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ENGINE
Never known bac k then as a paragon of virtue even when new. Back then it was poor quality control that would see big variations on engine tolerances. Some bikes emerged from the factory with barrels which were of varying heights, leading to piston slap (and associated knocking from the top-end on start-up.) Gaskets also leaked. The later KR-1S had new pistons, revised porting, ignition amendments and different exhausts; some more modern bits end up in earlier engines.
WHEELS
Very hard to get good tyres in the right sizes now. Some bikes have bigger tyres on the rear rims – so be wary. Both KR-1 and S models had 18-inch rears with the S up to a 140 rear section from a 130.
ERGONOMICS
If you’re a bigger chap or lady (tall or wide) then you’ll find that the KR-1 and KR-1S models are much more accommodating than comparable full-on racereplica models such as Suzuki’s RGV and the grey import 250cc two-stroke brigade. Only Yamaha’s TZR250