Aug 17 2010
Classic Bikes – Kawasaki 750 H2
In the 1970s, environmental issues were starting to come to the political forefront. Perhaps not the best time for the Kawasaki 750 H2.
Since Honda had stolen a march on the whole motorcycling world in 1968 by the introduction of the first recognised “super bike”, the CXB750, just beating Kawasaki who had their own new 750 in the pipeline, Kawasaki had started to push the boundaries of motorcycle design.
Creating a new class as they did, the 900cc class with the introduction in 1974 of the Z1, Kawasaki had comprehensively gained their revenge on Honda with a new machine that trounced the CB750 in every department.
However, despite introducing the first 900cc machine, the 750cc market was as competitive then as it is now.
In 1974, Kawasaki also introduced another monster; the H2 750.
The styling was very similar to that of the Z1, but this time with three exhausts not four, given that this was a triple cylinder machine.
Unlike the four stroke Z1, the H2 was a two stroke machine, that had a drink problem (20 miles to the gallon) and a smoking problem (from the exhaust).
This was a mean and wrist wrenching bike, and not for the inexperienced.
What made it particularly interesting was the fact that both peak power and peak torque arrived within 300rpm of each other, peak torque arriving first.
What this means is that when riding at low speed the bike sounds a bit burbling, and feels gutless. However, a small turn of the wrist and the bike takes off like lightening and all but pulls your arms off.
This is difficult enough, but you then had to consider the fact that this machine only had a single 295mm disc brake on the front and a 200mm drum on the rear, so hazards had to be anticipated earlier than usual.
Kawasaki introduced a slightly less powerful H2B variant, and yet still their press release for this model emphasised that it was for the “more experienced rider.”
The H2 was put aside in 1975, but remains a formidable machine, even by today’s standards.
Zac enjoys working on his motorcycles himself and understands the value of having the best gear. This includes correct storage for which Zac uses Harley Davidson motorcycle covers for keeping dust off his motorcycles inside, and rain off when outside. See his website offering sweet deals at harleydavidsonmotorcyclecovers.org