Kawasaki H1 Mach III
Encyclopedia
The Kawasaki H1 Mach III was a high-performance two-stroke 500cc production motorcycle
manufactured by Kawasaki Motorcycle Corporation. It was sold in the U.S. and abroad from 1969 through 1975.
but it did not fit the niche Kawasaki was aiming for. Honda introduced its Honda CB450
in 1965 and in 1969, the Suzuki T500 1 Cobra
appeared. Also in development was the Yamaha XS 650
. Already familiar with the Honda CB450, Kawasaki development began work on the top secret N100 Plan
in 1967. The goal was to produce a motorcycle with 500cc displacement that was able to develop 60hp and lay down 13-second quarter-mile times, then considered over the achievable limit for a road bike. The Mach III appeared in the U.S. in 1969 with a white sculpted "egun" fuel tank and blue racing stripe along the lower part of the tank, special Dunlop K77 tires
, and suggested retail price of $999 (US) according to Dragbike.com.
Though not a direct successor of the Kawasaki W2
, the W2 was the only four-stroke motorcycle Kawasaki had for the American market and that market was not like that of Japan where the W2 sold well. In the U.S., the Mach III was an absolute hit while the W2 sat in showrooms. The American market was one where power and speed oriented in motorcycles (and autos) dominated and the W2 was no match for the Mach III in any way.
, was a 3-cylinder two stroke with a displacement of 499.00 cubic centimeters (30.45 cubic inches) producing 173.27 kg (382 lb) at 7400 rpm. Fuel and air mixing was provided by 3 Mikuni VM 28mm carburetors. Fuel/air ignition was through a Capacitor discharge ignition
which increased the 12 volt
system to 40 volts. A thyristor
-based switching system then increased the voltage to between 25,000 and 30,000 volts reducing the unburned fuel mixture within the cylinders.
In May of that year, editors of Motorcyclist Magazine called the Mach's power-to-weight ratio the best "ever produced in a motorcycle meant to sell to anyone who has the money to purchase it."
Handling characteristics were not favorable according to many sources. "Viewed logically, the Kawasaki H1 had many flaws. The gearbox was odd, with neutral below first, the brakes very questionable and the handling decidedly marginal in every situation - except when the bike was stopped with the engine switched off. Not for nothing was the H1 known as, “The triple with the ripple”.
Motobase posted an opinion: "[...] the engine was too quick for the handling... Sports riders back then were possibly more forgiving, perhaps, or maybe its outrageous performance simply muffled any criticisms that should have been directed at the chassis and suspension? Whatever riders may have thought, having sampled an H1, or to whichever degree they had frightened themselves, the majority would usually smile, and say something like, That's some rocket-ship, man! Kawasaki had created their first cult machine!" Motorcycle Survey recorded some unusual nicknames for the Mach III such as "Flexible Flyer", "Widow Maker", "Kamikaze 500", "Triple with a Ripple", "Grenade Launcher."
The 3-cylinder 500 was for all purposes succeeded in 1976 by the Kawasaki Z500/Z550
4-stroke twin cylinder.
in the 1970 500cc World Championship.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
manufactured by Kawasaki Motorcycle Corporation. It was sold in the U.S. and abroad from 1969 through 1975.
History
During the mid 1960s, the American motorcycle market had become the largest on the planet. American riders were demanding bikes with more horsepower and higher maximum speeds. Kawasaki already had the first 650cc, the Kawasaki W seriesKawasaki W series
-Antecedents: Meguro K series:In 1960 the Akashi-based Kawasaki Aircraft Company acquired an interest in the Meguro motorcycle company, which had obtained a license to produce a copy of the 500 cc BSA A7. Meguro had been Japan's largest motorcycle manufacturer but in the late 1950s its models had...
but it did not fit the niche Kawasaki was aiming for. Honda introduced its Honda CB450
Honda CB450
The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda motorcycle with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45 horsepower . Appearing first in the 1965 four-speed K0 model, and progressing through a series of KX models with various improvements and styling changes, notably a redesigned gas tank and 5...
in 1965 and in 1969, the Suzuki T500 1 Cobra
Suzuki T series
The Suzuki T series was a series of motorcycle manufactured by Suzuki that ran from approximately 1963 through 1977 in various engine displacements between 90 and 500 cc.-Construction:...
appeared. Also in development was the Yamaha XS 650
Yamaha XS 650
The XS650 is a mid-size motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company. The standard model was introduced in 1968 and produced through 1979. The "Special" cruiser model was introduced in 1978 and produced through 1985. The XS650 began with the 1955 Hosk SOHC 500 twin. After about 10 years of producing 500...
. Already familiar with the Honda CB450, Kawasaki development began work on the top secret N100 Plan
N100 Plan
The N100 Plan was the corporate code name for the top secret concept, engineering, and development of an entirely new motorcycle engine by Kawasaki Motorcycle Corporation, a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1966.-Goal:...
in 1967. The goal was to produce a motorcycle with 500cc displacement that was able to develop 60hp and lay down 13-second quarter-mile times, then considered over the achievable limit for a road bike. The Mach III appeared in the U.S. in 1969 with a white sculpted "egun" fuel tank and blue racing stripe along the lower part of the tank, special Dunlop K77 tires
Dunlop Tyres
Dunlop Tyres is a British company owned 75% by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and 25% by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which bought the right to sell Dunlop-branded road tyres....
, and suggested retail price of $999 (US) according to Dragbike.com.
Though not a direct successor of the Kawasaki W2
Kawasaki W series
-Antecedents: Meguro K series:In 1960 the Akashi-based Kawasaki Aircraft Company acquired an interest in the Meguro motorcycle company, which had obtained a license to produce a copy of the 500 cc BSA A7. Meguro had been Japan's largest motorcycle manufacturer but in the late 1950s its models had...
, the W2 was the only four-stroke motorcycle Kawasaki had for the American market and that market was not like that of Japan where the W2 sold well. In the U.S., the Mach III was an absolute hit while the W2 sat in showrooms. The American market was one where power and speed oriented in motorcycles (and autos) dominated and the W2 was no match for the Mach III in any way.
A unique engine
The engine, developed through Kawasaki's N100 PlanN100 Plan
The N100 Plan was the corporate code name for the top secret concept, engineering, and development of an entirely new motorcycle engine by Kawasaki Motorcycle Corporation, a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1966.-Goal:...
, was a 3-cylinder two stroke with a displacement of 499.00 cubic centimeters (30.45 cubic inches) producing 173.27 kg (382 lb) at 7400 rpm. Fuel and air mixing was provided by 3 Mikuni VM 28mm carburetors. Fuel/air ignition was through a Capacitor discharge ignition
Capacitor discharge ignition
Capacitor discharge ignition or thyristor ignition is a type of automotive electronic ignition system which is widely used in outboard motors, motorcycles, lawn mowers, chainsaws, small engines, turbine-powered aircraft, and some cars...
which increased the 12 volt
Volt
The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
system to 40 volts. A thyristor
Thyristor
A thyristor is a solid-state semiconductor device with four layers of alternating N and P-type material. They act as bistable switches, conducting when their gate receives a current trigger, and continue to conduct while they are forward biased .Some sources define silicon controlled rectifiers and...
-based switching system then increased the voltage to between 25,000 and 30,000 volts reducing the unburned fuel mixture within the cylinders.
Specifications
- Bore and Stroke: 60 х 58.8 mm
- Compression Ratio: 6.8:1
- Induction: 3x Mikuni VM28SC carbs.
- Ignition: Kick start.
- Transmission: 5 Speed (5 up) wet transmission, chain driven.
- Frame: Double cradle tube frame with twin top tubes reinforced at three intermediate points.
- Front Suspension: Telescopic hydraulic inner spring telescopic front fork.
- Rear suspension: Three-position spring preload adjustable shock absorber and swing arm (rear).
- Front and Rear Brakes: 180mm drum. Later to a Single 296mm disc for the front
- Top speed: 185 km/h (115+ mph). The test version hit 190 km/h (118 mph).
Overall
The Mach III was an extremely successful motorcycle for its time and its speed attracted many owners. It had a standing 1/4 mile (400m) run of under 13 seconds and a top speed of 115+ mph. Its power-to-weight ratio was 1:6 which translates to 2.72 kg (6 lb) to every 1 hp.In May of that year, editors of Motorcyclist Magazine called the Mach's power-to-weight ratio the best "ever produced in a motorcycle meant to sell to anyone who has the money to purchase it."
Handling characteristics were not favorable according to many sources. "Viewed logically, the Kawasaki H1 had many flaws. The gearbox was odd, with neutral below first, the brakes very questionable and the handling decidedly marginal in every situation - except when the bike was stopped with the engine switched off. Not for nothing was the H1 known as, “The triple with the ripple”.
Motobase posted an opinion: "[...] the engine was too quick for the handling... Sports riders back then were possibly more forgiving, perhaps, or maybe its outrageous performance simply muffled any criticisms that should have been directed at the chassis and suspension? Whatever riders may have thought, having sampled an H1, or to whichever degree they had frightened themselves, the majority would usually smile, and say something like, That's some rocket-ship, man! Kawasaki had created their first cult machine!" Motorcycle Survey recorded some unusual nicknames for the Mach III such as "Flexible Flyer", "Widow Maker", "Kamikaze 500", "Triple with a Ripple", "Grenade Launcher."
The H1 by year
- 1969: Color is white with dark blue lettering and racing stripe.
- 1970: Changes were made except the color which was Candy apple RedCandy apple red (color)Candy apple red is the name code used by manufacturing companies to define a shade of red similar to the red caramelized sugar coating on candied apples. The typical method for producing a candy apple finish is to apply a metallic base-coat, followed by a transparent color coat...
.
- 1971: Model designation is H1A. Major changes a new fuel tank not recessed at the rider's knees, new matrixGraphic designGraphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
decalDecalA decal or transfer is a plastic, cloth, paper or ceramic substrate that has printed on it a pattern or image that can be moved to another surface upon contact, usually with the aid of heat or water. The word is short for decalcomania...
graphics present on other Kawasakis. Color change to Candy Blue.
- 1972: Model designation is H1B. The CDI was replaced with a battery ignition system. A very much needed front disc brakeDisc brakeThe disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
was added along with steering oil damper adopted. The color and overall design scheme was entirely new with a with matching fenders and fuel tank. A new elongated S-stripe or wave decal for the fuel tank. Color was Pearl Candy Orange color aka "Rainbow Color".
- 1973: Model desingnation is H1D. Major changes being the addition of Kawasaki's 2nd generation race tailRace tailThe race tail or motorcycle tail is a functional feature of a Grand Prix motorcycle located behind the motorcycle seat. It is designed to maintain a smooth flow of air from the rider over the motorcycle's rear.-Origin:...
behind the seat and partially covering the taillight similar to the H2. The advanced CDI unit from the H2 was installed. The steering damper and rear brake air scoop were both dropped for this year. Color was Candy Lime. Front fender returns to chrome.
- 1974: Model designation is H1E. A new type of CDI unit and a crank case check valveCheck valveA check valve, clack valve, non-return valve or one-way valve is a mechanical device, a valve, which normally allows fluid to flow through it in only one direction....
are used. Colors of Candy Lime or Candy Red. Fuel capacity 3.96 gallons
- 1975: Model designation is H1F. Colors of Candy Sky Blue or Candy Green.
- 1976: Model designation is KH500. It had slightly less horsepower (52), a change in the transmission giving a different gear shift pattern, and water resistant brake pads were available. Colors were Deep Burgundy or Copper.
The 3-cylinder 500 was for all purposes succeeded in 1976 by the Kawasaki Z500/Z550
Kawasaki Z500/Z550
The Kawasaki Z500/Z550 series began with the 1979 Z500, a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki Z1R. It used a double-cradle steel frame with a transverse-mounted air-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC engine--a classic universal Japanese motorcycle.-Z500/Z550 :This was the first of the line, with a 500cc...
4-stroke twin cylinder.
Racing
Kawasaki Mach III's successfully raced with Ginger Molloy aboard his "Green Meanie" finishing 2nd just behind Giacomo Agostini's MV AgustaMV Agusta
MV Agusta is a motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1945 near Milan in Cascina Costa, Italy. The company began as an offshoot of the Agusta aviation company formed by Count Giovanni Agusta in 1923. The Count died in 1927, leaving the company in the hands of his wife and sons, Domenico, Vincenzo,...
in the 1970 500cc World Championship.
External links
- Mikuni VM 28mm carburetor.http://www.sip-scootershop.com/EN/Products/40074000/Carburetor+MIKUNI+VM+28+flat.aspx