Kawasaki H1 Mach III USA Version (1969) in Black (1:12 scale)
- In September of 1968, the batch production of the Kawasaki H1 Mach III was inaugurated. The three cylinder two stroke engine with separate lubrication had an output of 60 horse power at 7, 500 rpm & with a net weight of 174 kg, the bike reached a top speed of 200 km/h. At first the bike was only available in the colours Midnight White & Peacock Grey. The Kawasaki H1 had Duplex drum brakes in the front & a vented Simplex drum brake on the rear wheel. The quite small gas tank had a capacity of only 15 litres. The gas was distributed by a vacuum controlled fuel tap to the three 28 Mikuni carburettors. The quite thirsty engine forced the driver to refuel already after only 150 kilometres. The suspension, consisting of a double steel pipe frame, a 34 mm telescopic fork & a steel pipe oscillating crank, was typical for a seventies Japanese motorbike & overstrained with the performance of the bike. As a result the bike often demanded the full potential of the riders, in order for them to control the bike. Therefore most of the riders added a hydraulic steering damper, since the standard mechanic damper was hopelessly swamped.