devon

128 months ago

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A Classic Motorcycle you Should Know; Kawasaki H1

1969 Kawasaki H1 500

1969 Kawasaki H1 500

The Mach III engine that powered the Kawasaki H1 500 is one of the best motorcycle engines ever made. In the '60s'Kawasaki was known for reliable small-displacement twins, but aspired for more sales and higher profits that larger displacement motorcycles provided. They produced the W1, a copy of the BSA A10 Rocket but it quickly became a dated model when it had to compete with Suzuki's T500 and Honda's innovative CB450.

In 1968, Kawasaki had their next two-stroke twin in development but when Triumph created an inline-triple engine Kawasaki decided their marque would not play catch-up again and started developing their own triple. The plan was simple, build an powerful inline two-stroke triple engine and strap it to the lightest frame possible.

Three cylinders meant there was more exhaust port area, which translates to more power in the two-stroke world. At 8,000rpm the 498cc MAch III pumped out 60bhp and had a top speed of 115mph (185kpm). The cylinders had large cooling fans to prevent overheating, the clutch and gearbox were light and the 120 degree crankshaft ran smooth.

The Mach III Triple Engine

The Mach III Triple Engine

When you design with one goal in mind, as Kawasaki did, other areas of the bike suffer. The frame and forks were tiny so the handling was terrible. It was not uncommon for riders to feel the frame flex during high speeds. The tires were thin, provided no grip when wet and the brakes were inadequate and didn't grip when wet either. It was dangerous even for a motorcycle and it soon became known as the "Widowmaker".

Here's why it was badass

The Mach III engine pelted the H1 down the quarter mile in under 13 seconds surpassing 100mph. The completely stock H1 was faster than any other mass produced bike on the planet regardless of engine size. If you owned one you were going to win and if you raced, the size of your cojones determined your place.

As if the slime frame wasn't thrilling enough the H1 was a rear-heavy motorcycle. The weight distribution was 57% towards the back meaning wheelies were a prerequisite to moving forward. Any stop-light racing, power hungry American could own for only $999.

Kawasaki H1- The front disc brake means it is likely a 72

Kawasaki H1- The front disc brake means it is likely a 72

The H1 was obviously a success, Kawasaki's first big hit and it quickly became a cult motorcycle. Eventually Kawasaki bowed to consumer groups boycotting it for safety reasons. Later models were outfitted with disc brakes, a steering dampers and aesthetic changes until the final model (the 1976 KH500) saw an actual reduction in horsepower. The original H1 would not be allowed on the roads today but its development led to Kawasaki's infamous 'Z' models. The year of the '69' H1's launch, Motorcyclist Magazine commented that the Mach III's power-to-weight ratio was the best "ever produced in a motorcycle meant to sell to anyone who has the money to purchase it."

They say you can't expect wine when you've got beer money; with the Kawasaki H1, put your money on the table and you're served moonshine.

Three Kawasaki H1s

Three Kawasaki H1s

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alex

128 months ago

gorgeous (especially the cafe racer at the top), but a 57% rear weight bias is awful for handling, even if you sit forward.

devon

128 months ago

Yeah it is definitely and exciting rig. I bet if you start looking you can find one. They were popular and can be restored without too much hassle, relatively speaking. As for the wheelie thing, I've been teaching myself clutch wheelies. It is thrilling but scary when you consider the potential damage - I guess I don't think its worth it if it damages my pretty fairing. Can I borrow your Triumph?

marina

128 months ago

I really like the look of the old Kawis and I'd love to get some seat time on an H1. Of course the wheelie thing off every red is a deterrent, albeit learning to do a wheelie is on the bucket list...