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 Yamaha RD400
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III scores 79/100 overall against Yamaha RD400 on 81/100. On the road: 60–73. As classics: 98–88. Overall result: Yamaha RD400.
Photo: Schreiberling58 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Yamaha RD400
81/100 Overall
73 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Kawasaki H1 | Yamaha RD400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 5 | 9 | Yamaha RD400 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha RD400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD400 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD400 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha RD400 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | Kawasaki H1 |
| 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 Yamaha RD400 if…
you want sharp two-stroke performance, light handling and one of Yamaha's most entertaining road motorcycles.
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.
Yamaha RD400
The Yamaha RD400 was produced from 1976–1979 and used a 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, handling, 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.
Yamaha RD400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1979.
- The recorded engine description is: 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, handling, 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.
Yamaha RD400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD400. Its library score for character 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.
Yamaha RD400
- 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 Yamaha RD400
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD400 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD400 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.