Find or Sell Motorcycles & Scooters in USA

1974 Kawasaki Other on 2040-motos

US $12000
YearYear:1974 MileageMileage:7
Location:

La Habra, California, United States

La Habra, California, United States
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Kawasaki Other tech info

Engine Size (cc)Engine Size (cc):750 For Sale ByFor Sale By:Private Seller

Kawasaki Other description

I rode Kawasaki Triples as a teen, and have never let go of the excitement and thrill of kicking one to life, the easy revving 2-stroke rattle of the engine, and the rush of power as the powerband approaches. They are thirsty, and are considered obnoxious by today's public, as the 2-stroke fumes and burnt oil smoke are unacceptable by today's standards. There is no denying that these were the fastest bikes in the 1970s, and the 750 H2 was considered a bike for expert riders only.

I've owned this one for over 6 years. I chose it carefully, as I didn't want a restored bike, preferring a true original example that I could enjoy. It has had recent maintenance without disturbing the originality. 

Recently the bike seemed to be running a little "off", didn't want to idle, and popped out of the left exhaust. I had it serviced by Ben Kellogg in Fullerton, California. He specializes in restoring vintage Japanese bikes of all configurations, and is familiar with the Kawasaki Triples, although he admits it's rare to see one in his shop. He ultra-sonic cleaned the carbs, leaving the stock jets and needles in place. New Mikuni gaskets, needles and seats were installed, the carbs were balanced, and each was tuned. The timing for each cylinder was checked with a dial indicator, and adjusted to specification. The petcock was rebuilt with genuine parts, but it turns out that the housing has a hairline crack, so it still drips gas. I have ordered an aftermarket non-vacuum replacement and will install it before the bike leaves (the original one is included with the bike). The original foam air filter was starting to break up, so it has a new K&N replacement filter in the original housing. The gearbox oil has been changed, and the shift seal replaced.The baffles were removed for inspection, and to my surprise, the left baffle was in poor condition, with the wool packing almost gone. The assembly was replaced with a Genuine Kawasaki NOS baffle. The two right side baffles are original and in perfect condition.The gas tank is really nice and clean inside, and has never been treated. Similarly, the chrome on the rims is like new.

You can start this Kawasaki on the first kick from cold. Just prime it by kicking it through a couple of times with the ignition OFF, then turn on the key, a little choke on the handlebar control, and it's three angry chainsaws singing together! When it's warm, there's no need to prime it, and no need for the choke, it starts willingly.

Everyone knows the legendary power, and this motorcycle exemplifies it. The forks, shocks, clutch, transmission and brakes are all excellent. I believe that this is one of the most original and nicest motorcycles you'll ever find from this era.

The flaws: Light pitting on the pipes, discoloration, and a couple of dings. The lower right pipe has a dent that isn't obvious, but it is visible when the bike is on it's side stand. It is located at the back of the pipe. The tail has scratches, and a ding. the seat has a tear at the very back where it folds under the frame. The front fender has a ding, seen in the vicinity of the reflection of the tree in the photo. The tank paint is excellent for 40+ years, but the clear is discoloring on the light green and "KAWASAKI" lettering on the tank. However, I wouldn't try to repair it for anything! 

The tool pouch is original, but the tools inside aren't. However, they're all the right sizes and they are vintage looking / period correct, so I chose to leave them as is. 

The bike is located in La Habra, California (close to Anaheim). Local inspection is welcome. Call Chris, 714 926 4595, for an appointment.

NOTE: The title is issued by South Carolina DMV. If you need a California VIN Verification, I can arrange that.  photo IMG_1051_zpsu9gcq7gc.jpg photo IMG_1052_zps2ndjgeqn.jpg  photo IMG_1050_zpspvdort81.jpg  photo IMG_1060_zpsubh5jnwb.jpg  photo IMG_1053_zpsaj73eqal.jpg photo IMG_1035_zps1yct8i9g.jpg  photo IMG_1038_zpsoziqpoxa.jpg  photo IMG_1039_zpsvdcxipjh.jpg photo IMG_1046_zpsbt2azx8x.jpg  photo IMG_1045_zpsbltbjvfw.jpg  photo IMG_1062_zpsayuns23r.jpg photo IMG_1089_zpsid1closw.jpg photo IMG_1088_zpsawrt6n6f.jpg photo IMG_1023_zpshekrpj5j.jpg photo IMG_1027_zpscp6fvk4m.jpg photo IMG_1029_zpsefgtcmoq.jpg photo IMG_1025_zps4kgja9mf.jpg photo IMG_1030_zpsnqa2lcr5.jpg photo IMG_1031_zps7szzmfsi.jpg photo IMG_1034_zps8uoz7uff.jpg photo IMG_1041_zpsinx9qvea.jpg photo IMG_1042_zpsjf8w8wce.jpg photo IMG_1020_zpsf98avkkv.jpg photo IMG_1044_zpsfc9d9df5.jpg photo IMG_1072_zpseul798bz.jpg photo IMG_1073_zpsfst6q5gd.jpg photo IMG_1057_zpsbdq8fto5.jpg photo IMG_1067_zpsgatntcif.jpg photo IMG_1063_zpssdf4vlvn.jpg photo IMG_1065_zpsnap8p5fd.jpg photo IMG_1071_zpser7lxmak.jpg photo IMG_1055_zpsvbbfe9zh.jpg photo IMG_1068_zps8kfi5awv.jpg photo IMG_1069_zps7qis57bs.jpg photo IMG_1075_zpsajsmmkdr.jpg photo IMG_1078_zpsacb2y8xr.jpg photo IMG_1079_zps5xcm3tzc.jpg  photo IMG_1084_zpsg8fwrgyx.jpglt=" photo IMG_1081_zpssrfamvaj.jpg"> photo IMG_1086_zpsrtue8uzo.jpg photo IMG_1085_zpsbohvp1l8.jpg photo IMG_1082_zpshoqghfjj.jpg

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