1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III

By Margie Siegal
Published on December 14, 2010
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Kawasaki H1 motorcycles are revered today as the fastest, most powerful and most out-of-control motorcycle of its day. This is Tony Silveira’s 1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III.
Kawasaki H1 motorcycles are revered today as the fastest, most powerful and most out-of-control motorcycle of its day. This is Tony Silveira’s 1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III.
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The fearsome triple was left unchanged, as was the price: $995.
The fearsome triple was left unchanged, as was the price: $995.
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The Kawi’s triple pipes were all most other riders usually saw; the H1 was almost always out in front.
The Kawi’s triple pipes were all most other riders usually saw; the H1 was almost always out in front.
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Except for paint colors, the 1970 H1 was identical to the 1969 model.
Except for paint colors, the 1970 H1 was identical to the 1969 model.
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Original bill of sale and other documentation accompanied Tony Silveira’s “time capsule” 1970 H1 when he picked it up.
Original bill of sale and other documentation accompanied Tony Silveira’s “time capsule” 1970 H1 when he picked it up.

1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III
Years produced:
1969-1975
Claimed power: 60hp @ 8,000rpm
Top speed: 119.14mph (period test)
Engine type: 498cc 2-stroke air-cooled transversely-mounted inline triple
Weight (dry): 410lb (186kg)
Price then: $995 (1970)
Price now: $3,500-$7,000
MPG: 30-40mpg

Tony Silveira started his love affair with motorcycles early, but unlike many motorcycle-crazy kids, he rode his bikes, even fast two-strokes, carefully.

In fact, Tony still has the Suzuki Hustler he bought in high school back in the day — and with only two nicks showing on the original tank. That Hustler is now part of his collection of classic Japanese motorcycles, which includes two early Kawasaki H1 motorcycles, revered today as the fastest, most powerful and most out-of-control motorcycle of its day.

Building up to the Kawasaki H1

Kawasaki Heavy Industries really entered the motorcycle business in 1960, when it bought a controlling interest in Meguro, one of Japan’s first motorcycle companies. Meguro was subsequently combined with Meihatsu (a Kawasaki subsidiary that had been building small motorcycles since the mid-1950s), producing Meguro and Kawasaki-badged machines.

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