Kawasaki H2 Mach IV

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This article is about 3-cylinder motorcycle of the 1970s. For the supercharged four-cylinder announced in 2014, see Kawasaki Ninja H2.
Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
ManufacturerKawasaki
Parent companyKawasaki Heavy Industries
Production1972–1975
PredecessorNone
SuccessorKawasaki Z750
ClassStandard street
Engine748 cc (45.6 cu in) Air-cooled, oil injected, 3-cylinder, transverse, two-stroke
Bore / stroke71.0 mm × 63.0 mm (2.80 in × 2.48 in)
Compression ratio7.3:1
Top speed190 km/h (120 mph)[1]
Power55 kW (74 hp) @ 6800 rpm (claimed)[1]
Torque77.4 N⋅m (57.1 lbf⋅ft) @ 6500 rpm (claimed)[2][3]
TransmissionChain driven, 5-speed 5up
Frame typeDouble tubular steel cradle
SuspensionFront: Telescopic hydraulic forks, three-position spring preload adjustable
Rear: Dual shock absorber
BrakesFront: Single disc
Rear: Drum brake
Wheelbase1,410 mm (56 in)
Seat height800 mm (31.5 in)
Weight205 kg (452 lb)[1] (dry)
Fuel capacity17 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal)
RelatedKawasaki S1 Mach I, Kawasaki S2 Mach II, Kawasaki H1 Mach III

The Kawasaki H2 Mach IV is a 750 cc 3-cylinder two-stroke production motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki. The H2 was a Kawasaki triple sold from September 1971 through 1975.

A standard, factory produced H2 was able to travel a quarter mile from a standing start in 12.0 seconds.[4] It handled better than the Mach III that preceded it. By the standards of its time, its handling was sufficient to make it the production bike to beat on the race track. Nonetheless, its tendency to pull wheelies and a less than solid feel through high speed corners led to adjustments to the design as it evolved. More than any other model, it created Kawasaki's reputation for building what motorcycle journalist Alastair Walker called, "scarily fast, good-looking, no holds barred motorcycles", and led to a further decline in the market place of the British motorcycle industry.[5]

History

In September 1971 the H2 was a direct result of the success of the 500 cc Kawasaki H1 Mach III introduced in 1969. The H2 engine was a 3-cylinder two-stroke with an engine displacement of 748 cc (45.6 cubic inches) which produced 74 horsepower (55 kW) at 6,800 rpm, a power-to-weight ratio of 1 hp (0.75 kW) to every 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) of weight. This made it the fastest accelerating motorcycle in production.[2] This was an entirely new engine and not a bored-out 500. Unlike the H1 500, the 750 had much more low engine speed torque, with a strong burst of power starting at 3,500 rpm to the 7,500 rpm red line.

The 1972 H2 came with a single front disc brake, a second disc brake was an optional Kawasaki part, an all-new capacitor discharge ignition system unique to the H2, a chain oiler, and two steering dampers; one friction and one hydraulic.

In 1973, there were minor mechanical changes made to the carburetor jets, oil injection pump and cylinder port timing in an effort by the factory to get more MPG from the H2A. Because of these changes the most powerful H2 was the 1972 model.

In 1974 the H2B engine was modified for more civilized performance at the expense of raw power. The race tail was slimmed down from the previous year. An oil-based steering damper and check valve were added. The power was reduced to 71 horsepower (53 kW) at 6,800 rpm.[2][5] The oil injection system was substantially changed with two separate sets of injection lines, unlike the earlier models with one set of lines. Oil was injected into the carburetors on a separate line. The oil injection to the bottom end bearings (both main and rod big ends) was retained as a single branched line. A longer swingarm improved stability. The final model had a weight of 208 kilograms (459 lb).[4]

The H2B and H2C had the steering damper repositioned to the left.

In 1972, the H2, as well as the 350 cc S2 Mach II, had a race tail that held the taillight, and had a small storage space.[6][failed verification]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Smith, Robert (July–August 2006). "Kawasaki H2 Mach IV". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Hedge, Trevor (October 30, 2014). "Kawasaki H2 – The original one…". MCNews.com.au. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  3. ^ Turner, Phil (September 30, 2014). "The original Kawasaki H2 aka The Widow Maker". Bennetts. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Falloon, Ian (November 2011). "Holy smoker". Motorcycle Trader (211). New Zealand: 58–61. The magazine article says the longer swingarm was introduced with the H2B model in 1974, and the reduction in power applied to the H2C model in 1975.
  5. ^ a b Walker, Alastair (2011), The Kawasaki Triples Bible: All Road Models 1968-1980, plus H1R and H2R Racers in Profile, Veloce Publishing, ISBN 9781845840754
  6. ^ "Kawasaki S1 250 Road Test". Classic-Motorbikes. March 18, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2017.

References

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