Post Sale Update: This H1 sold for $6,700 after 20 bids on eBay in Nisswa, Minnesota.
Known as the ‘Widowmaker’, the Kawasaki H1 series were a range of triples famous for being incredibly quick and terrible to handle.
The H1 500 was the mid-size model, and was easily the fastest 500cc bike around. By keeping everything cheap, Kawi was able to market this bike to young gentlemen who wanted the fastest bike possible for less than a grand. This led to very quick bikes that couldn’t really stop or turn.
This example (VIN: H1F 26442) is claimed to have gone through a “complete frame up restoration” with a rebuilt motor (new pistons, rings, and seals). The seller notes that the frame has been touched up, it has a few new parts such as the coils, plugs, tires, cables, chain, clutch actuator, and spokes, and that the bodywork and paint is from Paul Miller Suzuki. He also notes that the exhaust is original and “very nice with a couple of dings.” He just found a 1972 H2, so this has to go.
Find this H1 for sale in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with bidding up to $5,800 (and the reserve met) here on eBay.