Papi
Mmmmm...Faster
This post is for the 1969 to 1971 Kawasaki 500 H1 MachIII. Please post up pix, stories, tips, tricks and related about your H1. Please keep it to the 69-71 H1 only in this thread. Thank you.
In late 1968 when Kawasaki released the MachIII, Cycle Mag later coined it on the front cover as "The Worlds Fastest Touring 500". For just under a thousand bucks ($999), you could own a modern day street rocket ship that would propel the rider to speeds unseen on a production bike the size.
My first street bike was 1971. I have loved and owned triples for over 30 years. They are not only one of my favorite iconic bikes of the early 70's, but today still highly collectable in restored or original condition.
The 1969 (White/blue) was badged with the MachIII emblem, as was the 1970 (Peacock Grey or Candy Red/white). The 1971 changed from the sculpted tank and rebadged with a matrix decal on the side covers and tank.
While the first three years retain many common components, the bike changed in later years as technology advanced. Without a doubt though, this bike really set Kawasaki apart from even Honda who introduced the K0 Sandcast the same year.
Here's a couple pix of mine, please share yours (stories and tips) as well.
1969 Mach III
1971 and 1969 Together
1970 (Red) and chopped up 1971 (white) not restored yet. The 71 will be made into an H1-R Tribute bike instead since we have a pristine 71 already.
(Pictures above © 2014 and courtesy of Papi's Bike Shop - Morgan Hill, California)
In late 1968 when Kawasaki released the MachIII, Cycle Mag later coined it on the front cover as "The Worlds Fastest Touring 500". For just under a thousand bucks ($999), you could own a modern day street rocket ship that would propel the rider to speeds unseen on a production bike the size.
My first street bike was 1971. I have loved and owned triples for over 30 years. They are not only one of my favorite iconic bikes of the early 70's, but today still highly collectable in restored or original condition.
The 1969 (White/blue) was badged with the MachIII emblem, as was the 1970 (Peacock Grey or Candy Red/white). The 1971 changed from the sculpted tank and rebadged with a matrix decal on the side covers and tank.
While the first three years retain many common components, the bike changed in later years as technology advanced. Without a doubt though, this bike really set Kawasaki apart from even Honda who introduced the K0 Sandcast the same year.
Here's a couple pix of mine, please share yours (stories and tips) as well.
1969 Mach III
1971 and 1969 Together
1970 (Red) and chopped up 1971 (white) not restored yet. The 71 will be made into an H1-R Tribute bike instead since we have a pristine 71 already.
(Pictures above © 2014 and courtesy of Papi's Bike Shop - Morgan Hill, California)
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