1972 Kawasaki H2

1972 Kawasaki H2 Very Sympathetic Restoration.

Not in fact a screaming banshee bike. but actually a tractable stroker with bags of character and Torque. that goes like stink with the right encouragement. New shocks. modern tyres and modern oils release the bikes capabilities beautifully. A delight to ride. and to look at.

To see my work ref Practical Sportsbike 2011 November issue

Starting at the front

Brand New Avon Road rider front tyre. original rechromed Takasago Rim. polished stainless spokes. New Old Stock (NOS) double disk and Z1 double brake caliper and basketry.

Forks have brand new fork stanchions. fork legs are polished finish. brand new NOS fork seals. Yolks carry correct pinch bolts etc. original steering damper and brand new working steering lock. The key to the steering lock matches the ignition…yep. that's unusual both brand new repro locks. We have Cibie concave. or H4 with Halogen in original shell.

NOS headlamp ears and the steering head bearings have been replaced with conical roller bearings. Chromed and plated yolk hardware with original master cylinder. Bars are 3” rise UK spec with matching cables.

Clocks are original and real H2 ones. clock shrouds are NOS ones.

Mirrors are billed as high quality repros. Jessbikes supplied the Throttle assy (thanks Jess for ALL your support). original LH switchgear. refurbed and smooth.

Reproduction wiring harness. all joints tightened and tested.

Coils are original red Mitsubishi type and work nicely. Plug caps are black NGK because the metal ones I had on my bike arced everywhere and NGK are just the best ones available. Metal ones are available if you prefer.

The engine is a sweetie. it has first oversize freshly rebored cylinders. early 72 high cut with original matching pistons. It will need running in. but you can feel it is clean and tight.

Oil pump doesn't leak and all the banjos are nice and tight. All original oil feeds (to the rear of the cylinders on this model) The engine has been ceramic blasted and all the covers mirror polished including the side fins. All fins are present and correct. Gearbox is clean and crisp. Kickstart rechromed.

There are new clutch plates. and heavy duty springs. so guaranteed no clutch slip. Oil is puttoline gear oil specifically for 2 stroke gearboxes.

The Carbs have been cleaned and refurbished by Dave Higgs at Higgspeed Performance (www.higgspeed. com) and are done to his usual exemplary standard (thanks Dave). Repro soft boots and snorkel with original air box. and inner carrier. Its got a fresh K & N filter

Rechromed downpipes look better than original (Copper then Ni then chrome. done by the guys who plate Bentley badges) with rechromed clamps and new stopper rings.

Exhausts are original. rebuilt and rechromed. They have all 3 baffles present and still had the wadding on when I looked last

Rear brake lever is replated. rear brake rod in Ni plated. Rear footrests are original plated carriers with new repro rubbers and chromed pins (not original but they look good).

Gear change mechanism is rechromed and tight. NOS swinging arm pivot. new bushed and pins. original swing arm. Torque arm is Ni plated back to new condition as are chain adjusters. Chain is Ni plated and new. New sprockets 14/47 tooth. Hagon Chrome shock absorbers with correct mounting equipment. Rechromed original grab handle. refurbed chain oiler.

Painting is to original condition. with chrome mole. Tool kit is close to original. Seat is repro unit. but without flaw. CDIs have been zinc passervated to the correct Gold finish. Tank cap is repro. and frankly marvelous…. without a mark. Refurbed seat catch New battery.

Rear wheel is an H2 (not Z1) with correct codes. Rechromed. refurbed and carries new Roadrider. polished stainless spokes. polished sprocket carrier and hub. black back brake and new shoes. Indicators are present and correct and all work

The CDI and Rectifier are lakeland stockbox suitable for road use

Bike is being UK registered and tax exempt. There is a dating letter from Rick Brett. She is ready to ride.

All in all a top notch refurbishment with great attention to detail. If you have read this far you already know this is a very sought after model in a very sought after colour.