In the early 1960s, Kawasaki didn’t have much of a presence in the American motorcycle market — the brand’s bikes were little more than half-baked BSA clones. Upon the launch of the three-cylinder, two-stroke H1 Mach III, however, the Big K finally made a name for itself. With 60hp on-tap, a four-second 0-60mph time, and a top speed of 120, it was no time at all before it had earned its keep amongst even the most power-hungry of motorcycle enthusiasts. Eager to keep the momentum going, Kawasaki proceeded to launch three more of such two-stroke triples: the 250cc S1 Mach I, the 350cc S2 Mach II, and the 750cc H2 Mach IV. Come 1974, the 350cc S2 evolved into the 400cc S3 model.
Kawasaki achieved the displacement bump by boring out the cylinders from 53mm to 57mm, and they ported it less aggressively to fit what Cycle World magazine called “today’s deemphasis on performance in favor of economy, noise and the like” in their review. The magazine also appreciated the S3’s transmission, rubber mounted engine, and overall handling. In fact, called the 400 “Kawasaki’s best three-cylinder buy,” recommending it over both the 500 and 750 options.
This example is VIN: S3F17595. The seller acquired it in June 2022 from the owner of Mears Mazda in Lubbock, Texas.
During his ownership, the seller has covered less than 500 miles. The odometer shows 13,421 miles.
Maintenance:
“The top end was freshened and crank seals were done by previous owner (roughly within the last 1,000 miles).
Since in my possession, in 2022 the oil injection lines were rejuvenated and the plastic lines were done away with. The carbs were cleaned and synced, new fuel line and filters were placed. The tank has been drained when not in use and only 110 octane race fuel has been used to avoid nasty carbs. One or two kick bike. Spark plugs were replaced. Gear box oil was changed. New battery in March of 2026.
Paint was polished and new decals were made at local graphic shop and placed in 2022. Shifter side decal on tank has scratch, decals are on top of clear. This bike is well sorted. Oil injection works, signals work, hot works, low and high beam works. The bike runs very well, and sounds amazing with chambers. Brakes function well, goes through the gears flawlessly. Petcock does not leak. The neutral indicator light does not work (unsure if it is simple as bulb replacement) and the tires have older date codes, but there is no weather cracking. No other mechanical issues are present to my knowledge.”
Modifications:
“Upgraded chamber exhaust, I do have the original pipes in good condition.
UNI pod filters placed. No factory airbox present.
Low rise handlebars placed by previous owner. Factory bars and mirrors are not present.
Replacement seat cover placed professionally by local shop. Seat trim is factory.
Top triple clamp and handle bar controls powder coated by previous owner.
Levers believed to be reproduction.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Nankang/Cheng Shin tires which have aged out.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Paint on frame has wear in the common places. Non-factory paint is nice, the shifter side tank graphic has a scratch, however all graphics are on top of clear. Horn trim has surface rust on finish. Coating on various hardware pieces is dingy. Spokes on both wheels show age, rims polish well and don’t have any significant marks. Steel brake line is dingy. Original components of bike are well preserved, this bike is very nice for something that is original outside of pipes, paint and seat cover.”
Currently located in Ropesville, Texas, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Texas title. “The title was lost by the previous owner, so he bonded for a title after the purchase. I transferred the title to my name on the bond in 2022. The bond fell off in 2025.”
Have any S2 Mach II stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
