The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was a two-stroke, transverse three-cylinder motorcycle that was produced during 1974 and 1975. It had a capacity of 498cc and a compression ratio of 6.8:1. The engine was cooled by air and featured a lubrication system called Injectolube, which was an automatic pressurized injection. The H1 500 also had 3x Mikuni VM28SC carburetors and a CDI ignition with kick start. The maximum power output was 60hp / 45kW @ 7500 rpm and the maximum torque was 56Nm / 42.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm.
The motorcycle had a wet multi-disc clutch and a 5-speed transmission with a final chain drive. The frame was a double tubular steel cradle, and the suspension consisted of telescopic hydraulic forks in the front and dual shocks and a swing arm in the rear. The front brake was a single 296mm disc, while the rear brake was a 180mm drum.
The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III measured 1400mm / 55 inches in wheelbase and weighed 174kg / 384lbs when dry, and 188kg / 414lbs when wet. The fuel capacity was 15 litres / 4.0 US gal. With a standing 1/4 mile time of 12.4 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h / 124mph, the H1 500 was a powerful and fast machine.
In a road test conducted by Bike magazine in 1974, the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was pitted against the Triumph X-75, and the H1 came out on top in terms of speed and acceleration. Overall, the H1 500 Mach III was a popular and powerful motorcycle during its production years.
Technical specifications:
Make Model: Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
| Year | 1974 -75 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Two stroke, transverse three cylinder, piston valve |
| Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 60 58.8 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 |
| Lubrication | Injectolube, automatic pressurized injection |
| Induction | 3x Mikuni VM28SC carburetors |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Starting | Kick |
| Max Power | 60 hp / 45 kW @ 7500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 56 Nm / 42.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc |
| Transmission | 5 Speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Frame | Double tubular steel cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic hydraulic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, swing arm |
| Front Brakes | Single 296mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | 180mm Drum |
| Front Tyre | 3.25-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.00-18 |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm / 55 in |
| Dry Weight | 174 kg / 384 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 188 kg / 414 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 Litres / 4.0 US gal |
| Standing 1/4 Mile | 12.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h / 124 mph |
| Road Test | Kawasaki HI vs Triumph X-75 Bike magazine 1974 |
