Staggering Example of the Iconic "Widowmaker" 1972 Kawasaki Mach IV H2 750cc

The 1972 Kawasaki H2 was the lightest and fastest factory-production 750cc motorcycle on the street, and a comprehensive frame-off restoration returned this legendary performer to the top of the pack. Also known as the Mach IV, the road-wrinkling triple was the culmination of Kawasaki two-stroke technology. The Mach IV carried the widowmaker reputation of its 500cc predecessor, but an all-new engine and range of evolutionary improvements set the new king of the street apart.

The 750cc, two-stroke, 3-cylinder engine produced 74 HP and an astonishing 57 lb-ft of torque that was the inspiration for countless pages of motorcycling journalist hyperbole and dire warnings from safety-minded authorities. Still, the big triple could thrum along with the pistons, cooling fins and three-into-three exhaust playing a jangly harmony, but once the tachometer needle edged up beyond 5,000, things got rowdy. If the Honda CB750 was the Beatles, then the Kawasaki H2 750 was the Rolling Stones at their loudest and most maleficent.

Reputation and hyperbole aside, the Mach IV was a more well-rounded performer than its Mach III predecessor. Larger-diameter, gusseted frame tubing, revised suspension, an improved steering damper and effective front disc and rear drum brakes made the difference. The sculpted tank, kicked-up tail section and color-keyed front fender lent the Mach IV sleek style. The restoration brought back early '70s perfection from the blue paint scheme to the black, wrinkle-finish gauges angled back in part to deflect wind up over the rider. In the end, the same regulatory and economic forces that clobbered American muscle car performance turned against the mighty Mach IV. Power was down to just over 60 HP by 1974. Even though tuning could recover lost performance and ongoing refinements made up for earlier shortcomings, Kawasaki pulled the chutes on its two-stroke triple in 1975. Early models of the H2 remain the most sought after, and this painstakingly restored example is breathtaking.