Topic: H2 Kawasaki basket case

[JAG]

A buddy of mine needs some tuning up on his KZ1000, and offered his H2 as payment.. I always enjoy a little time working on projects in the garage, but my knowledge on Kawa's is quite minimal at best.

He said the transmission needs a second gear shift fork for it to run properly. The Engine itself isn't locked up, but I'm sure it will also need some work. He did say all the parts were in boxes. Yikes!

Has anyone change one of those shift forks out? Can I source manuals for the Kawa like I can the CB's?

What is the finished product of one of these H2 750s? Are the good bikes? I thought I heard somewhere that people like to drag race these??

Just curious to see if there is anyone knowledgeable on these bikes. Is the finished product worth the hassle? Is the parts still easily sourced?

Thanks for your time.

[kirkn]

That is the Holy Grail of all restorable Kawasakis.  That, and a '73 Z1 itself.

I suspect that the shift fork will be easily changed out, if not so easily sourced.  Plenty of information out there!  Even more enthusiasts.

Are they good bikes?  Well, that's a matter of personal taste, but they were the baddest of the bad when they were new!

[JAG]

That is the Holy Grail of all restorable Kawasakis.  That, and a '73 Z1 itself.

I suspect that the shift fork will be easily changed out, if not so easily sourced.  Plenty of information out there!  Even more enthusiasts.

Are they good bikes?  Well, that's a matter of personal taste, but they were the baddest of the bad when they were new!

Oh cool well i may have a gem and I don't even know it.

I know they are 2 Stroke, could this be a problem in the restoration of it? I've dealt with dirt bikes, lawn mowers and that such in the 2 stroke range, but never a big bike like this. is the oil injected, gravity fed, separate oil tank, mixed in the gas? Anyone know?

[kirkn]

Oh cool well i may have a gem and I don't even know it.    Oh, you do indeed!

I know they are 2 Stroke, could this be a problem in the restoration of it?

No, only if the crank itself needs to be rebuilt.  Kind of a $$$ specialty skill, but still, the overall result will likely justify it.

I've dealt with dirt bikes, lawn mowers and that such in the 2 stroke range, but never a big bike like this.   

Same, only physically larger, and in triplicate.

is the oil injected,

Yes

gravity fed,

The pump is.

separate oil tank

Yes

mixed in the gas?

If you disable the pump, you can run premix (I THINK).  I'm not sure if the pump injects into the intake tracts only, or if it feeds one (or more) of the crank bearings directly.  Someone will know for sure...
Anyone know?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Ilbikes might be able to give you some serious advice. You can find his H2 restore on here somewhere.

[ekpent]

Google Rick Brett,he is the Kawasaki King of the World.Met him up north here in Michigan a year or so ago and was blown away by his stash. He runs a forum also,lots of info out there,parts can get a little spendy. If the cases have to be or are already split change all the seals while your in there.that's a two stroke must. Enjoy it,well worth putting some $$ into.

[Magpie]

They are seriously FAST! Nice score.
Cliff.

[mrbreeze]

Ilbikes might be able to give you some serious advice. You can find his H2 restore on here somewhere.

Plus one on Gordon ..........if anyone here knows those bikes.....he does. Not sure but I think he still has a few in his collection.

[RRRToolSolutions]

Hi Jag, you're about to embark on a fun and exciting project. They are overly simple, seriously and parts are everywhere. The job of restoring one today is much easier than it was 10 years ago when I started - so many of the hard to find parts are now being produced - many by the OEM companies that made they 35 years ago.

Not to take anything away from my dear friend RB, but he gets so busy buying and selling bikes that his parts business gets bogged-down. Now I will tell you that you "must" get your decals from Rick - his are the only ones that have the correct font/script - somethign that will matter if you're building a correct restoration bike.

Here are a couple of places you'll want to visit.

http://www.kawasakitriplesworldwide.com/phpBB2/index.php

http://www.reproductiondecals.com/default_frameset.html?content.html%7Emain

And - drop Jess a mail and tell him what you need.
jessh1@embarqmail.com

He and I have done business together for 10 years - he's one of the best as are Andre and Ellen at Reproduction Decals in the link above.

If you'll join the Kawasakitriplesworldwide forum in that first link, you'll find complete parts fiche and manuals in Maxles's links. The guys there are very serious and are a very technical bunch. I've known them for the 10 years I've owned/restored 8 triple 500's and 750's.

Best Regards, Gordon

[mrbreeze]

That middle one with the chambers is too damn awesome!!!

[Retro Rocket]

That middle one with the chambers is too damn awesome!!!

+1, thats one sexy bit of gear.....

[Jim Knight]

Let me know if you want to sell the H2,
Thanks Jim

[Stev-o]

The Kaws are awesome, I have one on my bike bucket list!

[MRieck]

That middle one with the chambers is too damn awesome!!!

I agree. those pipes are beautiful.