.

RACING HIGHLIGHTS

Kork Ballington wins 250cc & 350cc World Championships 1978 & 1979

Anton Mang wins 250cc World Championship 1980 & 1981 on KR250

H2R sets production motorcycle speed records in the early 1970s

Scott Russell wins 1993 Superbike World Championship on ZX-7RR

Kawasaki wins multiple AMA Superbike championships through the 1990s

ZX-10R dominates World Superbike Championship in the 2010s

NOTABLE RACE MODELS

H1R

1970–72

500cc

3-Cyl 2-Stroke

The "Widowmaker" race version. 90hp from 500cc. Terrifyingly fast for its era.

H2R

1972–75

750cc

3-Cyl 2-Stroke

Works racer version of the H2. Yvon DuHamel's Daytona machine. Extremely rare.

KR250

1975–82

250cc

Tandem Twin 2T

Ballington's championship machine. Unique tandem-twin layout. Multiple GP titles.

KR350

1975–82

350cc

Tandem Twin 2T

Sister to the KR250. Ballington won the 350cc title on this machine in 1978 & 1979.

KR1S

1989–92

250cc

Tandem Twin 2T

Production racer. Homologation special for 250cc production racing.

ZX-7RR

1991–2003

750cc

4-Stroke Inline 4

WSB championship winner. Close-ratio gearbox, race-spec suspension. Scott Russell's title bike.

ZX-9R Race

1994–97

900cc

4-Stroke Inline 4

Endurance and national racing. Powerful but heavy — a privateer's weapon.

ZX-6R Race

1995–2004

600cc

4-Stroke Inline 4

Supersport class competitor. Multiple national championships worldwide.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

Kawasaki H1R and H2R machines are among the rarest and most valuable vintage race bikes in existence — genuine examples rarely come to market and command $50,000–$150,000+. The KR250/350 tandem twins are highly sought by GP collectors. ZX-7RR race bikes offer more accessible entry into Kawasaki's racing heritage at $15,000–$30,000 for a well-prepared example.

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