1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
Highlights
- Desirable first-year H2 with close frame/engine serial numbers - (considered matching by H2 experts)
- The vendor acquired the bike from the daughter of the original owner
- Extensively restored over 2015 and 2016 using the vast majority of its original parts and correctly numbered fasteners
- 22,851 miles indicated and believed accurate given the provenance
The Appeal
Regarded by many as the final death knell for the once-dominant British motorcycle industry, the advent of the Kawasaki H2 set new benchmarks for two-wheeled performance.
Five decades on, collectors seek early examples, especially those from 1972, the first year of H2 production. Kawasaki didn’t have an official UK presence in 1972 and while some bikes made it to these shores via importer Agrati, they were few and far between. Most made their way to the US and many buyers headed straight to the drag strip where their new H2s trounced just about everything else on two wheels.
We’re delighted to offer this beautifully restored and exceedingly original 1972 Kawasaki H2, resplendent in the oh-so ‘70s hue of ‘European Gold’. The vendor acquired this bike from the daughter of the original owner - provenance that’s hard to beat - so the 22,851 indicated miles are believed to be accurate. Imported to the UK 2010, following a thirty-year period in storage, the bike was treated to a light restoration and refinishing in this rarer period colour.
This work put it back on the road, but further restoration was to follow in 2015 when the bike was entirely dismantled into all its constituent parts and then meticulously restored using as many original components and correctly numbered fasteners as possible. Renowned marque experts rebuilt the engine, gearbox and instruments, while the expensive period option of dual disc brakes was added using genuine Kawasaki parts.
This work put it back on the road, but further restoration was to follow in 2015 when the bike was entirely dismantled into all its constituent parts and then meticulously restored using as many original components and correctly numbered fasteners as possible. Renowned marque experts rebuilt the engine, gearbox and instruments, while the expensive period option of dual disc brakes was added using genuine Kawasaki parts.
For those seeking a superbly restored H2 from the first year of production, you’ve few to choose from as most collectors would give their right arm to get one. Fortunately, you don’t have to, as this very special bike seeks a new custodian.
The History and Paperwork
- Unlike the Suzukis and Yamahas of the day, Kawasaki frame numbers and engine numbers rarely matched - H2 specialist Rick Brett believes only 5 in a 1,000 of them ever did
- These numbers (H2F 21407 and H2E 21004) indicate these parts were used on the original bike and so it would be considered matching numbers by H2 experts
- V5C present
- Collection of old MOT certificates
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Several invoices for the engine rebuild and electrical work by Ferret of Electrickery
- Imported to the UK in 2010 by the vendor, who acquired the bike from the daughter of the original keeper
- 22,851 miles indicated and believed accurate given the provenance
- We’re informed that ownership previously passed between the previous keeper’s father and his friend
- No former UK registered keepers
The Condition
- The vendor wanted to ensure the bike remained as period-correct as possible, yet easy to ride and maintain
- As many original components and fastenings as possible were restored and reused during the 2015-16 restoration process
- The bike presents beautifully - a testament to the quality of the word
- Refinished from ‘Candytone Blue’ to ‘European Gold’
- The vendor added a seat strap during the initial restoration
- Stainless steel spokes added to the original Tagasko rims for ease of cleaning
- Rare original tailpiece trim present
These days it’s practically impossible to attain original parts from Kawasaki. Unlike other Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki only guaranteed parts supply for five years, often ceasing making them once production of a particular model had ended. However, if original parts could be sourced, they were for this restoration.
This bike has been stripped down to the bare frame, the last nut and bolt taken off and reassembled by experts in their field. Everything has been either renewed, re-zinced or re-chromed and put back together again. Therefore the level of finish, down to the finest details, is fantastic. The bike has been dry-stored and used sparingly since the completion of the restoration and therefore continues to present very well indeed.
The vendor informs us that there are now a few small blemishes to the paint, some of which are obscured by the seat - they had considered refinishing it but decided to leave it as the next owner then has the choice to return to the original colour. Rick Brett decals were used on the paintwork and the vendor includes a spare set should the bike be refinished in gold.
The Mechanics
- 748 cc air-cooled two-stroke triple
- Five-speed gearbox
- Now upgraded with the optional dual disc brake set up using genuine Kawasaki parts - this was an extravagant option when new, adding around 25 per cent to the purchase price
- Braided brake hoses fitted
- Besides the braking system upgrades, we’re informed that the bike is mechanically standard
- The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt, and the engine was tuned by 2-stroke development specialists Chapman Tyrrell Racing of Evesham
- The crankshaft was rebuilt by Gary Clark, a Kawasaki triple specialist
- The clocks were overhauled by Alan Smith - remarkably, the original dials were unfaded
With under 1,000 miles under its belt since the rebuild, the bike is still technically being run-in. The vendor informs us that the recommended rev limits have been observed accordingly and all seems very well. The vendor comments that it starts readily, roaring into life with a cacophony of two-stroke rasp (amplified further by the fact Kawasaki hard-mounted their cylinder heads and barrel fins). The three-pronged exhaust presents very well and sounds glorious, while the bike is said to ride exactly as it should with ample performance on tap.
You simply don’t find this sort of power delivery on modern four-stroke bikes - so an early H2 like this is an essential addition to any motorcycle collection.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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