1974 Kawasaki H2/B
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Highlights
• Comprehensive six year restoration
• Rare vintage performance air cooled
• Performance retro bike from the Seventies
The Background
1972 saw the introduction of the Kawasaki 750 H2, with its two stroke engine it was the fastest way to get from zero to the national speed limit, and on the autobahn it would hit 126mph. With 74 bhp and Japanese technology and development it was way ahead of its British rivals. Modern styling, a balance of precision and speed and with modern tyres giving much better handling than the legends would indicate.
The H2 was one of the pinnacles of an era of Japanese performance bikes. From a standing start the H2 could cover a quarter mile in just under 12 seconds, a production bike record in 1972. An evolution of the world-beating Kawasaki 500cc H1, the 750cc H2 was largely a response to Honda’s introduction of the CB750, part of an arms race occurring on two wheels. Being an air cooled, piston ported design kept it simple to maintain, electronic CDI ignition added reliability.
The History
The bike has been subject to a thorough and sympathetic six year restoration by the owner, keeping as much of the original finish as possible, the tank still wearing its original paintwork. The engine, carbs, forks, electrical system, frame have been thoroughly overhauled and updated.
Some parts of the work have been completed by noted experts in the Kawasaki field, to ensure the very best outcome.
The seller is a motorbike rider, restorer and has more projects waiting to be done in his workshop, hence the sale of this stunning classic bike.
The seller is a motorbike rider, restorer and has more projects waiting to be done in his workshop, hence the sale of this stunning classic bike.
The Paperwork:
A wealth of paperwork is supplied showing the renovation works carried out, cosmetically and mechanically.
“Matching Numbers” Kawasaki H2’s all have a small, not fixed, offset between the Engine and Frame numbers, this bike is only 64 numbers apart but is not guaranteed to be original matching.
All paperwork will be applied with the bike, this backs up the high level of care and attention the seller has put in to restoring this iconic motorbike.
The Exterior
With original paintwork and a thorough restoration the bike is as fresh as you would expect, new Avon tyres, original spoked wheels with the embossed Takasago stamp inside the rims showing their authenticity.
Original clocks and complete mounts have been refurbished by Alan Smith, a renowned bike restorer, who has also completely refurbished the switchgear as well. Top yokes and mounts have been polished.
Frame and ancillaries – stripped and stove enamelled. Front wheel Takasago stamped rim, new tube tyre, rim tape. Rear wheel Takasago stamped, new tube tyre rim tape and security bolts. As appropriate bare metal parts have been re zinc and re chromed as required, notably except front mudguard (original), fork ears and shrouds (original) exhausts (an original 1975 set)
The petrol tank in original Candy Gold Brown paint has some marks, but no dents or rust.
The Mechanics
Engine completely stripped and rebuilt by Gary Clark, vapour blasted, crankshaft rebuilt, new seals and bearings, rebored and new Wossner pistons and rings fitted, new clutch plates, inlet rubbers, clutch lifter, rods, small ends – still running in.
-Carbs and fuel filter completely vapour blasted, cleaned, and rebuilt, with a full “off” position by Mark Speaight. Setup with full airbox and filter. --New Old Stock clutch cable, new throttle and choke cables fitted.
- All frame and mounting bolts greased on assembly. Mixed original, new zinc and new stainless minor fixings
- New 2 Stroke oil delivery line (clear).
- New taper roller head bearings.
- New swing arm bushes.
- New swing arm bushes.
- Original rear shocks rebuilt completely.
- Original front forks, rebuilt, polished, new seals and new fork stanchions (original available if required).
- Speedo drive regreased.
- New Old stock original speedo cable.
- Front caliper professionally rebuilt, new seals SS piston, new pads, new hoses, banjo bolts and seals.
- Top yoke and mounts polished.
- Original Clocks and complete mount refurbished by Alan Smith.
- Original switchgear completely refurbished by Alan Smith.
- New front brake master cylinder (original available if required).
- New wiring harness, new ignition coils, new Lakeland ignition and Regulator rectifier, new sealed battery, new horn.
- New chain and sprockets.
- Petrol tank in original “candy Gold” (Brown) paint, some marks, no dents or rust.
- Rest of bodywork paint is also unrestored, though likely already repainted at some point prior to ownership.
- Seat base is original, cover appears too good to be original, but it is accurate.
- New original old stock clutch cable, new throttle, and choke cables.
- New original old stock clutch cable, new throttle, and choke cables.
The Appeal
This period Seventies H2/B in Candy Gold Brown not only harks back to an era of purity but has the technology of the Japanese super bike company that was way ahead of its European rivals in terms of sports bikes. “Candy Gold” and “Candy Green” are the only factory original colours for the 1974 model, the “Candy Gold” models are far rarer than the “Candy Green” models.
This H2/B has been restored by a true bike enthusiast and ready to be collected in its new condition.
This H2/B has been restored by a true bike enthusiast and ready to be collected in its new condition.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Kawasaki
- Model H2/B
- Colour Candy Gold
- Odometer 9,363 Miles
- Engine size 748
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Sittingbourne
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
36
bids
- ma•••• £14,250 02/02/22
- ka•••• £14,000 02/02/22
- ma•••• £13,500 02/02/22
- An•••• £13,250 02/02/22
- Mi•••• £13,000 02/02/22
- An•••• £12,500 02/02/22
- ma•••• £12,000 02/02/22
- sc•••• £11,250 02/02/22
- An•••• £11,000 02/02/22
- sc•••• £10,750 02/02/22
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