Kawasaki H1
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Kawasaki H1 | |
Manufacturer | |
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Also called | Mach III |
Production | 69-75 |
Successor | KH500 |
Engine | 499cc Inline-three two-stroke |
Bore / Stroke | 60mm x 58.8mm |
Compression ratio | 6.8:1 |
Top Speed | 125mph [1] |
Horsepower | 59 HP @ 8,000 rpm |
Spark Plug | NGK BUHX '69-72 NGK B9HS '72-75 (Also early Euro models) |
Battery | YUASA 12N9-481 '72 YUASA 12N9-4B1 '69-72 YUASA 12N9-3B 73-75 |
Transmission | 5-Speed Return Shift |
Final Drive | Chain: 530 `73-75[2] |
Front Tire | 3.25-19 '69-75 |
Rear Tire | 4.00-18 '69-75 |
Wheelbase | 1400mm 1410mm |
Weight | 174 kg 185 kg 192 kg (dry), |
Recommended Oil | K-tech 10W-40 |
Related | Kawasaki H2 Kawasaki S1 Kawasaki S2 |
Competition | Suzuki T500 Honda CB450 |
Value | $6000 - $8000 |
Manuals | Service Manual |
The Kawasaki H1 was a 500cc triple cylinder street motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki from 1969 to 1975 (known in cycling circles as "The Mach III"). It was the bike that changed the course of high performance motorcycling.
History[edit | edit source]
The Kawasaki H1 Mach III was the result of the successes of the Honda CB450 and Suzuki T500. The United States was the largest market and the public had the desire for larger bore, higher horsepower and higher top speeds from bikes. Kawasaki had the A1 and the A7 which were impressive performers but Kawasaki needed a performance flagship to compete with not only the Suzuki T500 and Honda CB450 but also to take on the established British heavyweight machines. Kawasaki came up with the N100 Plan in July 1967. The target was to create a motorcycle with a displacement of 500cc, a 1/4 mile standing start of 13 seconds, and 60 horsepower. Kawasaki planned to do this by (1) increasing the bore of air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin cylinder Rotary Disc Valve engine on the Kawasaki A7 Samurai, or (2) develop a revolutionary new engine layout. Both twin cylinder and a three cylinder engines were developed alongside each other with the assistance of Osaka University. Kawasaki finally went with the three cylinder.
Kawasaki produced the first ever MACH III in September 1968. In June 1970 Kawasaki launched a candy red bike with white stripes and a few minor changes. In September 1971, the H1A was launched. [3]
The three-cylinder, 500cc two stroke power plant had an impressive 60 horsepower and became the quickest production motorcycle EVER produced as it sped down the quarter mile in an unbelievable 12.8 seconds @ 99.5mph. The H1 retailed for $999.00 it would typify what Kawasaki became known for Innovation and Acceleration! The H1 still creates excitement today. Kawasaki 2 stroke triple.
1969 H1[edit | edit source]
- Piston Valve
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Midnight White, Peacock Gray
- Front Fender: Stainless steel
- Engine No.: KAE-00001-
- Frame No.: KAF-00001-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-115, @ 99997-1165
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Remarks: Two-stroke, triple-cylinder engine with oil injection. Except for European model, has CDI ignition system. Original H1 features diaphragm fuel tap, separate handle-bar holder, and air scoops on the rear brake panel.
1970 H1[edit | edit source]
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Red
- Front Fender: Stainless steel
- Engine No.: KAE-06315-
- Frame No.: KAF-06727-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-121s
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color and marking.
1971 H1A[edit | edit source]
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Blue
- Front Fender: Stainless steel
- Engine No.: KAE-21876-
- Frame No.: KAF-23626-
- Parts Catalogue No.: 99997- 177s
- Owner's Manual No. : 99995-314
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color, marking, and fuel tank.
1972 H1B[edit | edit source]
Though the Kawasaki H2, Kawasaki S2, and Kawasaki S1 had a redesign which included a race tail as opposed to standard rear fender, the H1 Mach III kept the appearance of the previous year with respect to the rear end. Kawasaki, however, saw fit to at least paint the rear fender... the only year Kawasaki would paint both fenders on their street bikes.
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Pearl Candy Orange
- Front Fender: Pearl Candy Orange
- Engine No.: KAE-54101-
- Frame No.: KAF-48763-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-521, (E) 99997-522s
- Owner" Manual No.: 99997-525
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color and marking. Battery ignition system replaced the CDI ignition system. Front disc brake and steering oil damper adopted. Spark plugs changed to NGK B9HS.
1973 H1D[edit | edit source]
The H1D was redesigned to follow the appearance of the Kawasaki H2 750, S2 350, and S1 250 with a 2nd generation race tail partially enclosing the tail light assembly.
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Lime
- Front Fender: Chrome
- Engine No.: KAE00000
- Frame No.: H1F-00007 -
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-601, (E) 99997-605S
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-547
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color, marking, fuel tank, and seat. H2 type CDI ignition system adopted. Steering friction damper and air scoops on the rear brake panel discontinued.
1974 H1E[edit | edit source]
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Lime, Candy Red
- Front Fender: Chrome
- Engine No.: KAE87001-
- Frame No.: H1F-17001-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-625, (E) 99997-625-01S
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-811, (E) 99983-020, (F) 99983-028, (I) 99983-007, (W) 99983-008
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color and marking. New type of CDI ignition system adopted. Check valve adopted at the crankcase bottom.
1975 H1F[edit | edit source]
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Sky Blue, Candy Green
- Front Fender: Chrome
- Engine No.: KAE102400-
- Frame No.: H1F-32400-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-625-50s (E) 99997-625-51S
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-849
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-711
- Major Changes: Color and marking.
1976[edit | edit source]
In 1976 the model designation was changed to the KH500
H1R[edit | edit source]
In 1970, the H1R was available worldwide as a limited production road racer. The worldwide racing success of the H1R furthered the performance image of Kawasaki. The H1R 500cc triple two-stroke engine claimed 80 hp @ 9,500 rpm. During the 1970 Daytona 200 road race, an H1R piloted by Ginger Molloy was clocked on the banking at an unheard of 159.83mph.
- 500 cc
- 2-Stroke, 3 Cylinder
- Piston Valve
- 5-Speed Return Shift
- Maximum Horsepower:
- 80 HP @9,500 rpm
- Spark Plug: NGK B10EN
- Tire Size
- Front: 3.00H-18
- Rear: 3.50H-18
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Lime Green
- Front Fender: Lime Green
- Engine No.: KAE-90001-
- Frame No.: KAF-90001-
- Remarks: Road racer version of the H1 with more power. Has forced lubrication, but in addition oil must be mixed with gasoline. Production limited.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Cycle - April 1969
- ↑ 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.
- ↑ DragBike.com: History of the H1 Mach III
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