Highlights
- Beautifully restored and regularly serviced by renowned Kawasaki engineer
- Reportedly never exposed to water since its restoration and is only ever dry cleaned
- The frame and engine are only 101 numbers apart - which is considered well within Kawasaki ‘matching numbers’ tolerance
- Impeccably presented and deemed by the vendor to be of concours standard
- Said to be running and riding brilliantly, with no issues to report
The Appeal
Revered for its blistering turn of speed and lively handling, the Kawasaki H2 represented the pinnacle of two-wheeled performance. The 1972 model is widely regarded as the most powerful they ever made, benefitting from an innovative solid state ignition system. Here we have one of the best restored examples you’re likely to see, that was painstakingly rebuilt by renowned Kawasaki Triple expert Steve Royce.
Imported from the United States in March 2016, it underwent a comprehensive rebuild to factory specification and it remains in fabulous condition to this day. Considered a matching numbers example, right down to its April 1972 stamped Takasago rims and front brake disc, this would be a marvellous machine to take display at concours events and what is more, the vendor assures us that you’ll have no trouble riding it there either. It is said to run exceedingly well, equipped with a Ralf Gille clutch lifter to aid disengagement and the vendor comments that it will usually start on the first to third kick , regardless of weather conditions.
The History and Paperwork
- Produced in April 1972
- Imported from the United States of America (16/03/2016)
- The first UK owner was an enthusiast in Glasgow, who realised they were not going to be able to restore the bike and so sold it to Steve Royce who recognised it as a great original candidate for restoration
- Acquired by the present owner in 2021
- Dry stored and has reportedly never been exposed to water
- The vendor tells us that it is annually serviced by Steve Royce
- Matching numbers (101 numbers between the frame and engine)
- Z Power Kawasaki Certificate of proof of year of manufacture included
- V5C present
- Dyno test results supplied
- UK registered, with correspondence from the DVLA included in the sale
- The UK bill of sale from Direct Classic Imports Ltd is included
- Exempt from MOT testing and road tax
- Equipped with its original key
The Condition
- Every detail is highly restored very well presented to factory finish
- No road grime or discernable wear to be seen
- Described by the vendor as of concours standard
This is a truly exemplary H2. It has been restored to factory specifications and looks every bit like it has just rolled out of the Kawasaki dealership. All the switches and instrumentation works correctly and the vendor does not report any defects. There’s no notable wear, damage or corrosion so far as we could see and the vendor believes the bike to be of concours standard.
We’re informed that the following work has been completed:
- Sandblasting of all major metal components: Frame, swinging arm, headlamp ‘ears’, headlight basin, centre and side stands, seat base, front calliper and footrests
- All the aforementioned components were then powder coated and polished to factory finish
- The instruments were refurbished by Alan Smith
- The period Tagasko rims, headlamp ring, bars, grab rails, shock absorbers and exhaust pipes have been chrome plated
- A new, period correct seat cover has been fitted and the foam padding has been replaced also
- The wheel spokes, rear wheel tie bar as well as all the nuts and bolts have been re-zinc plated or replaced with period correct items
- The vendor adds that all the correct numbered bolts 4 and 7 have been used
- New indicators fitted
- New period style tyres in very good condition
- All the bodywork panels were repainted in the original blue
- The correct decals have been applied
The Mechanics
- 748 cc air-cooled transverse three cylinder two-stroke
- Five-speed gearbox
- Rare chain oiler system in place and the original airbox and snorkel
- Solid state electronic ignition system
- Ralf Gille clutch lifter fitted
This Kawasaki’s restoration has been as much about go as it has show, with the engine having been carefully rebuilt. It is now said to run brilliantly, starting readily in all weathers and performing just as it should. The three-cylinder two-stroke was amongst the most powerful motorcycle engines around in period and it tested both rider and the frame to which it was fitted.
According to the vendor, the mechanical work carried out during the restoration was as follows:
- Engine fully stripped and Aqua blasted to accurate factory finish
- The crankshaft was re-built by Gary Clarke
- The barrels were re-bored to 1.5mm oversize by Harry Barlow and the pistons were then matched to the barrels
- All the gaskets and seals were replaced
- The carburettors were stripped, aqua blasted, ultrasound cleaned and reassemble
- The forks were stripped and rebuilt with new seals and oil
- The aluminium fork legs, engine casings and wheel hubs were polished to factory finish
- Refurbished petrol tap
- All the cables were replaced with new items
- The wiring loom was cleaned and inspected prior to refitment
Summary
This pristine Kawasaki is amongst the finest examples we’ve seen and it is abundantly clear that no detail was overlooked in its restoration. It remains in utterly superb condition both mechanically and cosmetically and we’re sure it will become the focal point of the next owner’s collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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