Post Sale Update: After 68 bids on eBay, this Mach III sold for $15,191!
The H1 Mach III was easily the fastest 500cc bike around when it debuted, and it quickly garnered a reputation for being unbeatable in a straight line and unmanageable otherwise. 50 years of stories may have led to some exaggeration here and there, and not everyone agrees that the H1 deserves the title of “Widowmaker”, but that the fact that the description is even considered for this bike is sufficient for me. Here’s a beautiful first year example of the H1 that’s just been given a frame-up restoration.
The H1 was an instant revelation – Motorcyclist magazine described the power to weight ratio as the best “ever produced in a motorcycle meant to sell to anyone who has the money to purchase it.” The 499cc inline triple two-stroke was fed by Mikuni VM28 carbs and produced 60 horsepower. Dry weight was 384 pounds, so the quarter mile was taken care of in 12.4 seconds and top speed was about 125 miles per hour. For more on the Mach III, check out this article on Autoweek.
This example (VIN: KAF-03471) has 7 miles since the restoration, which included a NOS crankshaft, new oversized (.5mm) pistons in rebored cylinders, a rebuilt wire harness, and plenty more. It seems the only reproduction parts are the exhaust, seat cover, and cables. The seller says everything works except the front brake light switch and the front horn, as he has not yet found a working original horn but he insists that the wiring and switch have been tested and work.
Find this Mach 1 for sale in Springfield, Illinois with bidding up to $10,001 and the reserve not yet met