1970 Kawasaki H1

[ride4now_imp]

A few months ago, I posted on the ‘What bike have you bought twice’ topic that I had just purchased a 1970 Kawasaki H1. I had one back in the ‘70’s and regretted selling it for decades. If anyone’s interested, I thought I’d bring you up to speed on where I am with it right now. First, here’s a few pictures...

On the trailer going home... a repeat photo from before.



A selfie of me on one of my rides. I know... atgatt... not this time, a rarity for me.



A cheesecake shot...



This chrome polish works really well...





Here’s what I’ve learned... I’ve ridden it 4-5 times for maybe 15 miles each time. I’m just learning about her right now and frankly, don’t want to get stranded anywhere.

-I forgot how peaky the power band is. It’s hard to launch it, you really have to rev it... it’ll lug a bit...then as the revs climb, be careful or the front end will come up!
-It handles like my Harley... which means it doesn’t.
-It starts the first or second kick when cold, but is a bear to start when hot.
-It takes ‘forever’ to warmup. If she isn’t warmed up, you’re not going anywhere.

I’ve taken it to the Kawasaki dealer in St Pete already and it’s going back tomorrow. I can do the maintenance, but they have a tech there who likes working on the old bikes... so I’m letting him have some fun. So far, he’s...

-replaced both tires (stock, retro look and style, Dunlop’s I think).
-replaced the clutch cable (ordered the correct cable and color on line). The old one was working, but was frayed at the top. Didn’t want to take a chance.
-fixed the brake light. The front brakes lights the light, but the
switch was missing for rear.

This week, he’ll...

-sync the carbs (should help the hot starting issue)
-do a compression test (to see if that’s a problem causing the
hot starting issue)
-fix the rear brake switch issue
-maybe install a full set of correct turn-signals (bought on line).
Maybe, because I might decide to just do that myself.

What I’ve done...

-transmission fluid change (BelRay gear saver). The previous owner was just using 10/40 engine oil. Yikes!
-changed over to BelRay 2 stoke oil. The previous owner was using a 2 stoke oil for outboard motors. Double yikes.
-a complete wash
-cleaned and lubed the chain
-replaced the missing handle on the left side, for use when pulling the bike up on the center stand. (NOS, found on line).

What I’ve still got to do...

-install a new set or L and R mirrors. (correct and matching found on line)
-really dig into the cleaning and polishing of the frame, chrome, and paint.

I’m not riding the Honda, or any other bike, much at the moment... having too much fun with this one. So it’ll be fun to be in Berea with the CB next month!

More on this subject... down the road.



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[Bheezy27403_imp]

Nice. Sounds like a 2 stroke to me! Please keep us updated with more pics!

[Redbird_imp]

That brings back a memory! I had a white H1. I put a white Vetter Phantom full fairing on it. It really took off when it hit the sweet spot on the pipe, wheelie time for sure! I agree that it did not handle well when cornering, and sure trailed blue smoke when the throttle was twisted!

[ride4now_imp]

I rode it to the Kawasaki dealer this morning... had a heck of a time getting it started. I hadn’t ridden it in a month or so...hope they can figure it out. Kicking ALOT is for the birds! Anyway... I left it there and Uber’d back to the garage and got right on the Cb. The Cb felt HUGE... like I was getting on a GoldWing as a comparison. But man... hitting the starter button, she fires right up, pull the clutch in (it’s so light and easy), drop it into gear and off you go.... Easy Peazy. Motorcycles have really advanced in 48 years!!!

[the Ferret]

I would run seafoam in that thing all the time lol. It has electronic ignition, so I would suspect a gas/combustion problem.

[ride4now_imp]

I would run seafoam in that thing all the time lol. It has electronic ignition, so I would suspect a gas/combustion problem.

I did put in ‘real gasoline’ (not e10 or whatever the ethanol blend is) along with Stabil. I use Stabil in all my bikes. Do you like Seafoam better than the rest?

[the Ferret]

Personally I like Seafoam better than Stabil, but stabil is good too. Certainly better than nothing at all.

[flynrider]

Seafoam is more of a fuel system cleaner than a fuel stabilizer. It does a great job keeping the small passages inside the carb free of varnish and gunk. I run a few cans of Seafoam through my CB750 every year. I've owned it 22 years and have never touched the carbs on it.

[ride4now_imp]

Seafoam is more of a fuel system cleaner than a fuel stabilizer. It does a great job keeping the small passages inside the carb free of varnish and gunk. I run a few cans of Seafoam through my CB750 every year. I've owned it 22 years and have never touched the carbs on it.

Would it work as a stabilizer too? Or would you recommend I use both?

[flynrider]

I never leave gas in my bikes long enough to need a stabilizer, but according to their website, Seafoam also works as a stabilizer.

https://seafoamsales.com/a-quick-visual-...-gasoline/