When Kawasaki developed the 500cc H-Model two-stroke triples in 1969, the company set aside safety and comfort to focus on pure acceleration. The H2 variant, produced from 1972 until 1975, made its debut during a time of change in the motorcycling world. The riding community was still interested in competent two-wheeled transportation, but the Kawasaki H2 750, like this one recently listed on eBay, also appealed to those riders seeking more thrills.
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Wheelie Machine Supreme
Famed motorcycle writer Alastair Walker described the H2 750 as a “scarily fast, good looking, no holds barred motorcycle.”
The H2’s aggressive powerband up until about 5,000 RPM provides sudden bursts of power. That fearsome torque made the machine slip into wheelie mode right from the start. Its 748cc engine is capable of producing 74 horsepower.
The Kawasaki H2 750’s innovative capacitor discharge ignition system - opens in new window or tab. provided more precise combustion timings, an improvement over the old cap-and-rotor ignition. As a result, the H2 could accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds from a standing start. It reached 100 miles per hour in 13 seconds with a top speed of 110 MPH.
This acceleration made the bike very attractive for riders willing to sacrifice a little safety for higher speeds. Other upgrades included front disc brakes and a chain oiler - opens in new window or tab..
Cult Following
The bike was prone to a few disconcerting problems. Some riders reported an “ill” feeling in the steering and frame flexing. Kawasaki engineers addressed reports of a high-speed wobble with a friction-type steering damper - opens in new window or tab.. They also introduced a longer swing arm in 1974 to improve stability. With these fixes, the Kawasaki H2 developed a cult following among riders who wanted more performance.
Today, these road rockets are rare and sought-after collectibles. Good examples command premium prices.
Previous owners modified the 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 offered on eBay. They replaced the H2F's engine case, which was damaged, with a 1973 unit—staying true to its roots.
The triple carb breathers were replaced by pod filters - opens in new window or tab. for the Mikuni 34mm carbs. That probably required a re-jetting. Installing pods can cause all kinds of aggravation. If you replace the original airbox with pods, you usually have to re-jet the carbs to make up for the difference in the air entering the carb venturi. Pods might look cooler and make the bike easier to get on and off, but a lot of riders go back to the original airbox for better performance.
A Complete Go-Fast Package
The sale comes with an aftermarket exhaust and a basket of spare parts, including some carburetors, a side cover, a clutch basket, and a cylinder head. That’s handy, considering native bike parts can be expensive or hard to find.
Dents and paint chips can be seen throughout, but that’s to be expected in a 50-year-old motorcycle with original Pearl Candytone Blue paint. The side covers are present, but the left one is missing the”750” badge. The tank shows some signs of rust, but nothing that a bath in Evapo-Rust - opens in new window or tab. can’t solve.
Nonetheless, this 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 runs and rides fine with just under 4,000 miles on the clock. Moreover, it’s a complete package that includes a clean title, spare parts, and a mighty legacy for speed.
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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.