1974 Kawasaki H2 750 review. Why this isn't the widow maker everyone thinks it is

On road review of my 1974 Kawasaki H2b 750, the original widow maker, or so people say. This is the bike I've always wanted to own but after eight years of having one, here's why it's not the widow maker people think it is..
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[@timokuusela5794]

Here in Finland at that time, it really earned the reputation. "Fastest Kill" was just few km:s ; a guy bought one new from a dealer, and did not even get out of Helsinki alive. Even the 350 felt crazy, 500 was mental, and the short wheelbase 750 was just dangerous. It had floppy frame even when new, and sitting almost over the rear wheel was not good for the handling. It also wanted to have the center cylinder work a bit differently, so the plug that most likely needed to be replaced was the center one. You are correct that the later one with longer wheelbase may have been better, I never got the chance to ride one. H2 had also an effect to the Finnish laws. The helmets became mandatory, and one no longer could ride big bikes just being 18 and a new driver's licence. Actually, remembering all I did with bikes of that era (I fixed my friends bikes and had chance to test almost all big bikes of the era), it is a miracle that I am still alive... That Kawasaki mentioned here was the first bike I rode over 200 kmh. On a two lane road that had a hump that made bike airborne, and it ended to a stop sign and a gas station. Which I needed because the bike did not stop from that speed fast enough... But I liked most the 350. It was not too frightening to enjoy, and it belonged to a girl who was all too happy after I synced the carbs and had it running correctly. Somehow I miss those bikes of that era, and "my last bike" will be my trusty CX500. An old gentleman's bike. I am not in a hurry any more.

[@lknight5579]

That I'm watching a bike video, before all other 5pm Sunday drops, is testament to Harry's charisma.

[@weedaviec]

As a 2 stroke fan and previous owner I love that even the big capacity bikes sound just as 'wasp in a coke can' as the 125s and 250s. Gotta love the powerbands!

[@tauncfester3022]

Owned a 1967 Yamaha YL-1 Twinjet 100 cc tiddle,r two cylinder two stroke, that sounded like it was going 75 mph at 45. At idle a friend said it sounded like BB's in a tin can.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Feel bad for all those who did not get to live and ride through these bikes. I did and to this day I feel privileged. Good video Harry

[@lasersailor6684]

Quite a few DIDN’T live through that era! I dodged my fair share of bullets…

[@unclewilbur8976]

I was lucky to survive my youth. I rode all the bikes Harry mentioned. The 500, 750, 900, etc!!!

[@plaubelmakina8916]

I had a Suzuki Water Buffalo in my youth. 3 cylinder 2 stroke water cooled. I wish I had all my old bikes.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

@@plaubelmakina8916Was one of the smoothest touring bikes available for years. Truly nice rides.

[@jamesmcmillan2656]

I rode one across the Nullarbor in 1980. Big mistake. I put on a train coming home. Loved that bike.

[@RussellChapman99]

Maddest 2 stroke I ever rode was the Suzuki RG500, gloriously insane machine.

[@tomtrahan8485]

Great job explaining the two stroke and emphasizing the torque.

[@hymek7017]

Brilliant video. Thanks Harry, I totally get why this bike is in the garage. I rode one just once but I've never forgotten it. A bike very much of it's time but a right treat to see and hear it in action again.

[@simonkiddle2726]

I had the 250 triple. Still here 😜. What a ride down memory lane 👍

[@nigeh5326]

The KH250 was nothing like the 500/750 triples. I had one and it was slower than my RD250. Only slightly quicker than the Superdream 250. Handling was ok, the brakes were weak but they looked and sounded great 👍

[@GT380man]

Those L plate 250 triples sounded just so good. They weren’t particularly powerful, but the exhaust note & a particular whine from the gearbox are completely diagnostic by sounds, if you cannot see it. I can recognize the sounds of my Suzuki triples, GT750A & GT380B, very easily. You might think they’d sound pretty much the same but with different pitch, perhaps. But they don’t. The Kettle being water cooled runs very quietly at idle.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Two wheels this time 😃👌 Obviously there’s more who rode the H2 750 and didn’t kill them selves than those who did. Just like you can find a reliable car from British Leyland 😉 No doubt that modern tires has maked a huge difference in handling from what was available back in ‘74 which obviously helped too to tame the bike. The same can be said about the modern 2-stroke oils which has reduced the numbers of oiled plugs and deposit.

[@elemar5]

It's not and never was a KH.

[@allwheeldrive]

Thanks so much for the video, Harry. I had two two-strokes, an RD350 and GT750. The RD was much like this bike, though the powerband more like the early H2. I'd taken both on day trips several times and learning where they were happy was part of the experience. It was necessary to use higher gears to maintain any kind of continued smoothness, then work the hell out of the gearbox when you needed to scoot. Not a bad thing, really. Living in Detroit, the colder riding days needed some planning because of the cop-baiting, copious smoking until fully warmed up. It was a good thing my neighbors liked me. Both were simple, great fun. For a long time I had my eye on an H2, but more civilized bikes came along and I never pulled the trigger. A neighbor's friend had one and his visits across the street were burned into my head. Upon leaving, he would invariably blast off with great ceremony; the smoke , noise, and speed resolutely defining terrible beauty. For a young teen, that was everything.

[@krihanek117]

Excellent. I love these videos that bring me back to the days of my youth. What a great memory.

[@douglangston]

I started watching Harry`s Garage for the car reviews, which I`ve watched now for three or four years, I shouldn`t be surprised that I enjoy his bike reviews just as much. Thanks, Harry, you`re simply the best.

[@Earlywinters09]

That's the bike I wanted when I was a kid. What I could afford was a Vespa 150! Not quite the same, but fun in its own right. Still, even all these years later I welcome this excellent review 😊

[@michaelschneider-]

+1 .. "66 Vespa 150cc scooters RULED the day.

[@jlrutube1312]

Yep, when I was a young teenager in the early 70's I had a little 100 cc two stroke enduro but I had the motorcycles I Idolized the most taken out of my motorcycle magazines and taped on my walls. The Kawasaki triples like the one here were on my wall and I looked at them all the time and daydreamed about what it would be like to own one. Just seeing one of them takes me back and gives me a happy yet melancholy feeling of nostalgia that I can't describe. In reality, that kind of bike wouldn't have been the type of bike that suited my personality best because I always enjoy comfortable bikes to just cruise around on and enjoy the scenery. Nevertheless, they will always hold a special place in my heart and memory.

[@TheKievKen]

@@jlrutube1312 Ha ha. I rode the KH500 and I rode a Vespa 125. On the Vespa, you are the hunted. On the KH500, you're the hunter. Big difference. My mates gave me a severe slagging for one of them. Guess which?

[@user-rk7pk3ue6v]

Agree They are a fun bike with real character , with a few minor things you could make this h2 a more pleasant bike to ride . If you get a Ivan’s carb kit fitted you can eliminate the surging & if you fit shims between the frame & engine cases & if the crank piston are balanced they are pretty vibration free . Great review 🙂

[@mythos5809]

You brought a tear to my eye. Mine was a 74 hp, Gold color with the steering damper to curb the hinge in the frame. Tank slap was a daily experience not to mention bending the gear selector in 1st gear. And the sound of those roller bearings rattling away. Ate the Z1 for breakfast as well as the Honda 900 racers. Definitely a widow maker, sadly 6 I know of. Was nearly the 7th myself but after the last major prang I just boxed the remains and practically gave it away. Cruised beautifully in 5th gear with her on the back and a tank bag over some long rides more than a 1000km. What memories! Thank you.

[@mickgarbutt3553]

A friend had the exact model and colour back in the day. I remember nailing it through the gears up to 120 mph as my hands slowly vibrated off the ends of the bars! I believe 20 mpg was as good as he could expect from it.

[@rickbrett9173]

Not wishing to pedantic, but the model tested is a 1974 H2b, it came in Green or Brown, the purple (or Red) H2 would have been the H2c from 1975.

[@frances7243]

Not a biker myself but really drawn in by Harry's enthusiasm and, of course, the sheer simplicity and fun of the KH. Did leave me wondering what is happening with the bikes Charlie bought in Italy and is restoring?

[@elemar5]

Not a KH but an H2. The 750 never had the KH prefix.

[@dr.detroit1514]

Great video! I was privileged to buy a green '74 Kaw H2 new. Rode it for a couple of years, ran it out of gas twice. I never raced it, used it as a commuter. I couldn't properly launch a bike like that to save my life. I felt a calmer, milder bike might be a better fit for me, and bought a new red '75 Suzi GT750 in early '76. I built it into a touring machine, with Vetter fairing, Bates bags and trunk, custom seat, and some other goodies. Handed the H2 to my brother. Now he could legit ride this type of a bike, and said he could take most bikes on the street with it in a stop light drag, except soloing Z-1's. He said he could take these off the line and through the first few gears, but the Z-1's would catch up and slowly pull away. Re-gearing it may have made it even quicker for the street races, but he also used it daily to ride a distance to work. Sold the Suzi in '83 when I moved to a Gold Wing Aspencade. Not sure how common a rider having owned both big bore two strokes back in the day was, but, it's something I can say I did.

[@ricoolivier]

My late brother had a '79 Suzuki GT750 2 stroke watercooled. The sound of this Kawasaki brings back beautiful memories! Thanks for the video!

[@hectorsnet]

Nice one Harry.. I love the simplified explanation of the 2stroke engine. The 2stroke that really surprised me was the Tzr Yamaha, which had the servo which opened the exhaust port with the throttle. It was an astonishing bike. Great video 👍

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

YPVS. Launched on much earlier RD350s. Those and reed valve induction transformed the tractability of two stroke engines.

[@gradyturner3367]

in the states the watercooled 350 was called a RZ ...... i have one and im jealous of those of yall across the pond where all the cool bikes are lol

[@phils866]

It's a shame smell-o-vision hasn't been invented - I can almost smell the 2-stroke smoke from here. I've never owned a bike, but my brothers had several, including a gorgeous wee CB400Four. A mate had a KH250, and I lusted after that bike. Great video by Harry. He really has a gift for explaining mechanical matters in a simple, easy to understand manner. You always learn something from his videos. Next up, the 1300 beast in the background, perhaps?

[@user-oj2do4vz8v]

I had a Yamaha yr3 350cc it was great fun, and very rideable, handled really good, and it was 1970 reg , with twin leading shoe front brake, which actually worked quite well. I did fancy an H2 but never got round to it, four strokes started to take over, so, went that way. But won't forget my Yamaha R3. Thanks for posting this honest review, bet you had fun?

[@albertsammut433]

Well my green 74 model of this exact same bike was a MEGA WIDOW MAKER I must honestly say..It was a highly modified ex drag bike that was still road registered..It had noisy chambers..bigger Lectron clear bowl carbys and pods and extensive head and porting work on the engine I was told by the previous owner..I nicknamed it SWITCH I remember simply because it had little torque below 6k rpm..but once you hit the powerband and if not sitting practically on the tank it would always lift the front wheel vertical..Now I've owned and ridden many big bore 4 stroke superbikes in my time..but none of them made me see my life float by with the number of near death experiences as my deadly overpowered ill handling H2..So grateful to have survived and share this story.

[@ianleaver4967]

Been a biker and petrol head for 40+ years and absolutely loved this video. Thanks Harry.

[@harrycummings6501]

Super jealous Harry……these bikes were just about done when I started biking in 1977, still gutted to think I bought a Kawasaki Z650B1 in 1978 for £1200 over a used Z1B which was a few quid more. I also helped de-crate an early Z1300 at a local dealer too. I’d love a couple of 70s bikes in my garage but the missus won’t budge.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Then budge the wife out.....

[@glenntoulouse5710]

The important bit you didn't mention, the smell .

[@nigeh5326]

The gorgeous perfume that we knew as Castro R 😃👍 To paraphrase the napalm scene from Apocalypse Now ‘I love the smell of 2 stroke in the morning’ lol

[@thomasmeaney8163]

Except that Castrol R used to gunk up the automatic petrol/oil mixers ón that generation of Japanese 2-stroke. We used to dabht some ón the exhaust ends to enjoy the smell. Then Esso of all people, started selling a synthetic 2'-stroke oil that smelt like a mild version of the "R". I owned an S2 350 ( not cdi) so am shocked that all 3 cyclinders start simultaneously ón thís H2B! The slight pause as you blipped the throithe and hoped the Middleton cylinder would kick in was part of chara.

[@dunntawkin213]

I had so much fun on my KH500. I wanted the 750 but could not swing the large bump in insurance cost at the time. A teen at the time, living in California, I decided to find out just how fast this 500 will go. So I drove it up the 6,000 ft mountain I lived at the base of and at the top cranked the throttle wide open and went down the mountain on an agricultural road so virtually no traffic and I managed to peg the speedometer which I think maxed out at 140 very quickly and that two stroke kept on revving and going faster till I let off at the bottom. I know I had the 12K tach pegged for a couple of downhill miles as well. No idea how fast I ended up going but it was great. Drove that bike for years after that and never felt I needed to do that stunt on the bike again. Thank you Harry for bringing back that memory for me.

[@jdwxflyer]

Love that you ride and drive your classic vehicles, Harry. Makes for great viewing. Cheers!

[@1234567marks]

Your bang on, it was the H1 that earned the widow maker moniker, yours is identical to a friends bike that I’ve ridden, his has the factory twin disc conversion, but don’t be too envious, the brakes are still hopeless 🙂

[@splodge5714]

A refreshing change. Always nice to go out for a ride. I love the 2strokes from my youth and still get great enjoyment from my modern bikes today.

[@roam5984]

The wonderful sound of that 2 stroke, the mid-70s was an amazing period of time for bikes. Great stuff Harry, bring on the bikes.

[@davidhogan915]

I’ve seen your H2 for years always lurking in the background and assumed you enjoyed owning it but not riding it so thank you for proving me wrong!

[@64faffi]

Thanks for sharing and bringing back old memories! BTW, the CBX made 63 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm claimed - the 52 lb-ft number circulating is taken from the rear wheel. That engine also made 85 hp at the wheel, down 18 from the claimed 103 at the crank (or 105PS if you are fully metric).

[@user-zn6oo4on4k]

Maybe it's my misinturpitaion of what people consider so important about torque its a lightweight machine and it's going to spin up to max rpm quick it's not lugging a load up hill. I mean a steam engine could hav3 33000 ft/lbs of torque and 50 hp not at all fast. Fastest rate of work (hp) is what I think matters of course hp and torque production are related, maybe I'M misreading what's being said by others and but it tends to annoy me and that's why you tube comment section is for lol. Just different ways of describing its performance I realize and not a big deal I just wanted to sound smart cause my Wife won't let me.😊

[@g0fvt]

I am a similar age to you Harry, and yes I remember that tales of the H1 with the wheelies on tap at apparently any speed. Nearly 50 years on I find it difficult to walk past old Kawasakis without stopping for a while. I have only ever ridden one triple back in the day but there is still something magical about their paint schemes and chrome that somehow Honda and Suzuki never had. I do remember the atrocious tyres and the discbrakes that were guaranteed to scare you, particularly in the wet.

[@a13bkd62]

What a wonderful review, an absolutely lovely bike and I love your enthusiasm. I've been addicted to motorcycles since I was 14 or so when I bought my first copy of Bike and still ride today. Cheers

[@spurgear4]

Love the bike videos, I had Kawasaki 250 and 350 triples along with Yamaha rd 350s. I have just about finished my restoration on my new to me 73 RD 350 and will soon be shopping for a Kawasaki triple to add to the stable to remind me of those days of smoke and little responsibility.

[@markwhitaker3673]

Great review Harry- brought back memories of the 1973 Yamaha RD 350 of my late teens/early twenties. Like your H2, this bike was pure fun with a kerb wt of 315lb and around 38HP it was quick, nimble and an absolute bast to ride. Narrow powerband from about 5-7K revs although with a bit of flexibility with the reed valve system. Plugs didn't foul with a little care, great handling, mediocre brakes, and quite reliable/simple to maintain-I loved it and miss it-as you say it is a reminder of my youth when I was lighter, could see well, and had great reflexes! Ah the memories.....

[@HQBProductions]

Harry….I have never ridden a bike but my father was a keen rider in the 1930/40’s! For all that, I have always had some interest and my good friend has had a bike collection all his life. He may well have had one of these bikes but he certainly watches all of your videos so I know will enjoy this review. As always…you explain why something you have is special to you and that is always good to watch.🙂🙂🙂😱🙂

[@nimrod6603]

Ha, fond memories. We had three guys in our village in the seventies who had the series 1. We used to wait outside the bar, just to see them wheelying off. It started my love with bikes, which never ended really😄👍🏻 great stuff Harry!

[@luke_3_113]

My experience of motorised 2 wheelers is limited to hiring scooters/mopeds in Asia, but still a fun watch, and as always, Harry's Garage brings a bit of variety. It's why Sunday afternoons always feature vehicle focused videos for me these days... Thanks Harry (&co).

[@royed31]

My love for 2 stokes started with the YZ80 . The power band on that was awesome. My dad , who was a BSA / Norton rider in his day , had one go on it , took off on the back wheel and could not keep it down and said he would never get on it again . He actually got off it and would not come back to where he started on it

[@jo05dk]

I've hoped you'd do an episode on this one. I'm a huge fan of two strokes myself, and the one bike i've owned that i still miss, was an early 70s Suzuki T350. A 39HP two cylinder 350ccm two stroke. It had a mad bark when you gave it full throttle, and it simply made biking fun as hell. My neighbour when i was a teenager had a Water Buffalo (Suzuki GT750, another three cylinder two stroke for those not in the know), and man.. The sound of that when he burbled up the road... Perhaps one day i should get that Yamaha RD350 YPVS i've lusted after, since the first review i read with a picture of it on the backwheel :) Anyways: Thanks for sharing. This bike is a legend, for lovers of two strokes.

[@baldwizard1]

Great vid Harry! Love these classic bikes and the sounds they make on the road are just fab. Can't wait for the Z1300 review as I remember drooling over one of those in my local Kawasaki World back in the day.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I was 16 years old when I first saw a Z1300. I watched in awe as it passed by, its nasal drone like no other bike I had heard. Love/lust at first sight. 2 years later and I was the proud owner of a black Z1300. Alas I sold it after 2 years, and all these years later it remains the one bike I truly wish I had kept....

[@JLo1960]

Had a Suzuki GT250 in 1976 when i was 16. Rode it everywhere even in winter. Used to heat my hands by holding onto the cylinder head while stopped at lights. Always wanted H1 but life and marriage got in the way. Own an old R1100RT now and dont intend to stop until im too old to get on it. Cheers Harry, a great video and a great trip down memory lane.

[@joshuarosen6242]

I bought the same bike a year later and like you, I rode it in all weathers including the snow. I remember the first time I got on it (a friend had ridden it back from the house of the bloke I bought it from) letting the clutch out too quickly. It leapt across the road and I mounted the pavement missing an old lady by centimetres. She thought I’d done it deliberately and was waving her umbrella at me. I think I was a lot more scared than she was.

[@aidanB.]

Ah yes...Ram Air Cooling. It gave us an extra 10 bhp. 😂

[@GarageBiljon]

Thanks for the video Harry! My dad had the Suzuki 750 2-stroke when I was young ca 1978. I spent many hours and kilometres on the back in my youth and I just loved the sound it made. Your Kawasaki sounds quite lot more tiny than his did, it had quite a full sound.

[@whalesong999]

I worked for a Suzuki/Kawasaki dealership in Westchester County, N.Y. in the '70s and we sold a few of each brand's 750s. We had good service, road tested each machine before and after servicing. We'd had our learning time on the H1s and were in good stead to any quirks of the H2s. Suzuki triples were much more civilized than the Kawasakis, smoother, less sound, and handled better, but.....produced perhaps more smoke in spite of them having an excess oil scavenge system for the crankcases. The Kawasakis were set up very "wet" with both oil and fuel, it's what helped them survive abuse.

[@dufushead]

Love it. If one wanted to add an extra something to their profile, then you chose wisely. Great ride Harry, respect.

[@rickbrett9173]

Having probably owned and ridden more H2's than most folks on the planet, I can only congratulate you on an accurate and unbiased opinion of the H2b, it is a shadow of it's former self (The 1972 H2) but still a bike that will make you grin from ear to ear when ridden!

[@jimc793]

Great job explaining the 2-stroke operation. I remember when the "little" 500 came out. I'd never seen one before and when one pulled up alongside me at a stoplight on my fire-breathing 883cc Harley Sportster with staggered dual exhausts, I decided I'd show him how much faster my big bike was. When the light turned green, he took off like he was shot out of a cannon. For comparison, in the hands of an expert rider, the 500 did the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds and my Sportster took 14.25 seconds. I was mortified! 🙂

[@ahopper854]

Great video I’ve just got back into 2 strokes in my late fifties from 4 strokes and oh what fun I’m having,smiles per mile 🙂

[@davidperry2492]

Thanks Harry, you just transported me back 50 years. Lovely kwaka that, and great outro to finish.

[@simonbellamy5563]

I owned an immaculate H2B Green one for well over ten years and you're dead right about it's appeal & foibles, two engine re-builds and the vibes eventually got to me but still have the 400 triple (arguably the sweetest of them all) and the 250 just to experience being 17 again!!

[@49er16]

Why is the 400 so good in your opinion?

[@simonbellamy5563]

It combines the sweet smoothness of the 250 with enough performance to make it interesting without the vibes etc.. of the 750 & 500.@@49er16

[@solsol1624]

Fantastic! Really got across the characteristics of a stroker, they like to be on the power all the time. Brilliant explanation of the power band.

[@robertbaldrey3623]

Fabulous Harry, thanks for finally featuring the H2! Such a beautiful bike and kudos for riding it out in the wet - definitely not a show pony! Please keep the bike vids coming!

[@Banditmanuk]

Such a beautiful bike, you have certainly chosen some iconic bikes to collect. Many of us gents of a certain age, loved the sound, the smell and the excitement of a two stroke. I've been lucky enough to meet Allen Millyard. He's created some incredible engines with various numbers of cylinders from this and smaller capacity Kawasaki Triples

[@howdymartin6258]

So glad to finally see a review of your B Harry. In terms of value for money the 1974 is the one and for day to day use you have a great bike. I have an H2A and you are right, it is a bit of a handful and I always ride with one hand over the clutch lever thanks to the cacophony from the engine... that said it is far more docile than my H1B 500 or my S2 350. Great video and keep enjoying your triple... a B in C colours.

[@nigelb5370]

That sound! I could only afford the 250 triple but loved that and had a couple. Two- strokes - those were the days 🙂

[@timfawcett9495]

Great stuff. Many thanks Harry Metcalf. Myself: 100cc 2 stroke rotary valve 100 National kart, KH250 at 17, KH400 at 55. These engines are a joy.

[@davidcorlett2082]

Really good to see some bikes on the channel Harry. At least till the weather draws in finally... Keep up the great work

[@user-ls5jr6bs3k]

Outstanding video, many thanks, it's wonderful to remember the past. And I've never had the opportunity to ride this bike so I very much appreciate the video!

[@TheTruckdriver999]

I’m nearly 60 And still biking Keep the bike videos up Harry Love the enthusiasm 😅

[@Jeff_Klein]

I love when you post bike content. Thanks!

[@John-in-Boothbay]

In the early 70's I rode a Yamaha RD350 and one of my riding buddies had a H1 Kawi. One time we swapped bikes and I was in fear I wouldn't survive - the first corner I entered at speed the bike flexed and twisted unlike anything I ever felt on any bike. It felt as though it might bend at any moment and I cut our swap short. Returning to the RD350, I was at once back in comfort as the bike was solid - on rails we used to say. The Kawasaki made more power than the Yamaha but the RD350 was also a capable wheelie machine and with its solid handling, I was rarely bested in a race.

[@frankmiller668]

Harry, I rode the H2 for 4yrs in a row, 72 yr H2 had great adventure always. how about 7,200 miles in 11 days across Canada, Toronto to Vancouver and back just for the fun of it. Cheers Frank.. riding a ZRX 1100 Kawasaki these days

[@timothyburnside3229]

I am old enough to remember the glory days, Honda 750-4. Kawasaki 750-triple, Suzuki GT 750 and the Yamaha Tx 750 which was by far the worst of the bikes! I have a friend who had the 550 series and lost control while the front end was off the ground and almost died but is still riding to this day! Thanks for the memories. Great video as Alway's!!!

[@porkster5924]

Superb video and a real blast from the past. Two stroke heaven for sure. Cannot wait for a video on the monstrous Z1300 too now Harry.

[@pcinflorida]

So Happy to see this video as it was the bike I learned to ride and own. The Distinctive sound brings back my youth Thanks for the Video Harry!! The Torque it had was crazy my back spocket looked like waves in the ocean from the wear.

[@glencavers1839]

It was the 500 H1 that was the widowmaker. Owned a new 71 H1 back in the day. Drum brakes, narrow powerband and terrible handling. Got a chance to ride an H2 at the time and found it much tamer than the H1. Longer powerband, longer swingarm, and disc brakes made it less dangerous, although faster than the 500. The 500 made about 20hp at 4500 rpm and about 60 hp at 5500. Impossible to keep the front wheel on the ground when it hit the powerband. I was 20 at the time and now wondered how I survived that period. Still riding today.

[@felixalbion]

Agreed. I had one too. The 500 H1 was much worse. You could feel the 500s frame flex in corners. I was a teenager when I had mine.

[@ERidesOn2]

You're a rare one to get this 💯 correct about the true widow-maker. I rode a 1972 H1 500. My first new bike. Purchased as a leftover in 74 for $800. I had several friends that did as well. They usually wound up crashed. The next bike was an H2, which was a far more road worthy machine. I rode that for years until my next bike a 1982 KZ1000J. Many local police departments began adopting that model. I'm still riding today. Primarily Japanese sport bikes.

[@carburetormike]

Because of a title issue, I put a 750cc engine in a 500 frame. Couldn’t keep the front wheel down. But I survived. Now I ride a Boss Hoss, It’s just in our blood.

[@user-rh7uk9uv2h]

A boss hawson got a Chevy 350 man.I imagine that sing screams.Good luck bro be safe​@@carburetormike

[@WizzardPrang]

Great video Harry. Brought back fun memories to this non-biker/occasional pillion passenger. In the mid-70's one of my friends had one (green of course) and I badgered him to give me a lift on it. I think I may have been mildly terrified.

[@reinmansmith]

Lovely to see more of your bike collection Harry… looking forward to more 👍

[@ColinBurnside-zc2pl]

Fantastic bike Harry. We put Dunlop TT 100s on them and it was no problem buffing the exhausts especially on the right hand side.

[@martinjones5560]

I may not have ridden an H2 but my little RD125 was enormous fun. It made my mates CB250 feel like a moped.

[@markchiswell2537]

Thank you very much Harry - I’ve a friend with one of these (not sure which model he just describes it as ‘the Kettle’) so I’ll point him towards your channel . I’m pretty sure he’ll agree with every word you said about the bike.

[@leebeenine]

great vid brought back a lot of memories my first bike was a Kawasaki KH250 triple back in 1976 loved it

[@leejonesNPT]

Great video the sound of that bike on overrun brought back so many memories as a 13yr old when that bike was made it was up there on my wish list, that bike is perfect in every way other than the colour which is great but surely it had to be vivid green to be a proper Kawasaki!

[@humanbeing1675]

Very interesting video. I always had a soft spot for 2-stroke bikes....my dream bike back in the days was a 490 Maico.

[@RepairandRideout]

Hi Harry, thank you so much for finally reviewing your H2. I share the same passion for 70’s two strokes, they have a character all of their own and take me back to simpler times

[@mikeman584]

Fantastic Harry my two of main passions farming and motorbikes. Your knowledge of both is outstanding.

[@davidbarnsley8486]

What a great bike they are My first bike at 16 was a Suzuki GT 125 and it was exactly the same Only happy with lots of revs on and made the same tinny noises Great one Harry 👍👍🇦🇺

[@daniel635biturbo]

My best friend in my teens had a GT125 and, it's funny, I immediately recognized the similar sound. And I probably drove that bike in 1994 the last time ☺ what memories.

[@simonjohnson2103]

Great video, thanks, Harry! Always loved these back in the day, never had one though I was always a Triumph man... The Kawasaki triples looked great then and still look great now I reckon...

[@aumkar2]

Thanks for more motorbike stuff, Harry. I can't wait to get my incoming CBX! I've always loved the H2 but, I really think you need to give the RD350 a shot. That to me is peak 2-Stroke. Excited for the KZ1300 review as well!

[@tan_ives]

Thanks for producing more bike content Harry!

[@johnharward246]

I think I know the Superduke fan who had that bike before you. Centre cylinder a bit prone to overheating / seizure but a cracking bit of nostalgia and a really enjoyable video. Thanks

[@peterdoe2617]

Thanks for sharing, Harry! I do remember the Bridgestone tires of back then: terrifying! Plus the unslotted disc brakes. Emergency braking in heavy rain: like you've just twisted the throttle! Fun fact: my Yamaha RD125LC has an unslotted disc. The smaller RD80 brake was slotted. (Got myself an RD80 one.) Looking at the front forks on your H2: seems like the right side was made to have another disc brake.

[@jeremyrigden9200]

Fond memories bought my first home, a two-bedroom ground floor flat in Berkhamstead Herts 10.5k. I had the 750 500 and the fully faired 250, all kept in the spare bedroom, I wish I still had them, and the flat, Hay Ho

[@keithturner5769]

Great video, cool bike and nice explanation of torque. IIRC one of the most torquey bikes per cc was the 2T Suzuki RGV250 which seemed to confound loads of people.

[@altortosa5955]

great video Harry, as you say, the tyres have improved massively, improving these classics immeasurably.

[@lingyjennifer8399]

I sure remember that sound - had an H2 back in the 70s. As soon as you got over 90-100 mph the front end wobble/shimmy was hairy. What it required was a steering damper. Also had a Water Buffalo - liked that better for the ability to drive in rush hour traffic. Thank you for the 2-stroke info - most people don't know that they actually burn oil.

[@brattonbiker6482]

Great video. A bit before my time, but I'm old enough to have owned a RD350 back in my youth. I miss the 2 strokes.

[@dave12059]

Interesting, everything put out the way it was in my memory. All the disadvantages of the two stroke. Have never been around one to ride but when younger I do recall those disadvantages. Or reasons to go four stroke! Pleased with the video. Thanks for the drive back in time.

[@user-is4tg6yt4d]

Love the honest review of the H2, no superlatives or BS! However the maximum torque is at a higher RPMs and over a narrower RPM range than a 4 stroke engine. Another mod for a better running more civilized engine is a modern CDI w/ a smoother advance curve. The H2 had a crude "single step" advance which accenuated the "power band' hit. Also better shocks and some fork work make a BIG difference in handling.

[@andrewsmith8546]

An informed and informative video, and very glad you set straight the misinformed from the outset that it was indeed the H1 and not the H2 that was known as the 'the widow maker'.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

Get Allen Millyard to stick another cylinder on for you Harry……will run smoother 🤣

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Wonder if theyre acquainted?

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@monkeybarmonkeyman I think they have. I’ve read somewhere that they have met. Maybe through Henry Cole? 🤔

[@robertprydon640]

Great review, beautiful bike love the classic colour scheme, never got into 2 strokes but had friends with these and they had a definite something!

[@2loudspeakers]

This was always a poster bike for me. Fantastic to see a review. Great video.

[@andrewoakley4957]

Excellent Harry! I only had the 250 and thought the brakes were OK until I test rode an rg400 import, the first time I grabbed the brake it immediately locked the front wheel and went into a tank slapper! Luckily I automatically released the brake and treated them with more respect! 😅

[@martinmillar8447]

Did the exact same on a 250 Gamma from my Fizzy on a wee drum. 😬

[@robertmarsh3588]

Fabulous video Harry, thank you. I loved two strokes, especially triples such as this lovely H2 back in the 1970s though my first bike wasn't till a few years later, a KH125. Nevertheless, my first pillion ride on a big bike as a kid was on my uncle's brand new GT750. Would love to see a RD350LC or RD400 review from you one day.

[@philiptidmarsh]

A great video. I have been waiting for this since I saw it in the metal at the London Concours a couple years ago. I have a Z1 but would love one of these to also relive my youth !

[@creperanch8968]

Really appreicate the bike content mate, always heard the stories of the H2 being a wild animal but it's well before my time, so it was good to hear you speak on the subject

[@davidnickerson921]

Those rider's view shots really took me back, Harry. Same as from my S3 400cc version bought new in 1975. Agree with everything you say, apart from the vibes - the 400cc was pretty smooth. I replaced the original tyres when they were hardly worn; they were terrifying, especially in the wet. Much better on decent Michelins. Hardly any power until 6000rpm, then BANG and all over by 8000. As for the fuel consumption... it was worse than my Saab 9-5 Aero with 6 times the power and 10 times the weight! Still, I loved it and I always regretted selling it. It was the last bike I owned until I became a born-again biker about 25 years later. Thanks for the momories, Harry.

[@albertchavez2693]

I was 18 in 1979 and i had a Green 1974 Green H2 and have had many bikes after and before my Widow Maker , and she almost took my life , But i still would love the have her back for weekend rides :) FUNNNNNNN is the WORD! :) TY for your cool videos :))))