1972 Kawasaki 748cc H2A

Registration no. FHH 942K Frame no. H2F 27063 Engine no. H2E 25228

• Iconic 1970s wild machine
• Stunning restoration
• Restoration costs in excess of £10,000

Few would disagree that Kawasaki's 750cc two stroke triple was, by some distance, the wildest motorcycle of the early 1970s. Fifty years on, it is more desirable than ever, and this example is one of the very best.

The vendor, a past BMCRC production class champion and ex Stan Stephens motorcycle mechanic, raced a KH400, and either owns, or has owned, examples of all the Kawasaki triples apart from the S2. He knows how to put a Kawasaki two stroke triple together.

This H2A was purchased from Govnors Bridge Motorcycles in 2012, who had imported it from the USA earlier that year. It is a 1973 model which left the factory in July 1972, and was the subject of a no expense spared restoration carried out between 2012 & 2015. New original stock (NOS) parts were used whenever possible, new pattern parts being used only when NOS or high quality second-hand parts were not available. If there was the slightest doubt about any component it was replaced.

The Kawasaki has been converted to UK specification by the fitting of UK NOS spark plug caps and the almost impossibly rare long rear UK mudguard complete with red reflector. The tank, side panels and tail section were painted with the correct H2A gold paint by Chris Daniels of the Motorcycle Restoration Company. The engine was completely stripped and checked, and a broken gear drum was replaced. The crankshaft was fully reconditioned and balanced by Chris Applebee Engineering. Barrels were rebored, and new Wiseco pistons and rings fitted. All engine covers were restored and polished by Aquablast UK. The forks were hard chromed and overhauled. The original wheels were rebuilt and re-spoked by Central Wheel Components. The instruments were restored by Peter Bond at London Instruments. A rare original and mint Riders Handbook is included, along with a toolkit and NOS toolbag. Also supplied are a V5C, separate keys for the ignition/steering lock & seat lock/tank cap, and the vendor's history file showing restoration expenditure of over £10,000. He tells us that some invoices are supplied, but much was bought online and internationally, and that some payments are recorded in the file without supporting invoices.

The motorcycle was started in 2016 on premix and ridden a short distance. It will require re-commissioning before taking to the highway, with attention to the fuel and lubrication systems, timing, and carburettor settings. It will also need to be fully run in. The vendor is confident that the finish is now of higher quality than when the bike left the factory. It is offered for sale only because he requires capital for a new business venture. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding.