Oh, that's music to my ears, the sound of a two-stroke Kawasaki triple. I had a 1975 Yamaha RD350 back in the day, loved the sound of that one, too. Both those two-stroke rippers were the bikes to have.
I picked up a 73 H1 in 1978 for 200 bucks. It was faster than Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkk. First bike ever. Surprised I didn't kill myself on it. Loved that thing.
It was the fastest street bike of the day- quick, out of the hole, slide you off the seat fast. I had the orange one (1972) first with disc brake up front- it ran a 12.5 at Irwindale one summer amateur evening.
Back in the late 70's onward, I was in my early teens, I had quite a few motorcycles but, I always had a thing for the Kawasaki triples. As time went on, I owned all the triples from 250 up to the 750. The only one i could not get my hands on was the 400 triple... Great times back then. Watching this video brought back so many memories. Beautiful bike you have there. Great video also.
Brother had 500 and 750 best bud had 350 scarey fast but fun bikes and nothing sounded as wicked as the hornets nest pissed off sound of a triple on the pipes
Oh yeah!!! Memories for days of those good old days where I would see these ripping by...wheelies, burnouts and lots of sweet smelling 2 stroke smoke! This one is a gem for sure!!! It looks as if it just came out of the showroom!
At 62 there is no other bike that lives on in my mind like Kawasaki triples. That is God's motorcycle, the ultimate. As a teenager I got teenage girls and more teenage girls and in between teenage girls and the bike played a huge part in helping me get girls, I went in my garage and lovingly admired it polished it. I remember everything about them even to this day . Total love, the most fantastic bike ever produced. I owned other really fantastic bikes, but it's only the Kawasaki triples that live on for me.
Why oh why do you change gears just as it’s coming into it’s power band, there’s no sound like the last three grand on the Rev counter on these triples. My brother had the H2 750 , what a blast 💥, an absolute rocket ship back in the 70s , the Honda CB750 couldn’t even come close to it. Awesome bike Ken. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧
Indeed we 60s kids had the pleasure of growing up with the Widow maker :) i had the Green 1974 H2 750 and we had toooo much fun until i almost killed myself out running the cops , i was a idiot 19 year old when i rode buzzed and well yup :( but im still here , all i had to do was replace forks and turn signal tail light . And one and a half years later i was on it reeking Havoc once again Sober :) i want one now
BAD ASS!, I had a 1975 H1 500 also in 1977 in high school, mine was root beer brown w/ a yellow stripe an Black Denco's, like you said, I couldn't get enough of that TRIPLE SOUND LOL!!! Great video, Man! CHEERS!
My buddy Duane Towne had that exact bike a few years back, sold it to his brother.. I was fortunate enough to rip that mother like is was stolen! He had a maroon 750 triple too.. LOVE Kawi triples!
Truely mint condition and what a fantastic soundtrack from the expansion chambers and induction roar from that triple!! I would be in heaven owning and riding that 500!! I can mirror polish aluminium and other metals to that standard so I can see the quality in this restoration! Fantastic video thanks 🙏🏼
Myself and a friend visited the museum yesterday. hearing a bike I looked at yesterday is cool. We will be back, I really enjoyed seeing the wide variety of bikes, many of which I have owned variants of. The CB1000 Custom is amazing
That model was my very first motor vehicle designed for street use,...same color, same year, bought it with money earned at a part time job after school hours. I am both happy I had 3 of these, and happy I ran three of them into the ground, a few times. I dont think I would change a thing the way I lived my life with those bikes because they helped to define you as a person, that is just the way you drive them, fast and on the edge, it was the way you lived, it becomes what you learn, I could take that apart and repair it, then reassemble it with my one good eye closed,...In the end I kept one around until relatively recently, then gave it to my son,...I would love to have that bike but,...the ground and all that lays over the horizon would await. Just driving those bikes for a few weeks will take a cosmetic toll on it,...and I would NEED to drive it.THAT bike needs a museum to preserve it,...or a nice living rood with a display stand.
Nice to hear that fresh sound of rattling pistons. The factory actually set the connecting rods slightly offset just to eliminate rattling pistons at load, but it came with a cost; they rattled even worse on engine braking. So, if you drew in the clutch and revved the engine( when driving) and heard rattling sounds, you knew the engine wasn't overheated. My H1 was pretty good at everything. But the 1969 models suffered from an intake without piston guides, which when the cylinders worn, occasionally caused the pistons to stick against the intake, causing them to break. Also, the con rod bearings usually was worn out after some 20000 kilometers or so. Also the silencers had a tendency to break at middle so I tied them to the saddle with a rope. Also, when the engine was worn, the lubrication system was impossible to adjust properly. Either it got too much at high power, or too little at touring, so many H1 broke down when the rider decided to take a longer trip, such as to the Norwegian mountains. The spark plugs had to be cleaned so often that the threads usually gave in. But the sound!
9:10pm, nice, I have a 73 H1, just about that nice and never restored! I've owned it 47 years, 11000 miles. Never part with it! When I want to go for a nice Sunday cruise I take the Sportster, when I want to have FUN I take the Kawasaki. Absolutely love it!
Though these machines are not from my time the second that I stumbled across it's existence, was love at first sight. Times that by ten fold the day came when I was able to throw my leg over one. Any two-stroke lover that has not experienced the majestic triple 500, you must make it happen before death. Unlike any other motorcycle. There's truly only one triple two-stroke experience
Gorgeous. My Dad had one of these too. He had a 350 and a 500. He wanted the 750, but he said they didn't corner as well, so he never got one. He said they were only good in a straight line race.
Sweet H1! Reminds me of the good ole days with my H2, expansion chambers and all!😎😀 Too bad it will end up in someone's collection, tucked away to never be ridden again. If I had it, I'd ride the fuck out of it! We built a '72 H1 w/custom one-off chambers from Spec II, H2 carbs, reaimed transfer ports, and cylinder heads welded up and new combustion chambers cut in them, made 73 RWHP @ 11,000 RPM on Gary Shumake's dyno @ Spec II(about 90 crank HP)and it would keep up with my H2 triple. Buddy has the bike now, it had a broken crankpin last I heard from just too much power shoved through it.
My uncle's tenant has this exact bike. He lifted the front wheel in the space of about 15-20 feet!! I believe it was the fastest street production bike of it's time.
Had the H2 as an 18 year old. Broke the chain and locked up the rear at a 100 plus. Talk about a handful. Loved every second of that bike. Looking for another.
Remember that line in the movie Jerry McGuire "you had me at hello". This kawi had me at idle... That paint color is amazing too. Chrome looks awesome. I needed to edit this Sr and add. Lately you've been asking for Kyle to speak on behalf of the bike in the videos. I'm sure you are super proud of this young man. He is so well spoken along with your son which I noted a year or two ago. I mean no "ah ummm" nothing. Just clear and confident. Kyle hell of a job kid, keep it up you're going to do big things.
My cousin had the same year only his was green. He'd take me riding with him when I'd visit our grandmother. Even with both of us on it, that thing would fly man. The power band at high revs was crazy.
I had 2 H2 750's. 3 or 4 back tires a year. You want to run these bikes don't let off of the throttle when you shift. I also learned how to rebuild them. Haha
You have to be at 6000 rpm ,, then twist the throttle for the true Triple experience . Have mine for 49 years now . Original owner since 1975 . Rebuilds adds new rear bushing which tames the suspension . Back in the day I got used to the insane twisty handling
Awesome bud....check allen millyards 5 cylinder one of these ....he makes some crazy bikes ...his builds and engineering are impeccable. ...all done in a tiny shed with a machining lathe ,a hacksaw and a metal file lol....the guy needs an award .
When I was a good 😊 boy lol my big brother would of give me a ride ! Root beer color 74 I think. I think my brother has it somewhere. . Sound is still good 👍intoxicating
i had one when I was about 13 bike was beat up so we built a go cart simular to the old honda oddessy frames at the time and stuck it in there. The powerband was like hitting the nitrous 😂 it was unreal
@KAPLAN AMERICA - my dad , RIP, had a tuned yamaha RX100 which looks identical to this bike. Stock they were limited to 60mph but when u port it and upgrade exhaust they are beasts. He got a 115cc kit and micron exhaust, and it would do 0-60mph in 5 sec casually, and did 90mph with more speed leftover. It would wheelie as you changed gears from 1st and 2nd, as the powerband kicked in the front would just come up. Rip the throttle and it would nearly backflip! Would love to see you hook one up! Just make sure its the RX and not RXZ or RXS as they were way slower.
I would love to rip a wheelie down through the center of town where I live on this bike! Best content on youtube ever right on this channel!! Keep em comin!!
The ultimate sound, can anyone advise me who is the manufacturer of the expansion chambers on this bike??.. they sound superb...currently have an H1B restoration project on the go , and need to decide on pipes..thanks
Que buenos Fierros que publican !!! Acá en Argentina estamos a la pesca de algo 2t para comprar ,hay muy poco para los Fanáticos de esas Mecánicas exepcionales es un milagro si conseguis algo con documentación para poder circular ( post restauración ) yo había conseguido un Zuzuki RGV250 motor en V pero era imposible ponerlo en regla en ese momento ,lamentable , no pierdo la esperanza !!!! Un Abrazo 2T desde Argentina ,, 🇦🇷
Oh, that's music to my ears, the sound of a two-stroke Kawasaki triple. I had a 1975 Yamaha RD350 back in the day, loved the sound of that one, too. Both those two-stroke rippers were the bikes to have.
nothing beats the sound of a triple, wicked.
So so true.!!!!!
My best friends dad had one of these bikes. A fantastic and extremely special time in the evolution of the motorcycle.
Beautiful bike and sound. Brings me back memories; I had a 1970 H1 500 when I was 17. I love these bikes.
This is the only youtuber I don't mind getting a hundred vids at once, love the triple Kap, keep em coming
Thanks brother, I only post the best on Kaplan America channel, the rest go on Kaplan Cycles youtube channel 50+ coming up by Tomorrow!
The 500 Kawasaki. I remember when they came out. They were considered one of the fastest street bikes at that time. The are Legendary. Wish I had one.
I had one that was the same year as this one, and it was plenty fast.🍁
I picked up a 73 H1 in 1978 for 200 bucks. It was faster than Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkk. First bike ever. Surprised I didn't kill myself on it. Loved that thing.
It was the fastest street bike of the day- quick, out of the hole, slide you off the seat fast. I had the orange one (1972) first with disc brake up front- it ran a 12.5 at Irwindale one summer amateur evening.
Back in the late 70's onward, I was in my early teens, I had quite a few motorcycles but, I always had a thing for the Kawasaki triples. As time went on, I owned all the triples from 250 up to the 750. The only one i could not get my hands on was the 400 triple... Great times back then. Watching this video brought back so many memories. Beautiful bike you have there. Great video also.
Brother had 500 and 750 best bud had 350 scarey fast but fun bikes and nothing sounded as wicked as the hornets nest pissed off sound of a triple on the pipes
Oh yeah!!! Memories for days of those good old days where I would see these ripping by...wheelies, burnouts and lots of sweet smelling 2 stroke smoke! This one is a gem for sure!!! It looks as if it just came out of the showroom!
At 62 there is no other bike that lives on in my mind like Kawasaki triples. That is God's motorcycle, the ultimate. As a teenager I got teenage girls and more teenage girls and in between teenage girls and the bike played a huge part in helping me get girls, I went in my garage and lovingly admired it polished it. I remember everything about them even to this day . Total love, the most fantastic bike ever produced.
I owned other really fantastic bikes, but it's only the Kawasaki triples that live on for me.
Why oh why do you change gears just as it’s coming into it’s power band, there’s no sound like the last three grand on the Rev counter on these triples. My brother had the H2 750 , what a blast 💥, an absolute rocket ship back in the 70s , the Honda CB750 couldn’t even come close to it. Awesome bike Ken. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧
Indeed we 60s kids had the pleasure of growing up with the Widow maker :) i had the Green 1974 H2 750 and we had toooo much fun until i almost killed myself out running the cops , i was a idiot 19 year old when i rode buzzed and well yup :( but im still here , all i had to do was replace forks and turn signal tail light . And one and a half years later i was on it reeking Havoc once again Sober :) i want one now
My very first triple was a '74 400. So much fun. That 500 is a total time capsule. You going to sell it? Dan
never mind the sound of the last 3 grand ... the pull was the amazing part. Had a 72 H1
These are classics and he doesn't want to pop anything.
Rev it over six grand and hold the f on. My buddy came off the back of his after his mother did him a “favor” and Armor-alled the seat!
BAD ASS!, I had a 1975 H1 500 also in 1977 in high school, mine was root beer brown w/ a yellow stripe an Black Denco's, like you said, I couldn't get enough of that TRIPLE SOUND LOL!!! Great video, Man! CHEERS!
Once again the 70s and 80s were the pinnacle of motorcycles. Absolutely stunning machine!
My buddy Duane Towne had that exact bike a few years back, sold it to his brother.. I was fortunate enough to rip that mother like is was stolen! He had a maroon 750 triple too.. LOVE Kawi triples!
Truely mint condition and what a fantastic soundtrack from the expansion chambers and induction roar from that triple!!
I would be in heaven owning and riding that 500!!
I can mirror polish aluminium and other metals to that standard so I can see the quality in this restoration!
Fantastic video thanks 🙏🏼
Myself and a friend visited the museum yesterday. hearing a bike I looked at yesterday is cool. We will be back, I really enjoyed seeing the wide variety of bikes, many of which I have owned variants of. The CB1000 Custom is amazing
Purchased one from a junkyard as a kid. Rebuilt it, and OMG -- it was a monster and so fun to ride!
My brother had one ! Not original paint anymore … but I did get to ride it & ❤ took me away. The sound was intoxicating ! God bless Kaplan America 🇺🇸
That model was my very first motor vehicle designed for street use,...same color, same year, bought it with money earned at a part time job after school hours. I am both happy I had 3 of these, and happy I ran three of them into the ground, a few times. I dont think I would change a thing the way I lived my life with those bikes because they helped to define you as a person, that is just the way you drive them, fast and on the edge, it was the way you lived, it becomes what you learn, I could take that apart and repair it, then reassemble it with my one good eye closed,...In the end I kept one around until relatively recently, then gave it to my son,...I would love to have that bike but,...the ground and all that lays over the horizon would await. Just driving those bikes for a few weeks will take a cosmetic toll on it,...and I would NEED to drive it.THAT bike needs a museum to preserve it,...or a nice living rood with a display stand.
Nice to hear that fresh sound of rattling pistons. The factory actually set the connecting rods slightly offset just to eliminate rattling pistons at load, but it came with a cost; they rattled even worse on engine braking.
So, if you drew in the clutch and revved the engine( when driving) and heard rattling sounds, you knew the engine wasn't overheated.
My H1 was pretty good at everything. But the 1969 models suffered from an intake without piston guides, which when the cylinders worn, occasionally caused the pistons to stick against the intake, causing them to break. Also, the con rod bearings usually was worn out after some 20000 kilometers or so.
Also the silencers had a tendency to break at middle so I tied them to the saddle with a rope.
Also, when the engine was worn, the lubrication system was impossible to adjust properly. Either it got too much at high power, or too little at touring, so many H1 broke down when the rider decided to take a longer trip, such as to the Norwegian mountains.
The spark plugs had to be cleaned so often that the threads usually gave in.
But the sound!
This reminds me of an old kaw I got to ride a long time ago, it was a 550. That bike was fast and man was it fun to ride.
9:10pm, nice, I have a 73 H1, just about that nice and never restored! I've owned it 47 years, 11000 miles. Never part with it! When I want to go for a nice Sunday cruise I take the Sportster, when I want to have FUN I take the Kawasaki. Absolutely love it!
Though these machines are not from my time the second that I stumbled across it's existence, was love at first sight. Times that by ten fold the day came when I was able to throw my leg over one. Any two-stroke lover that has not experienced the majestic triple 500, you must make it happen before death. Unlike any other motorcycle. There's truly only one triple two-stroke experience
I remember owning one of these in 1978 , what a wonderful experience....wish I would have kept it
Gorgeous. My Dad had one of these too. He had a 350 and a 500. He wanted the 750, but he said they didn't corner as well, so he never got one. He said they were only good in a straight line race.
Sweet H1! Reminds me of the good ole days with my H2, expansion chambers and all!😎😀
Too bad it will end up in someone's collection, tucked away to never be ridden again. If I had it, I'd ride the fuck out of it!
We built a '72 H1 w/custom one-off chambers from Spec II, H2 carbs, reaimed transfer ports, and cylinder heads welded up and new combustion chambers cut in them, made 73 RWHP @ 11,000 RPM on Gary Shumake's dyno @ Spec II(about 90 crank HP)and it would keep up with my H2 triple. Buddy has the bike now, it had a broken crankpin last I heard from just too much power shoved through it.
Love the chrome exhaust, so awesome. You guys do a great job on these machines.
I had the same exact bike I had to lay on the tank cruising 95 through Providence. Vance & Hines pipes
My uncle's tenant has this exact bike. He lifted the front wheel in the space of about 15-20 feet!! I believe it was the fastest street production bike of it's time.
One of my favorite sounds, what a nice example.
Had the H2 as an 18 year old. Broke the chain and locked up the rear at a 100 plus. Talk about a handful. Loved every second of that bike. Looking for another.
I went from NYC to Baltimore and back on one. What a ride it was!
The H1 was my first bike. Like 3 screaming beavers held together with a plate of spaghetti. If you wanted to stop, good luck.
2 stroke rules! I have 6 of them! Love Yamahas, but this machine is also amazing!
Remember that line in the movie Jerry McGuire "you had me at hello". This kawi had me at idle... That paint color is amazing too. Chrome looks awesome. I needed to edit this Sr and add. Lately you've been asking for Kyle to speak on behalf of the bike in the videos. I'm sure you are super proud of this young man. He is so well spoken along with your son which I noted a year or two ago. I mean no "ah ummm" nothing. Just clear and confident. Kyle hell of a job kid, keep it up you're going to do big things.
I had one the exact same color. That thing was a beast! I’m lucky to be alive, wicked fast!
My best friend in HS had one of these. Heads were milled, ported and polished. The racing carbs and aftermarket pipes made that bike scream.
A good friend of mine had a Kawasaki Mach 111 500.Insanely fast and that was called the 'Widow maker' as the frame seemed like it had a hinge in it!
Love that exhaust note. Two smoke music.
I owned a '75 H1. Tricked out Cafe racer with Bill Wirges expansion chambers and quarter fairing. K81's too.
Identical to the one a friend let me ride when I was 15 back in the summer of 1984. Didn't have the chambers though.
My cousin had the same year only his was green. He'd take me riding with him when I'd visit our grandmother. Even with both of us on it, that thing would fly man. The power band at high revs was crazy.
I had mine when I was in high school super fun bike
My dad use to have one when we were kids, he has since passed many yrs, I'd love to find the green one he loved
This bike is identical to my first street bike at 15yrs old ! I dusted a lot of cops on it back then . Hell I had to I didn't have a license !
Kawasaki triple 500cc is definitely one of those bikes I gotta own some day,
Thanks for sharing this mint one! 🏴
My stepdad has a Z1 900 that he got imported from california to the UK. 1970 something is the year. Beautiful bike.
Sounds great with those pipes.
My oldest brother had one !! Root beer n red I remember riding on it as well as riding it when I was older. 🔥 love it. !
They all look so small now, but in the day they were awesome. My friend has the Suzuki 750 tripple two stroke
I had a 1974 kawasaki 400 se when I was younger it was a great bike !
What a gem! '75 ❤
I had 2 H2 750's. 3 or 4 back tires a year. You want to run these bikes don't let off of the throttle when you shift. I also learned how to rebuild them. Haha
That is in beautiful shape. Back in the day the 500 Triple was the fastest bike on the planet.
Awesome bike brings back memories I had one of these in high school it was a blast.
Man, my buddy had the red 500 back in the day, man it was fast !
As some one who paints ,I'd say that's probably about a $2,500 job looks great nice finish
The sound of the bike is so good I had to get my best head phones and crank them up
You have to be at 6000 rpm ,, then twist the throttle for the true Triple experience . Have mine for 49 years now . Original owner since 1975 . Rebuilds adds new rear bushing which tames the suspension . Back in the day I got used to the insane twisty handling
Awesome bud....check allen millyards 5 cylinder one of these ....he makes some crazy bikes ...his builds and engineering are impeccable. ...all done in a tiny shed with a machining lathe ,a hacksaw and a metal file lol....the guy needs an award .
th-cam.com/video/_hn9LidVa6g/w-d-xo.html
when I was a senior in High School back in 1971my friend had one and use to wheelie one of those H1’s all the time … lol …
I love ❤❤❤ the sound. Also want to own 1 ! My brother has 1 and I got to ride it .. a few times but I still want one !!
When I was a good 😊 boy lol my big brother would of give me a ride ! Root beer color 74 I think. I think my brother has it somewhere. . Sound is still good 👍intoxicating
Fantastic bike. Love the colour and that sound.
Oh man the widow maker, kh500, two stroke heaven
i had one when I was about 13 bike was beat up so we built a go cart simular to the old honda oddessy frames at the time and stuck it in there. The powerband was like hitting the nitrous 😂 it was unreal
Het talks like a worldchampion but riding like an grandfather!
I bought one of them new in 1975 same color wish I would kept it
I will hear that sound in my dreams.... Beautiful bike..
A Beast in its time!!
These were a weapon that's a lovely example. Cheers 😁🇦🇺🦘
@KAPLAN AMERICA - my dad , RIP, had a tuned yamaha RX100 which looks identical to this bike. Stock they were limited to 60mph but when u port it and upgrade exhaust they are beasts. He got a 115cc kit and micron exhaust, and it would do 0-60mph in 5 sec casually, and did 90mph with more speed leftover. It would wheelie as you changed gears from 1st and 2nd, as the powerband kicked in the front would just come up. Rip the throttle and it would nearly backflip! Would love to see you hook one up! Just make sure its the RX and not RXZ or RXS as they were way slower.
Beautiful looking and sounding.
Yeah. My brother had one. Awesome machines
Beautiful bike!
I've always wanted one those triples engines.
I wish they still make this today.
Had that exact bike... Wheelies all day !
Triple Headed Monster!! A++
I would love to rip a wheelie down through the center of town where I live on this bike! Best content on youtube ever right on this channel!! Keep em comin!!
All hail pops youshimurra!
Very nice motorcycle.
That bike sounds dam good.
The ultimate sound, can anyone advise me who is the manufacturer of the expansion chambers on this bike??.. they sound superb...currently have an H1B restoration project on the go , and need to decide on pipes..thanks
What a stunning machine
Chicken rider: changes gears just before it gets into the powerband.
Wish they handled as well as they sound and look. Still very cool bike.
💥 Best Color For Year… I Have 3 H1’s 1969,1971,1971 I’m a Collector 💥
Love it a buddy of mine had one just like it paint and all
Best one on EARTH 🌎
I have owned 3 of thease so far. I'm looking at another one right now.
Beautiful bike , love you videos !! thumbs up !!
Ken afraid to hit the Powerband hahahaha , i cant blaim him i almost died on my 74 green H2 :) :(
Admitidly you could have red lined in one gear to give those stainless Chambers justice
Like the F7, only three cylinders…
Wish I still had it!
Beautiful bike . i would trade any modern sport bike for that...
So sweet. As he talks about the bike please get some extreme close ups all around. It would be sooooo much better!!!!!!
I’m about to move to CT just so I can live in the museum haha
Que buenos Fierros que publican !!! Acá en Argentina estamos a la pesca de algo 2t para comprar ,hay muy poco para los Fanáticos de esas Mecánicas exepcionales es un milagro si conseguis algo con documentación para poder circular ( post restauración ) yo había conseguido un Zuzuki RGV250 motor en V pero era imposible ponerlo en regla en ese momento ,lamentable , no pierdo la esperanza !!!! Un Abrazo 2T desde Argentina ,, 🇦🇷
500th like for this amazing looking top of the top 500cc 2stroke
I love this channel! Badass bikes man! You da man Kap!
Glad you like them!
@@KaplanCycles LOVE* lol