Author Topic: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - H2 is now a rider!!!  (Read 244228 times)

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1150 on: January 29, 2017, 10:26:03 AM »
Been awhile since I've been on this thread, I like to go back and reminisce!

It's been a very nice winter here in CenTex and have taken the H1 out for a couple nice rides, so thought I would provide a quick update.

I've put only about 600 miles since the total rebuild on the motor and unfortunately it has not been trouble free. The head gaskets for two of the three cylinders had developed leaks, although minor and I really didnt notice the issue while riding.

The first was the #1 cylinder, I replaced the [copper] head gasket and used Permatex Copper Spray-A-Gasket on both sides. It is a high temp sealant that the guys on the Triples forum recommend, I was unaware of it when we assembled the motor.  Thankfully, it is a very basic procedure and the gaskets are readily available. I also did #2&3.

Other that that, the only regret I have is not vapor blasting the cylinders and heads while the motor was apart. While I did have them bead blasted, they look nowhere near as good as if they were vapored [do not believe Nils was blasting at the time the motor was rebuilt].
I'm not going to pull the motor apart just for that but if [or when?!!] this motor blows, it will be going to Nils.

That said, the bike is a blast to ride, not much power down low under 3K RPM but she sure does sing above 5K!! [where I like to be]

The back tire is looking a little worn, I have not replaced tires on it, but the old Dunlops will most likely get replaced later this year.

A couple pics for ya, the old girl just rolled over 5K miles last week [I believe that to be original mileage]








On a side note, some of you may know that I recently finished my K3 "Park Racer" project.
So, guess what is next?  Yes, the H2!!!!  Plan to start next week, stay tuned.....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1151 on: January 29, 2017, 12:50:58 PM »
I can contribute with pics of my two Kawasakis. The H1 has a tad over 1,000 miles on it.
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1152 on: January 29, 2017, 12:53:34 PM »

The H1 has a tad over 1,000 miles on it.

Did you restore it, Mike?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1153 on: January 29, 2017, 01:28:00 PM »
No. It is still in the original condition. I got it with some 700+ miles on it. All I had to do was replace a few small items.
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1154 on: January 29, 2017, 01:47:26 PM »
No. It is still in the original condition. I got it with some 700+ miles on it. All I had to do was replace a few small items.

Thats fantastic. Wasnt sure if you meant 1000 original miles or 1000 since restoration...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ekpent

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1155 on: January 30, 2017, 06:24:01 AM »
 You two would make a fine pair going down the road together ! Look forward to updates on the H2 Steve.  Mike what was the story on the 700 mile bike ?, someone buy it and got scared and mothballed it for many years or just sat in a collection ?
  Steve what is the ogle factor like when you pull in someplace on the smoker, does it get more people talking than a CB750, bet it does.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 06:26:22 AM by ekpent »

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes..I have a Z1! - the unofficial Kawasaki thread
« Reply #1156 on: January 30, 2017, 07:07:49 AM »

  Steve what is the ogle factor like when you pull in someplace on the smoker, does it get more people talking than a CB750, bet it does.

Hey Eric...I took the H1 to our Annual Harvest Classic vintage bike show back in October. This is a big event for this area, well over 500 bikes for the weekend event and bike show.
Our camp had many fine bikes [mostly SOHC] but for some reason, guys want to talk about the H1 more than the others.  Most have a story about back in the day. Plus, these bikes are getting rare to see in this area, there were no other H1's at the event [and only two H2's]
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 - unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1157 on: April 12, 2017, 02:30:51 PM »
As some of you may know, The K3 "Park Racer" was completed about two months ago.  So next up on the project list is the 1974 Kawasaki H2 750. I actually started March 1st but am just getting around to starting the assembly thread.

I bought the bike as a basket case about 2 years ago, found it listed on the Triples forum by member Cody in Minnesota.  Made contact with him and we talked for a long time, super nice guy and very knowledgeable about the Triples, he has had many over the years.  This bike was a project of his, his plan was to make a Denco tribute race bike [Denco was a aftermarket company that made go-fast parts back in the day].
Luckily, nothing was chopped, came with a good title and he worked with me to get it to Texas.

After at least a month after payment, the shipper I contracted to deliver it finally made it to Texas, I was stoked!
It came to me in 5 plastic storage containers and the freshly powder-coated frame in a box! They were very nicely packed and labeled...








It was known that the motor would need a total rebuild, it came totally disassembled.  I brought the cylinders to my local machine shop, he ordered the Wiseco's, bored the cylinders and chamfered the ports.  He knows Kawasaki's very well, did the boring on my H1 as well.









The top of the cylinder had some minor "cratering" so I had him mill it .010. [that is the before pic]
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Yes, a Z1 - unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1158 on: April 12, 2017, 03:02:55 PM »
It is some very nice riding up around Cedar Michigan,some of favorite Michigan roads. Get back around Battle Creek or Michigan we could trailer a couple of bikes up there, around 3 hours or so north to Interlochen where I normally camp in the Traverse City area.
I love  riding around there.

Me too! Just beautiful.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes, a Z1 - unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1159 on: April 13, 2017, 05:23:38 AM »
Steve-o, I am sure you heard of Johnny's Vintage Cycles in Wadsworth, Ohio. 20 miles from me. Absolute go to place when you run into a pickle trying to get a missing part. Johnny has been buying obsolete Kawasaki dealer stock for years.
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 - unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1160 on: April 13, 2017, 05:36:55 AM »
Steve-o, I am sure you heard of Johnny's Vintage Cycles in Wadsworth, Ohio...

Yes, of course.   They just screwed me over so not too happy with them at the moment.  Not only did he charge me twice on shipping, but the parts were delivered to a "parcel locker" in another town ( not my home).  I'm sure they will make it right but email response has been slow, 2 days on the last simple question about availability of hardware (M8x40mm hex bolts, ended up getting them locally yesterday)
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1161 on: April 13, 2017, 11:12:24 AM »
Next time, tell me what you need and I get it for you and ship it. I know Johnny personally and he has always treated me right.
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1162 on: April 14, 2017, 09:19:26 PM »
So, you can reach out and touch him.  Not that would be required.  Steve, the pitting was uuugly, aluminum has some nasty corrosion side effects.  I was always thinking that the white powdery corrosion on brake MC & slave cylinders and carbs was aluminum, it is actually zinc. The aluminum/zinc/etc alloy is common for carbs, often decorative metal pieces on old car emblems/figureheads/trunk light exterior housings that were chromed. It can't be chromed with typical hot tanks, stuff melts to nothing.
Just a fwiw...

Been sanding the hub of yours.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1163 on: April 15, 2017, 06:40:11 AM »
Next time, tell me what you need and I get it for you and ship it.

Thanks for the offer but all is good, I got the parts.  It was a USPS error. I went to the post office and straightened it out.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1164 on: May 04, 2017, 04:02:37 PM »
Ok, next installment of "Let's get this H2 together!"

The motor, [case, cylinders and heads] were all sent out to RestoCycle [Nils] in AZ for vapor blasting.  The Triple motors were naked from the factory, so no way did I even think about painting these parts.
There is, bar none, not a better finish out there for a motor, not cheap but worth every penny.










Ready to assemble motor!  Not so fast, after a careful inspection, the dogs on the transmission gears look to be worn.  The last thing I want is shifting issues once this bike is back together.


Simple - just buy some new ones, right? Yeah, good luck with that.  A "trans gears wanted" on the Triples forum netted no response.  Check eBay - found 1 set but super expensive and seller said "should be no issue", not a real confidence builder there.







So while that stalled, onward to the frame.  The frame came to me in a box and was already powder coated, looks great!







Got the front end together, polished lowers, new seals and oil. 
Bought a nice front fender from Danny, it has a nice substantial brace as part of it. No wonder these bikes handle so well!



New bronze and stainless bushings for the swingarm....




Baby needs a new pair of shoes!




Cleaned up up and reused the stock rim, had Nils do his thing vapor blasting the rear hub and laced with new stainless spokes....





And WOO-HOO, I got a roller!!!!!!



'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline jaytee-nz

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1165 on: May 04, 2017, 05:19:37 PM »
I'm sure I read somewhere that the 500 gearbox is the same or very similar so you might have some luck with a wider search.
Might pay to research this as it's only a distant memory !

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1166 on: May 04, 2017, 06:09:40 PM »
Weird...that front end looks identical to my kz650 (except for the top triple).  Are those 36mm tubes?
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1167 on: May 04, 2017, 06:53:12 PM »
I'm sure I read somewhere that the 500 gearbox is the same or very similar...

It may be similar bu not identical, have already checked that (I have a basket case H1 motor). But thx.


Weird...that front end looks identical to my kz650 (except for the top triple).  Are those 36mm tubes?

Yes, 36mm, same as the Z1.   Seems like I've read the 650 fender will fit but is not correct. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1168 on: May 04, 2017, 07:37:04 PM »
Gday stev-o, don't want to hijack your thread but thought you might like to see this. It's a mates hybrid he did.
Upside down forks, mono shocks and so .  It's a real beast.

Offline calj737

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1169 on: May 05, 2017, 03:20:08 AM »
Stev-O can't those dogs be re-cut? Might be far cheaper and then you'll have some assurance of their condition.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1170 on: May 05, 2017, 07:13:28 AM »
Stev-O can't those dogs be re-cut? Might be far cheaper and then you'll have some assurance of their condition.

Yes, contacted my machinist  and he can do it, not cheap though!
Found some parts, more to come soon....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1171 on: May 05, 2017, 12:34:02 PM »
I must agree! Vapor blasting is one of the best methods to restore aluminum surfaces. I have done several projects with it and had outstanding results. Even a complete engine(!) - which did not have chrome or other metal covers. All orifices plugged thoroughly!

One of the best looking custom H2s is owned by Hilo, the "resident mechanic" at Johnny's Vintage Cycles. He is one of best guys I personally know to work on these things.

This is not it, but similar. I have a picture of his bike somewhere...cannot find it right now
« Last Edit: May 05, 2017, 01:11:45 PM by MikeSimon »
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1172 on: May 05, 2017, 01:12:30 PM »
This is the only one I found. Doesn't show the bike in all its glory
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1173 on: May 05, 2017, 02:31:01 PM »
I love the '72's in blue...maybe my next one....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ekpent

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Re: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - Now H2 assembly!
« Reply #1174 on: May 23, 2017, 05:08:50 AM »
  You ever seen this one around Steve ? Rickman 900 yummy. Stop in and say 'Howdy' on your way down interstate I-94 when your picking her up ! https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/mcy/6108050938.html