c. 1982 Kawasaki KR500 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle

• Purchased in the UK
• Present ownership for the last nine years
• Signed on both the tank and tailpiece by Kork Ballington

Having tasted international success with its dominant 'tandem twins' in the 250 and 350 classes, winning the World Championship in both categories in 1978 with South African Kork Ballington, it was only to be expected that Kawasaki would double-up the 250 to create a 500 four for Grand Prix racing's premier class. The new KR500 was first tested in 1979 and made its competition debut in 1980. The KR500's engine adopted the 'classic' square bore and stroke dimensions of 54x54mm and each of the water-cooled cylinders was separate, as was each cylinder's crankshaft. The big KR also featured disc valve induction like the tandem twins and a six-speed gearbox. So far so conventional. The big surprise, though, was Kawasaki's adoption of a monocoque frame, which would be further developed over the next couple of years. By 1982 Ballington had forsaken the smaller classes to concentrate on the KR500, although despite the latest frame, results continued to be disappointing at Grand Prix level. As something of a consolation prize, Ballington won the 1982 Shell 500cc championship in the UK, but even before the season's end Kawasaki had announced their withdrawal from Grand Prix racing. In three years of racing, the KR500s best achievements at Grand Prix level were two 3rd places: in Holland and Finland in 1981.

Signed on both the tank and tailpiece by Kork Ballington, unfortunately nothing is known about the provenance and history of this KR500 other than the fact that the current vendor purchased it in the UK around nine years ago. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's authenticity, correctness, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.