Photo: 1969_Kawasaki_500_H1_MachIII.jpg: Mike Schinkel derivative work: Ligabo (talk) · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
79/100 Overall
60 On the road98 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III vs Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III scores 79/100 overall against Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV on 80/100. On the road: 60–62. As classics: 98–98. Overall result: Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV.
Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV
80/100 Overall
62 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Kawasaki H1 | Kawasaki H2 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki H2 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Kawasaki H1 if…
you want explosive two-stroke acceleration, outrageous period character and one of Kawasaki's most famous motorcycles.
Choose the Kawasaki H2 if…
you want explosive two-stroke acceleration, notorious 1970s superbike attitude and maximum theatre.
Background
History
Kawasaki H1
The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was produced from 1969–1976 and used a 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki H2
The Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV was produced from 1972–1975 and used a 748cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for performance, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Kawasaki H1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1969 to 1976.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Kawasaki H2
- Its production span in this library runs from 1972 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 748cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are performance, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Kawasaki H1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki H2
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV. Its library score for performance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Kawasaki H1
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki H2
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Kawasaki H1
Rivals to the Kawasaki H2
Final result
The verdict
Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.