By the mid-1960s, the US had become the world’s largest motorcycle market. American riders were demanding bikes with more horsepower and higher maximum speeds. Kawasaki already had the largest-displacement Japanese machine with their 650 cc four-stroke W series, but it did not fit the niche they were aiming for. Honda had introduced its CB450 in 1965, and four years later the Suzuki T500 Titan/Cobra appeared. Also in development was the Yamaha XS650. So Kawasaki began development on the top secret N100 Plan in 1967.
The goal was to produce a motorcycle with 500 cc displacement that was able to develop 60 hp and have 13-second quarter-mile times, then considered over the achievable limit for a road bike. When announced in 1969, the H1 was factory quoted in the UK motorcycling press as “the fastest and best accelerating road machine ever produced, being capable of 124 mph and 12.4 sec. for the standing start quarter mile“.
In practice, this required a piston-ported two-stroke engine in a steel-tube cradle frame — a combo that weighed in at 414lbs wet. The air-cooled triple boasted a 499cc displacement and put out 60hp and 42lbs torque. For the suspension setup, Kawi incorporated an inner spring telescopic front fork with a set of three-position preload-adjustable shocks at the rear. Front brakes comprised a 296mm disc while the rear was handled by a 180mm drum. Motorcyclist magazine said the Mach’s power-to-weight ratio was the “best ever produced in a motorcycle meant to sell to anyone who has the money to purchase it.”
This example is VIN: H1F38726. The seller acquired the bike six years ago from a dealership in New York.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 800 miles. The odometer shows 4,890 miles.
Maintenance:
During his ownership, the seller reports that he has performed “regular routine adjustments.” Iconic has not inspected this H1.
Modifications:
This H1 appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Road Rider tires that have aged out.
The sale includes three keys, the original owner’s manual, the factory tool kit, and a selection of spare gaskets and other restoration parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title with registration current through December 2024.
Have any H1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1975
Make
Kawasaki
Model
H1 Mach III
Mileage
4,890
VIN
H1F38726
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
California
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 18
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: s********e
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
s********e
November 16, 2023 11:59 am PST
$7,500
Reserve
s*********3
November 16, 2023 11:59 am PST
$7,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s********e
November 16, 2023 11:59 am PST
$6,900
s*********3
November 16, 2023 11:58 am PST
$6,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s********e
November 16, 2023 11:58 am PST
$6,000
s*********3
November 14, 2023 11:36 pm PST
$5,099
t**************r
November 14, 2023 11:36 pm PST
$4,999
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t**************r
November 14, 2023 11:34 pm PST
$4,400
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s*********3
November 14, 2023 11:34 pm PST
$4,300
t**************r
November 14, 2023 2:15 pm PST
$3,875
s*********3
November 14, 2023 2:15 pm PST
$3,775
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s*********3
November 14, 2023 12:33 am PST
$3,101
t**************r
November 14, 2023 12:33 am PST
$3,001
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t**************r
November 10, 2023 6:15 pm PST
$2,600
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m******y
November 10, 2023 6:15 pm PST
$2,500
t**************r
November 9, 2023 2:35 pm PST
$2,100
j********u
November 9, 2023 2:35 pm PST
$2,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
California/Nevada/Arizona We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405. On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
$2,000 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
Europe and Asia: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.
