Spectacular bike.. I bought one brand new same color in 1971 it was 999 dollars. I was 16 years old in Daytona Beach Florida where I came from that bike brings back a lot of memories everyday was an adventure those sure were the good old days...😀👍
Stunning restoration as usual. I’m so glad the owner decided to keep it as a fully restored daily. Instead of making it a show room piece and just keeping it in the garage, this is something you can enjoy on the daily. That’s the way it should be.
I had one of these back in the day! At 6,000 rpm, the front tire would come up off the ground, haha...Kawasaki used a 350 frame with a 500 engine. Super light and powerful! I want this bike again. Excellent restoration!
I had one for a few months, called it my dr Jekyll / mr Hyde bike. below 5000 revs it would drive rather civilized, above 5000 revs it was a death trap. Mediocre handling, marginal brakes, wobbly frame and a peaky engine made for an interesting combination. Constant battle to not foul up the spark plugs, always carry spares.. Great wheelies, often unintentional.
It's funny that so many people complain about the handling yet I rode mine from Lemoore NAS to Satellite Beach Florida. The rubber was ground off the ends of both pegs from dragging then on corners. Mine handled fine if you were careful, the brakes did however suck.@@dutchsailor6620
Well this video, is really rejuvenation. I lost 50 years listening to the symphony in 3 cylinders. And the tablet sound system gave me the engine vibrations! The real thing ❤
Johnny, thank you for bringing us into the shop to share this restoration. Seeing that H1 at the end growling at idle with the tag hanging from the grip brought back my memory of the day I picked mine up in the Spring of 71 at Manchester Honda on East Center St in Manchester, Connecticut. Your passion for your craft and these great bikes shows.
Same here I went to Jacksonville Kawasaki shop to pick mine up in 71. Sssoooo many memories. I had a 69 A7 Avenger and was so giddy the first time I saw an H1.! Had to have one. Then moved on to 3 Z-1s. The H1 was special though......................
Definitely a bike worth restoration effort. I love these old UJM bikes! Straight up riding position, same height wheels front and rear, chrome fenders...classic!
I've restored a '69 CB750 and a '73 Z1 but the H1 is really, really on my list of bikes to ride. That's a great restoration right down to the correct spokes.
Hanks a lot for 38 seconds of pure joy! To follow the close inspection of the project and decide what is usable and what not is very exciting, especially since it is a customer job. From what you started out with, the bike came as close to mint as possible when using so much of the old parts. The bit of patina which just shows it’s a used bike, I find spot on for this bike! I started working in a professional MC-workshop in ‘87, just before the prices on classic Kawa’s especially went through the roof. I think we sold a ‘70 500 same color as this, close to mint, for under $3.000 about 1990. Now, here in Norway, you can more than triple this price:) Keep up the good work of blowing new life into old legends! Best regards,Tore.
I still have the Kawasaki brochure from the original H1. It claims: top speed 124mph, 1/4 mile 12.4 seconds. (Edit) I forgot this - 0 to 60, 4.0 seconds. Yeah, and the exhaust smells like roses. Still, it would skin a Sportser. It did mine...
When freeing the stuck down barrels of my H2, I placed a short length of broom stave in the exhaust port, (usually the thickest part of the casting) and give it a couple of sharp taps upward while the engines still secure in the frame. It works for me, and no damage!.
I have never seen a two-stroke that doesn’t smoke. If you look at some of the other restoration work out there, they smoke like hell and this one I barely saw anything. Why is that? Anyways what are the amazing restoration and I think you guys did it right because this is something you can daily.
I was just into high school when these things came out., nobody could catch them even though they were only 500 cc.The 750 came out later to take the lead.
Superb Video!...... ..... My dream bike as a kid growing up in the UK, glad your Japanese assistant also had a ride at the end, he gave the H1 a little more beans! Good work, not over restored. Whats your assistants name, can I borrow him for a couple of days to work on my 71' Kawasaki A7 Avenger?
Hi sir, I dont suppose you have a saddle/seat for sale for this model please? Also maybe some other parts. Headlamp, battery side cover... Cheerio. Cool video.
The CDI would scramble the cops radar units, as it was unshielded on early units. I had that exact bike, and my buddy Arnie was an officer. One day he waved me over to watch his radar unit freak out. Looked like random Japanese characters flashing on the readout!
Some one on FB was complaining on this shop that cheated him for 15k to restore this bike 😭 The guy said he also supplied parts..Now 15k for real if he paid you...Is this bike even worth 15k 😭😭🤔 Anyways no offense to either parties
Should have replaced old pistons,not expensive insurance against cracking,now they will start rattling in no time,I had a 71 blue one,put 23k on it,for what you charged the guy,just saying......
Power to weight is an odd fraction that isn't intuitive to me. I find weight to power much more intuitive. How many pounds does each horsepower have to follow Newton's Laws for? With a 185 lb rider and some gas an H1 is about 600 lbs. The rated horsepower is 60. Easy math. 10 lbs/hp which I greatly prefer for an acceleration metric than 0.1 hp/lb. Either way that's why the H1 was the first, inexpensive production two-wheeled hot rod.
My applogies, as Johnny's video editor, this clip ended up being processed along with this restoration video and was not intended for this audience. The upside? It shows how diverse our motorcycle world really is. The love of motorcycles is our commonality. "It's all good." Lets all relax and remember we're all human beings. Now, back to our restorations. --Robin
@@Johnnysvintage fair enough, I thought maybe it was some new thing you were gonna be doing in with the channel. I just watch for the "really really really really nice nice nice stuff" as Johnny says.
@@slamone207 don't worry, that part you hated about the video has been erased. Besides, who cares about basic human rights... especially minorities right?
Spectacular bike.. I bought one brand new same color in 1971 it was 999 dollars. I was 16 years old in Daytona Beach Florida where I came from that bike brings back a lot of memories everyday was an adventure those sure were the good old days...😀👍
Stunning restoration as usual. I’m so glad the owner decided to keep it as a fully restored daily. Instead of making it a show room piece and just keeping it in the garage, this is something you can enjoy on the daily. That’s the way it should be.
I had one of these back in the day! At 6,000 rpm, the front tire would come up off the ground, haha...Kawasaki used a 350 frame with a 500 engine. Super light and powerful! I want this bike again. Excellent restoration!
I had one for a few months, called it my dr Jekyll / mr Hyde bike. below 5000 revs it would drive rather civilized, above 5000 revs it was a death trap. Mediocre handling, marginal brakes, wobbly frame and a peaky engine made for an interesting combination. Constant battle to not foul up the spark plugs, always carry spares.. Great wheelies, often unintentional.
It's funny that so many people complain about the handling yet I rode mine from Lemoore NAS to Satellite Beach Florida. The rubber was ground off the ends of both pegs from dragging then on corners. Mine handled fine if you were careful, the brakes did however suck.@@dutchsailor6620
Beautiful work of art from an era gone by.
Great job, there’s nothing like the burble of a three cylinder two stroke of a certain age, I wish it was in my garage as usual. Thanks 😊
Well this video, is really rejuvenation. I lost 50 years listening to the symphony in 3 cylinders. And the tablet sound system gave me the engine vibrations! The real thing ❤
Johnny, thank you for bringing us into the shop to share this restoration. Seeing that H1 at the end growling at idle with the tag hanging from the grip brought back my memory of the day I picked mine up in the Spring of 71 at Manchester Honda on East Center St in Manchester, Connecticut. Your passion for your craft and these great bikes shows.
I saw this bike in person. I was blown away with your work. There is a reason your restoration work is in such demand that there is a waiting list.
Same here I went to Jacksonville Kawasaki shop to pick mine up in 71. Sssoooo many memories. I had a 69 A7 Avenger and was so giddy the first time I saw an H1.! Had to have one. Then moved on to 3 Z-1s. The H1 was special though......................
Lovely video.
I had the same Candy Blue model from new FCH911J and enjoyed every minute of it, including trips to the IOM TT.
Definitely a bike worth restoration effort. I love these old UJM bikes! Straight up riding position, same height wheels front and rear, chrome fenders...classic!
...and these two stroke bikes were insanely fast. Too fast for frames, suspensions of the Era. Squirrelly at speed for sure
Had one just like it. MISS IT!
I've restored a '69 CB750 and a '73 Z1 but the H1 is really, really on my list of bikes to ride. That's a great restoration right down to the correct spokes.
LOVE IT !! Great job, beautiful machine.
Nice looking bike ..excellent job.......
Awesome fixup.! I had a 500 too in the 70s.
Hanks a lot for 38 seconds of pure joy! To follow the close inspection of the project and decide what is usable and what not is very exciting, especially since it is a customer job. From what you started out with, the bike came as close to mint as possible when using so much of the old parts. The bit of patina which just shows it’s a used bike, I find spot on for this bike! I started working in a professional MC-workshop in ‘87, just before the prices on classic Kawa’s especially went through the roof. I think we sold a ‘70 500 same color as this, close to mint, for under $3.000 about 1990. Now, here in Norway, you can more than triple this price:) Keep up the good work of blowing new life into old legends! Best regards,Tore.
Beautiful restoration.
It’s a “Johnny’s !!” 🤠👍🏻 ❤️🇺🇸🔄
man, you're a absolute ARTIST!! Amazing job you do
You making me very nostalgic Johanny
I still have the Kawasaki brochure from the original H1. It claims: top speed 124mph, 1/4 mile 12.4 seconds.
(Edit)
I forgot this - 0 to 60, 4.0 seconds.
Yeah, and the exhaust smells like roses. Still, it would skin a Sportser. It did mine...
Yeh but you would need balls of steel to do that speed on the roads today on that bike but yes beautiful bike and another great restoration 👍🏻🏴
My H-1 was never outrun by a stock bike.
Stunning! Very well done!
What you all have done always fantastic Johnny and Hilo
When freeing the stuck down barrels of my H2, I placed a short length of broom stave in the exhaust port, (usually the thickest part of the casting) and give it a couple of sharp taps upward while the engines still secure in the frame. It works for me, and no damage!.
Zink everything, I have two H1 mag rotors and vapor blast motor case’s heads and cylinders. 👍 looks excellent
"We have to go outside." Yes, yes you do for some wheelie fun.
💥Right Nice Bike… Sounds Really Good!💥
I have never seen a two-stroke that doesn’t smoke. If you look at some of the other restoration work out there, they smoke like hell and this one I barely saw anything. Why is that? Anyways what are the amazing restoration and I think you guys did it right because this is something you can daily.
Im a 2 stroke fan since the 80s. Love em. Easier to work on + cheaper servicing.
Nice bike with an amazing sound. Thanks for this video. I have a Honda CBR 1000f, but 2 strokes engines are more fun!!!
Ohw boy, I wish restoration of motorcycles is my daily work!
What a beautiful machine!
Very nice nice. From the odd lack of smoke hope you blokes didn't forget to put the two stroke oil in.
Excellent , as usual
some day I will own a vintage Kawasaki, I hope you have one available!
I was just into high school when these things came out., nobody could catch them even though they were only 500 cc.The 750 came out later to take the lead.
nice work
I love it this bike u r great job I am from Pakistan
Superb Video!...... .....
My dream bike as a kid growing up in the UK, glad your Japanese assistant also had a ride at the end, he gave the H1 a little more beans!
Good work, not over restored.
Whats your assistants name, can I borrow him for a couple of days to work on my 71' Kawasaki A7 Avenger?
His name is Hilo. I think it would be a long trip to get to your bike
Wow, back to high school
I wish I still had my 71.
Hey Johnny how much approximately to do that kind of restoration ?
Nice nice nice!
Very Nice ✅ I Own Four 1971 H1's Bought One New in 71 When I Was 16 From Reynolds Kawasaki Columbus Ohio For $999
Loved the ladies at da end....more more!!!!
Hi sir, I dont suppose you have a saddle/seat for sale for this model please? Also maybe some other parts. Headlamp, battery side cover...
Cheerio.
Cool video.
That is sweet!
Johanny I owned that exact mach3. Now the question is does the CDI hummm when you switch the ignition on.
No hummm don't bother trying to start it
This is correct
The CDI would scramble the cops radar units, as it was unshielded on early units. I had that exact bike, and my buddy Arnie was an officer. One day he waved me over to watch his radar unit freak out. Looked like random Japanese characters flashing on the readout!
Love everything!!! About the video.
I don’t think there was a better 500cc. Motor ever built.
Shes a looker God i wish i had my 1974 green H2 she almost made me one of her statistics the ole widow maker
Oh yes weren't they fun
The same thing happened to me at 95mph! I almost lost it on a straight road. Great looking bike! Nice work!
That bike is the second model that was detuned from the original 1969 model
What oil are you using.? There is no smoke at all .
I have a H1b contacts and would like to convert to electronic pick up with retaining the charging circuit. Where could I pick up a system please
not sure. we only use stock as it came from the factory
I'm in the process of restoring a 1974 h1 almost mint condition it will be for sale
How much does it cost to have an
H1B 500 Restored
We really are not doing them at this time. We are so busy with 4 cylinder work
Good job but the pistons ring have to much sound which is not good
Some one on FB was complaining on this shop that cheated him for 15k to restore this bike 😭
The guy said he also supplied parts..Now 15k for real if he paid you...Is this bike even worth 15k 😭😭🤔 Anyways no offense to either parties
I have front brake lnkage
Should have replaced old pistons,not expensive insurance against cracking,now they will start rattling in no time,I had a 71 blue one,put 23k on it,for what you charged the guy,just saying......
Power to weight is an odd fraction that isn't intuitive to me. I find weight to power much more intuitive. How many pounds does each horsepower have to follow Newton's Laws for? With a 185 lb rider and some gas an H1 is about 600 lbs. The rated horsepower is 60. Easy math. 10 lbs/hp which I greatly prefer for an acceleration metric than 0.1 hp/lb. Either way that's why the H1 was the first, inexpensive production two-wheeled hot rod.
Moto for sale?
sorry it was a customer's bike
on the key was off - park - head - run, no acc
What's with the political propaganda at the end? I thought this was a motorcycle enthusiast channel.
I thought so too, everyone has to make their political statement and frankly I'm tired of hearing about it, see ya!
@@toolmike100.. You should know.. If we didn't... We will end up like ussr... And that's a fact!..
My applogies, as Johnny's video editor, this clip ended up being processed along with this restoration video and was not intended for this audience. The upside? It shows how diverse our motorcycle world really is. The love of motorcycles is our commonality. "It's all good." Lets all relax and remember we're all human beings. Now, back to our restorations. --Robin
@@Johnnysvintage fair enough, I thought maybe it was some new thing you were gonna be doing in with the channel. I just watch for the "really really really really nice nice nice stuff" as Johnny says.
@@slamone207 don't worry, that part you hated about the video has been erased. Besides, who cares about basic human rights... especially minorities right?