DREAM RIDES: Kawasaki 750 H2 Mach IV

We all know about Supercharged Ninja H2, but do you know about the bike that inspired it? The Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV is a two-stroke, 750cc motorcycle that was the successor to the Kawasaki H1 500cc. It was introduced in October 1972 and was discontinued in June 1975 and (for a while) the H2 was the fastest production motorcycle of its time, with its insane (at the time) 74bhp powering it to ballistic top speed of 126 mph. The bike was designed by Manabu Kochi and Masaru Matsuki, who later designed the Suzuki GSX-R750.

The H2 was not without its problems, however. The bike was known for being difficult to start and for leaking oil. It was also infamous for its “death wobble,” a condition that caused the front end of the bike to shake violently at high speeds. Kawasaki even fitted two steering dampers to it, but the chassis construction alongside its rear-heavy weight bias meant it was prone to wheelies and not stability. Just what you want when that powerband kicks in…

Despite its shortcomings, the Kawasaki H2 was a motorcycle that is still fondly remembered by those who were lucky enough to own one. The fine folk at The Bike Specialist in Sheffield happen to have one for sale and they invited Bike World to come along and create one of their Dream Rides videos (sponsored by BeMoto!) to find out what one is like to ride today.

Have a watch of this and imagine smelling that two-stroke smoke!

Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV, 1972-1975 Specifications: