1974 Harris-Kawasaki 748cc H2R Replica Formula 750 Racing Motorcycle

Engine no. H2E 90826

• Expertly created between 2004 and 2007 by Nigel Everett
• Harris frame kit
• Believed to be an ex-works engine
• Last run in 2018

When it arrived in the early 1970s, Formula 750 was the world's most exciting motorcycle race series. Honda and BSA-Triumph soon quit the scene, leaving the contest to be dominated by the powerful multi-cylinder two-strokes fielded by Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Formula 750 rules required that engines be taken from production models, so Kawasaki's was based on that of their three-cylinder H2 roadster, which was housed in a frame essentially the same as the H1R Grand Prix bike's.

The jewel in the Formula 750 crown was the AMA's Daytona 200, though the Bob Hansen-managed Kawasaki works team's first major success came with wins at the Talladega 200 (Yvon Du Hamel) and Ontario 200 (Paul Smart), both in 1972. Sadly for Kawasaki, neither the H2R nor its water-cooled successor - the KR750 - would achieve that much sought-after Daytona win, and overall victory in the Formula 750 World Championship would prove equally elusive. Elsewhere, in 1975 Kawasaki works rider Mick Grant won the British Superbike Championship and set a new outright lap record at the Isle of Man TT aboard a KR750, and in 1977 added the Classic TT to his, and Kawasaki's, tally.

This H2R Replica is constructed around a Harris frame kit and incorporates all the kit items on the accompanying list except the AP Racing brakes. We are advised that its build started circa 2004 and was completed circa 2007 and is one of only 2 constructed using replicated factory parts that were directly copied from a works machine. Soon after completion the machine was advertised for sale as never ridden but started at Lydden Hill in October 2007, 'bringing the pits to a standstill'!

Acquired by the current vendor in 2008, the machine has formed part of his private collection since then and is described as in excellent condition. According to information supplied to the vendor, the engine is likely ex-Team Hansen, and indirectly may have come from Hansen's former manager, Randy Hall. Close examination of the engine reveals several differences from the stock roadster unit. Expertly created by Nigel Everett, the Kawasaki has been run twice since acquisition, most recently in 2018.
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