Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
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.
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Production | 1972–1975 |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Kawasaki Z750 |
| Class | Standard street |
| Engine | 748 cc (45.6 cu in) Air-cooled, oil injected, 3-cylinder, transverse, two-stroke |
| Bore / stroke | 71.0 mm × 63.0 mm (2.80 in × 2.48 in) |
| Compression ratio | 7.3:1 |
| Top speed | 190 km/h (120 mph) |
| Power | 55 kW (74 hp) @ 6800 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 77.4 N⋅m (57.1 lbf⋅ft) @ 6500 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | Chain driven, 5-speed 5up |
| Frame type | Double tubular steel cradle |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic hydraulic forks, three-position spring preload adjustable Rear: Dual shock absorber |
| Brakes | Front: Single disc Rear: Drum brake |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm (56 in) |
| Seat height | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Weight | 205 kg (452 lb) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) |
| Related | Kawasaki S1 Mach I, Kawasaki S2 Mach II, Kawasaki H1 Mach III |
A standard, factory produced H2 was able to travel a quarter mile from a standing start in 12.0 seconds. 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.