Kawasaki A1-R

Originally the A1-R was manufactured in 1967, based on the road bike of 1966-71. This replica was created over a period of about 2 years. It was very difficult to find out information on the A1-R, but by luck, the import to the UK of these bikes was undertaken by someone who lived only a short distance from my family; Peter Chapman.

The basis for this A1-R replica is a standard A1 250 road bike. The frame had all the excess lugs and brackets removed, and additional ones, as per the original race bike, brazed on. Once everything was in the right place, it was sent off for powder coating.

The engine was ported to exactly the same spec as the A1-R. All casing were cut to as near the original as possible. Everything was blasted clean to remove 30 years of road muck!! All the engine internals are Kawasaki, except for Yamaha pistons. The pistons and rods are the only non-1967 parts.

The tank and seat unit were made in Ireland, by Bartells, who used the frame and photos to get as close to the original as they could. At the time I hadn’t met anyone who had a genuine bike. Front and rear rims are Borranis. Front external springs are off a Manx! Ignition is Boyer, mounted in place of an oil pump, which created the problem of no mechanical rev counter drive, and no 2-stroke oil pump. Had to fit a Scitsu, and use pre-mix at 30:1.

Ignition battery hides in the alternator housing. Had the tank sprayed up locally. Tank badges were obtained from Alan McIlrath, of the VJMC. He also loaned a pair of pipes that had been used by Kawasaki France in 1971, which Andy Bacon copied. Made the front mudguard myself.

And this is the finished article. Alan supplied the fairing, which is an exact copy from an A1-R. Fitted a Robinson 4LS at the front, as the Grimeca was not up to the job. Just a few finishing touches, and it should get more outings this season, as long as I can get the jetting right.
New for 2001 are a pair of fairing bulges. Required some more air into the carbs. Pair of bulges moulded using a rugby ball, and fibreglass. Need to get it painted up now. Also changed the gearing. Up one tooth on the front, and down three on the back, so it is now almost as an original A1-R, 16:31.
I’ve also obtained an original A1-R oil tank from Mark Rosenberg, in Australia (partsfrompast@one.net.au) who has been very helpful.