Based on the Kawasaki H1 street motorcycle, it was powered by a two stroke, three cylinder engine set across the frame.

[1] In 1970, Ginger Molloy finished second to Giacomo Agostini on the dominant MV Agusta in the 500 cc world championship.

[2][3] Molloy scored 4 second places during the season as Kawasaki finished second in the constructors championship.

[4] In 1971, Dave Simmonds rode the HR1 to victory at the season ending Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama when Agostini sat out the race after already winning the championship.

The best results of the year were a second place in Spain[failed verification] and a third at the East German GP.