My '73 Kawi H1D


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My story of restoring a 1973 Kawasaki "Mach III" H1D. This site is about my story and progress I've made on this classic bike as well as reference to anyone else who might be undertaking similar tasks.

My Story

    I found this bike in the shed of a family friends. After asking some questions about it I was told it was all mine if I could find a way to get it home. A couple days later it found its way to my back yard. I have always wanted a motorcycle, but with relatively little knowledge about motorcycles, it was a new beginning for me. The bike is still in the restoration stages. It does not run right now, but it is my goal to restore it as much as possible.

    These bikes are not the most popular for many reasons, but they defiantly hold an important part of motorcycle history. They are a two-stroke three cylinder 500cc motorcycle, and they have a unique engine lay out with all three cylinders in a row. This has many positive and negative aspects. With all three cylinder in a row it makes it easy for engine work and is a simple layout. However, having all three in a row causes horrible vibration making the driver have to take a break every 50 miles in order to get feeling back in their legs. Another very big down side to the engine lay out is that the middle cylinder often overheats and can cause damage. 
          

    Although not popular on the streets, these bikes are still popular today on the race track. The two stroke engine is very helpful in getting off the starting line quick. They are very famous for flipping back if laid on the gas too hard without the proper racing suspension in place. These bikes are the crotch rockets of the 70's. These bikes are often termed the widow maker because of how dangerous they are.

 

What I Have Done So Far
    So far I have spent a lot of time cleaning. It was found in a barn and was rather dirty. I have cleaned up a lot of the rust on the chrome using an old trick I learned. If you take a piece of tin foil, dip it in water and go after some light to medium rust, it removes the rust without any damage to the chrome. I have redone some wiring but it still needs work. I have spent a lot of time getting all of the carburetor  cleaned up and moving smoothly. The engine still kicks over when you go to kick start it and I have removed the frozen caliper on the front brake and I have gotten the rear drum brake moving again. I am still in the stages of cleaning a majority of the bike, slowly but surely.

What Is Left To Do
    There is still plenty to do in order to even get the bike running let alone get restored to original. What I believe I have left to do is a continually growing list.
        - Both tires need to be replaced
        - Get a spark on the plugs
        - Replace the front brake system
        - Replace lights
        - Check out the suspension and see what needs to be adjusted/fixed
        - Check out transmission and make sure it works proper
        - Check out clutch to make sure it works proper

    This is just a list of what I believe I have left to do. I intend to keep it updated as I get further along.

My personal 1973 Kawasaki H1DA stock brand new Kawi H1DA '73 Kawi H1R racer.