Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III (1974-75)

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.

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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