Is the time-warp 1977 Kawasaki KH400 recently for sale on eBay the best of the crazy three-cylinder machines?
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Perfect Climate
The spectacular condition of this Candy Emerald Green KH400 comes down to two key things, as seller Chuck Tullberg of MachIVMotors - opens in new window or tab. said:
It came to us from a guy who’d had it for 30 years, and he stored it properly in a controlled climate with heating and air conditioning.
This dazzling Kawasaki hasn’t been exposed to moisture for decades, Tullberg said:
For all that time, he never ran it once. Just kept rolling it around, putting it in gear, and rocking it back and forth. At some stage, a small ding appeared in the tank. Just a short time in the hands of a skilled panel beater, and that will be massaged back to factory appearance.
Original Tires
Careful storing of the KH meant that when Mach IV got hold of it, very little work was needed before it fired back to life. Tullberg explained:
We just cleaned and serviced the carburetors, and it ran. Serviced the brakes, and it rode. But if you’re going to ride it on the street, I’d put some modern tires on it. It’s still on the originals.
After a brief shakedown, the Kawasaki still reportedly shows just 4,000 original miles. Tullberg said:
It’s so nice to ride. The best of the Kawasaki triples. Not as hot as the 750s, but these work better.
Reputation
Kawasaki had a fearsome reputation for two-stroke machines by the time it released the 400-cc version in 1974. Its bikes were as famous for shattering straight-line performance as they were for a relative reluctance to slow down and tackle a turn.
With the introduction of the KH (Kawasaki Highway) range in 1976, Kawasaki was keen to project more of a sports touring image after the unhinged, evil violence of its earlier 500- and 750-cc models. The KH400 was now the range-topper, with a number of steps taken to make it a more useable bike:
- CDi ignition system - opens in new window or tab. for smoothness and reliability
- Extra gussets added to the frame for rigidity
The new, easier-to-live-with 400-cc engine was a few horsepower down from the previous 350-cc model at 38, but through the first few gears, the KH400 could keep its rowdy forebears in check.
Dedicated Following
By the end of 1977, Kawasaki dropped its two-strokes in the US. They needed the most expensive fuel, and lots of it, emissions were high, and by then, its own Z400 - opens in new window or tab. and Z750 - opens in new window or tab. four-strokes were better bikes.
Today there is a dedicated following for all things two-stroke and Kawasaki, and eBay has places like Johnny's Vintage Motorcycle - opens in new window or tab. and Michigan Vintage Motorcycles LLC - opens in new window or tab. for vintage parts and upgrades. As for rubber, choose classic motorcycle tires - opens in new window or tab. or modern street performance tires - opens in new window or tab..
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.