Highlights
- Exquisitely crafted 4-cylinder 2-stroke engine by engineering genius Allen Millyard
- Factory-look finish, concealing the extensive mechanical alterations
- Beautifully presented in fine mechanical and cosmetic order
The Appeal
Upon hearing the term ‘custom motorcycle’, we tend to conjure up images of elaborate paint jobs, liberally chromed componentry and rakish frame chops. But sometimes, the most incredible custom bikes are those that at a glance appear to be completely standard.
Engineering genius, YouTube bike building extraordinaire and television star Allen Millyard, is renowned for building bikes that are anything but factory, while looking like they’ve just rolled off the assembly line.
This Kawasaki KH500 is one of Allen’s creations and on careful inspection you’ll note that it has grown a cylinder while in Mr Millyard’s shed. It is presented in lovely condition and to the uninitiated, there really are no signs that this bike started life as a Kawasaki triple.
The History and Paperwork
- Left the Kawasaki factory in 1976 as a 3-cylinder KH500
- C.2018, the bike’s engine went under Allen’s hacksaw and was given an extra cylinder
- V5C present
- One set of keys (One for the ignition and one for the seat)
- 1450 miles covered since engine conversion
The Condition
- Brilliantly restored
- Factory-look
Mr Millyard considers his bike builds a success when onlookers do a double take and this bike certainly fulfils this brief. A carefully restored frame, tank, brightwork and seat ensure this bike look almost exactly like it did in 1976.
The vendor describes the condition of this bike as ‘excellent’ and we think that's a fair assessment. Finished in the factory colour scheme to a very high standard, this bike is stunning to behold and conceals its mechanical alterations masterfully behind a facade of restored originality.
The two-tone green paint is straight out of the ‘70s and looks fantastic. Having covered so few miles since leaving Allen’s shed, we were unable to detect any stone chips and the depth of sheen in the paint is mesmerising. The black vinyl seat has clearly been retrimmed to a very good standard and remains in great shape. The same goes for the chrome, which retains a lustrous shine and with Allen’s incredible fabrication work, it is almost impossible to tell that it has grown an exhaust pipe as well.
Mounted atop the handlebars, the instrument binnacle appears totally stock and all the switchgear and warning lights present very well, with little in the way of wear we could see. Rubber / plastic components such as the grips and foot pegs look to have been hardly used and are in fantastic condition.
There are a couple of very discrete stickers hinting that the bike has been breathed upon by Allen Millyard, but these don’t explain what modifications have been made, leaving the crowds of bike enthusiasts poring over it to figure things out for themselves.
The Mechanics
- Approximately 666cc
- All engine work completed by hand
- 1 carburettor per cylinder
If you’re familiar with Allen’s work, you’ll know his engines are made totally by hand. He begins by skilfully sawing the existing blocks in half, using a hacksaw. He then grafts on extra cylinders, fabricating his own crankshafts and other internals necessary to accommodate an increased engine capacity.
There are numerous videos on his YouTube channel explaining and demonstrating this fascinating process and it really gives you a taste of the incredible standard of work that went into building this bike.
The vendor informs us that the Kawasaki runs brilliantly, starting exactly as it should with a distinctive puff of two-stroke smoke. Naturally, given the quality of the craftsmanship, the engine holds its fluids perfectly and performs brilliantly, benefiting from the increased capacity afforded by the addition of an extra cylinder and carb.
We’re told that the Kawasaki is fantastic to ride and you really feel the benefit of the mechanical alterations over the standard 500cc 3 cylinder. As you would expect, the rebuilt gearbox operates without fault and the brakes are amply powerful to bring this bike to a standstill in a timely fashion.
Summary
Anyone in the classic bike world knows that a bike built by Allen Millyard is a really special thing.
This Kawasaki KH500 is no exception and seldom does the opportunity to acquire such a thing come along. If you’re after the ultimate ‘70s two-stroke Kawasaki, this one has simply got to be high on your wishlist.
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