LOT 605

1974 Kawasaki 748cc H2B Registration no. SFD 490M Frame no. H2F 35291 Engine no. H2E 35299

Sold for £16,100 inc. premium

Lot 605

1974 Kawasaki 748cc H2B
Registration no. SFD 490M Frame no. H2F 35291 Engine no. H2E 35299

The Spring Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|23 April 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1974 Kawasaki 748cc H2B
Registration no. SFD 490M
Frame no. H2F 35291
Engine no. H2E 35299

• 2 owners from new
• Believed-genuine total of 13,951 miles on the odometer
• Restored between 2011 and 2014
• Kept in a climate-controlled environment

"The Kawasaki 750 Mach IV (H2) has only one purpose in life; to give you the most exciting and exhilarating performance. It's so quick it demands the razor sharp reactions of an experienced rider. It's a machine you must take seriously." – Kawasaki Motors.

Kawasaki emphatically established its reputation for building uncompromising high-performance motorcycles with the launch of the stunning Mach III 500 in 1968. Light weight combined with a peakily-delivered 60bhp and indifferent handling made the two-stroke triple an exciting machine to ride but one which nevertheless had the legs of just about everything under 750cc. In 1971 the original was joined by three more triples: the 250cc S1, 350cc S2 and 750cc H2 (also known as the Mach IV for the first years or so). Although 11bhp more powerful than the Mach III, the H2 delivered its power less frenetically and, thanks to a longer wheelbase and revised frame geometry, was easier to ride fast without falling off. Nevertheless, a top speed of around 115/mph with 100mph reachable in 13 seconds was enough to satisfy even the most speed-addicted tyro. Today these charismatic Kawasaki triples enjoy an enthusiastic following worldwide, with restored examples such as this one increasingly sought after.

This Kawasaki H2B had had only one owner prior to its acquisition by the current vendor, since when it has been kept as part of his extensive private collection within a climate-controlled environment. The first owner's notes state that the machine had not been ridden for 35 years except for an MoT excursion (in November 1999), following which it remained in storage until he commenced its restoration circa 2011. Bills on file seem to indicate that the rebuild took the next few years to complete, the next MoT certificate being issued in March 2014. Currently displaying a believed-genuine total of 13,951 miles on the odometer, the machine is offered with its original logbook; dating letter; V5C Registration Certificate; and MoT to March 2003.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

This motorcycle has an MoT until March 2023.

Additional information

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