1971 Kawasaki H1 Mach III 500

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Highlights

Beautiful restored H1 in great condition

Revered superbike with the brutal sound track

Recent health check, new battery and carb clean

Matching numbers bike recently imported to UK

Certificate of proof of manufacture from Triple Club UK

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The Appeal

It’s the early 70s and you’re standing on a street corner. In the distance you can hear what sounds like an incoming bombing raid. You’re a little alarmed. Suddenly, hoving into view, is a motorbike, its chromework glittering. The handlebars are twitching as the rider wheelies wildly down the road.

You’ve just seen Kawasaki’s H1 Mach III 500. Even the US importer nicknamed it the widowmaker. And with good reason. Kawasaki set out to create the fastest and quickest accelerating bike ever built. It succeeded, albeit at the cost of a few visually dramatic wheelies. That was due to the heavily rear ward-biased weight distribution.

The H1 didn’t quite have the handling to match the performance, but it hardly mattered. It sounded amazing, it went like stink and it looked great.

All characteristics we are helpfully reminded of by this beautiful ‘71. Recently imported to the UK, it looks as if it just rolled off the line in October ‘71. A matching numbers bike - details are verified by the Kawasaki Triples Club GB - with recent fettling by specialists, it runs and rides as good as it looks.

Few bikes were as exciting as the H1. And this is a great example

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History and Paperwork

First registered 1971

Kawasaki Triples Club GB certificate of proof of manufacture

This is dated January 2022 and shows matching numbers and built October 1971

Frame and engine number KAE 57019

HMRC importation paperwork dated 2022

One UK owner since first UK registration

First registered here in March 2021

Various invoices for recommissioning work in June and July 2021

Repairs, new battery and carburettors checked in March 2024

Factory H Series bike handbook

Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt

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The Condition

Stand-out bright red paintwork in factory correct finish

Original decals in good condition

Bright chromework across various trim items

Clear and clean factory correct dials

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The Mechanics

499cc 58bhp ‘3 across’ triple

5spd manual chain drive gearbox

Recent maintenance work since arriving in the UK

No reported running or riding issues

Frame No. KAF-52740

Engine No. KAE-57019

Runs and rides.

Comes with workshop manual and dating certificate along withvarious invoices and other history.

Imported in 2020 and lots of work done including rebuilt crankshaft, re-bore, new pistons, rebuilt carbs, new cables and coated tank and panels.

Reg. PGF 436K.

V5 and key.

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