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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[@lknight5579]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tomtrahan8485]

Great job explaining the two stroke and emphasizing the torque.

[@krihanek117]

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

[@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.

[@davidrhodes7655]

The 500 H1 was the " widow maker " blue tank meanie

[@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.

[@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?

[@RussellChapman99]

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

[@johnthonig1692]

Titan?

[@JETZcorp]

Those were much more crazy than the H2.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@inparadise-r6v]

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 🙂

[@Brutaga]

Thank you Harry for correcting and amending the truth. I own a Kawasaki 500 H1A and have been lucky enough to have been involved with them ever since the Mach 3 / 500’s had first arrived here in New Zealand. As a matter of fact, my Mach 3 is one of the original 30 that had arrived here. I personally know of three fatalities that had taken place in 1970 / 71. However, it is this regard I’ve never seen or heard of any fatalities with the H2 Mach 4. The main reason being is that the power band delivery of the H2 was broader than the H1, which can best be described as a Valhalla party on steroids. Not to say that the H2 wasn’t a handful as a couple of my mates had flipped them, but had managed to walk away. Whereas the H1 was an entirely different and lethal beast. I love my H1 and out of the three hundred motorcycles and cars that I have owned since 1970, it will always remain in my family, because it is so very much apart of my family 💙

[@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

[@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.

[@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.....

[@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.

[@ianleaver4967]

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

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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.

[@JohnTimothy-m8x]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@whitevanman8703]

I learnt to drive on a KH250 which is the same bike apart from the cc! I went from London to Bristol on it and from London to Holland on it, the fuel consumption was terrible. The Avon RoadRunners suited it. A steering stabiliser and some better rear shocks helped a lot. I have been wondering when you would do a video on that bike since I first saw it in the garage. Many thanks for bringing back many happy memories.

[@GenaF]

This one of Harrys sounds more like a 250 than a 750.

[@JamesBrown-ux9ds]

Yes, very much like a DS7😊

[@timfawcett9495]

Here here. KH250 at 17, KH400 at 55. 😊

[@bsimpson6204]

I had a go on my mates 250 triple last year, I have no idea how you road that to Holland, if that was me I’d have sold it there and caught the train home 😅

[@matsfredsson9445]

I do have a 350 Kawa triple (se pic) and it is big fun! The sound, the angryness, the temper, so fun! And yes: it does lift the front wheel without using clutch, just give full gas in first gear, and... there we go!😁 These bikes are legends!

[@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.

[@majoy-osterlundfreeman5425]

I was 15years when I tried out the 750 kaw. and it was so amazingly smooth and easy to ride that I was amazed But it took 7 years before I was on Kawasaki again and then it was on racetrack with highly tuned Rickman Kawa 900 with almost twice the 750’s power 😉

[@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.

[@WilliamPatrick-e5p]

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?

[@victorbaker4585]

I had two H2 750's. The widow maker is still there. Running 144 mph on an upgrade highway, maybe I could have gotten another mile or two per hour out of it. I shot passed an 18-wheeler that was going roughly 85 mph and somewhat close. I realized I wasn't on that straight course no more, little by little. I had to slow down into the 130's range to straighten it out. I weighed roughly 130 pounds. After a top end check, I changed to a double chain and socket for lower end speed. Then the bike felt almost like a first gear, the gear you don't play around with. Accidently doing a wheely in 2nd gear, as it happened so often in first gear. Now you and others know how fast they are stock at top end. After what I have shared with you all, that's why I have to call the 750 a widow maker too. Thank you for your video.

[@knowledgebyte]

I had a Suzuki super-kettle. It had been dropped and my Dad bought it fairly cheaply. I offered to rebuild it and eventually bought it from my Dad. I put a 3 into 1 piper exhaust on it, which tamed it down enough to make it safe to ride. It came in a Barry Sheen Dunstall fairing racing style that Barry used to race in - red, white and yellow. I got the frame cadmium coated and a bake coated red with gold wheels and got all the chrome work done. I designed my own side stand cut-out circuit.. not nice cranking it into a bend and realising you left the side stand down! It used to purr nicely with a whistle from the piper (hence the name). It took some tuning to get the engine nicely setup with the aid of a mercury-based vacuum tester and feeler gauge for the contacts. Like you say: halcyon days. Totally immersive and visceral bikes to ride. Fissie=Yamaha FS1E. A single cylinder revvy learner bike that was very popular back in the 70’s.

[@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).

[@Ron-j3t]

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.😊

[@TheKarsino]

Really refreshing to see a good honest video devoid of the myths and nonsense that has been written about the H2C over the years. I had both an H1 and then part exchanged that for an H2 bought new in 1974 and used it every day of my life for the two years I had it including commuting to work through London rush hour traffic to blasts on country roads and everything in-between. Great fun to ride, never as scary as the legend might have you believe (but I did have a few scary moments on it!) but oh that fuel consumption!

[@ATomRileyA]

I do love the big two strokes, would love to see you review a RG500 Gamma which is a bike i always wanted :) , also the Aprilia RS125 and RS250 was glad i got to experience the later two strokes before they all went away. My uncle had a H2 750 when they were new and i remember my dad had a supercharged Trident 855cc which was faster than the H2 and they used to argue about it. So wish they kept those bikes for me to have haha.

[@felixalbion]

The RG500 and NSR400 were ok if not going very far. I was a despatch rider when they were about. When my own bike was off the road for repairs the company lent me those two. They were very uncomfortable and did not handle in the wet.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I had a later Kawasaki 500 triple, ported to about 80 crank BHP but rode an early one, a 1971 H1A, which had an exciting powerband but a reluctance to do anything other than go straight ahead. I recall the roll on test between a 750 H2C and a Z1 900, the H2 walking away from the inline 4 in top gear. I'm not sure if the website is still up and running but there was a trick H2C on one triples forum that was making over 120 BHP, with reed valves, expansion chambers etc.

[@vincebaildham7530]

I worked in a bike shop ,, in 72>>> Still remember 1st TD on it after i assembled it took er for scoot around my city loop ,,, Instantly the CB 750 yesterdays newspaper!!!!!

[@vincebaildham7530]

Kz 900 1973 Orange n brown AKA A & W Burger scheme!

[@humandroid53]

The Z900 seemed like a big slow truck compared to the H2. A very different bike (still fast but not exciting like the H2).

[@martinjones5560]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@nigelb5370]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@snypergaming1744]

Just had my first session on a 1980's honda 125 and i had a total blast , i can only imagine what a 750 can be and it should demand alot of respect....

[@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

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

I just started watching these h2 stories and have been commenting. We built and rode all from 250 to 750

[@keithharrison1453]

I did my level best to see myself off via my purple UK 1976 H2 750C but, somehow survived, some 17 operations later, and a pile of plates, pins and screws. However, I absolutely loved that bike out of several that I had, including a Z1B Rickman Yoshimura. Now, some 47 years later, at the ripe old age of 64, I need crutches just to walk, mostly all thanks to the H2! Would I do it all over again? Hell yes.

[@keithharrison1453]

@@homie3461 I had the single seat on my Rickman, but it was just about accommodating enough to squeeze a girlfriend (now wife) on the back. Kept her in place too, with no option to bale out!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@jdwxflyer]

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

[@boofer875]

I had an H1 and the '72 H2. I am 71 and ride a '99 Magna V4. The original tires had a flat profile for drag racing. I put more rounded Dunlops on mine. It would run an honest 130 mph. The H1 I had was bored and jetted, so I let off around 115. I weighed 130 lbs. Be safe.

[@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.

[@robswisher7570]

I had a 1974 750 and I'm dam lucky to still be here all these years later. Mine had a wobble at around 110 that would make you back it down every time. I had it back to the dealer like 15 times for it they made it somewhat better but it still did it. It sure was fun to ride.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

I had my 750 triple from age 19 to age 59, ended up selling it to one of my best friends as my back was not dealing well with the violent power output from this bike(would keep up with my CBX before the 6 got turboed). It's still in the "family", so to speak. It has always hauled ass and never failed to thrill anyone who got a ride on it(my wife refused to get on the back of it with me), and earned me $$ back in the crazy days at the street races in mexico. Spec II chambers, '72 H2 cylinders with mild port blueprinting, forged Wiseco pistons, polished combustion chambers w/cc'd heads, HD extra plate clutch, undercut trans, 2" overlength aluminum swingarm, tapered roller steering head bearings, dual front disc brake setup off of a Z1(bolts right on), drilled rotors, K&N filters, and jetted accordingly sure made for one nasty fast bike, and always loved the engine's simplicity with only 7 moving parts to make all that power. This bike never fouled a sparkplug in 40 years of ownership, and always started up & ran great, 2 kicks cold, 1 kick hot with little or no smoke from the exhaust when warmed up. Do miss the ole girl, but still have my turbo Honda CBX to get an occasional thrill ride! Thank you for this video, these triples are great bikes!

[@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.

[@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.

[@PetriTemiseva]

I remember my first ride with H1. My previous bike had been 100cc Yamaha Trailmaster. My 16 years old heart was beating very fast during the unintentional very looooong wheelie.😅

[@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! 🙂

[@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? 🤔

[@husshardan3511]

Such a sweet paint job!

[@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!

[@kkiwi54]

A few years ago I had a 2 stroke aircraft (microlight) Hearing the ring ding ding noise as I descended for landing reminded me of my early motorcycles - and the smell was loverly 😅

[@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

[@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 :))))

[@mariodesmo]

My best friend in high school had a green H2, I had a Z1. I am here to say that we were lucky to have owned these back in the day, and lucky to be alive to this day... lol

[@keithm6117]

My H2a brings an enormous smile to my face every time i ride it, not only does it look good, it's sounds fantastic and it behaves up to around 5 thousand rpm. Simply great fun to ride...

[@davidlutton4560]

Never seen you as a bike man Harry, but this video was superb and brought me back to my rebellious youth. Along with that CBX, it's a keeper in your garage for sure. Many thanks.

[@sambrooks7862]

I think a lot of the handling problems associated with some of the 70s bikes could easily be rectified with modern tyres and brakes and wouldn't be an issue now. Of course there was also the case of the riders ambition outweighing their talent. A lot of people who bought these bikes went straight from a small capacity bike or a much more forgiving British bike, I remember a neighbour who went from a suzuki B120 to a CB200 then straight to an H2! There was a long road straight road out of our village but at the other end was a really tight S bend and a few days after he got the bike he stuck it in the hedge at the first bend then got it repaired and sold it.

[@future62]

They had awful noodly chassis as well. I think they would be overwhelmed by modern tires. The twin spar chassis was a revelation.

[@sambrooks7862]

@@future62 maybe but I don't mind a bit of flex when you're pushing on, unless the tyres let go then I mind a fair bit lol. About 15 years ago I bought a FJ1200, mainly because I'd heard all about the legendary torque but I'd never ridden one. The night before I was going to collect it my mate said "ooh, you won't like it, they don't handle you know" based on the 80 mile ride home from where I picked it up he was right. So, better rear shock, progressive fork springs, FZR back wheel, blue spot calipers and it was transformed. True it didn't handle as good as my gixxer but still very capable and that old girl did suffer badly from chassis flex. Actually I think I might get another one!

[@RedHotscot]

The temptation is always to upgrade parts of a classic bike to turn it into a modern bike. The problem is the chassis were never designed to absorb the energy from good brakes, tyres and suspension. Personally, I'm happy to stick to a cheap modern bike like a Bandit or something and happy to relish the primitive nature of old bikes. Mind you, my bike days are over. I can't be bothered with getting dressed up like a storm trooper just to get a pint of milk from Tesco. My first bike, a 1968 Suzuki T200, wasn't fast enough to bother with protective gear. Jeans and an anorak were the order of the day. My Dad's hand me down 1950's open face, leather lined helmet was quickly replaced with a 'new fangled' full face Shoei, with metallic finish, no less. The old man wasn't half pissed at me wasting my money but his helmet and various other car racing paraphernalia are now on display at the Jaguar Heritage Museum. He's probably still pissed at me, but we'll have a laugh about it when I join him in the great garage in the sky.@@sambrooks7862

[@splodge5714]

70s bikes also had rubbish suspension.

[@andrewbaron8713]

Back in the day I had 3 250’s a 400 and had a go on a 750. They handled like a 4 poster bed. When I bought my 350lc you realised just how bad they were. Loved those two strokes.

[@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 🙂

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

First one we rescued from a tin shed was a purple h2. We progressed from there. I loved them.

[@chrismoody1342]

I’ve only had a brief go at the H2. An acquaintance had one and I got about 5 minute ride. The temptation to get in the power and was a temptation I couldn’t resist. I was ready as I rode a two stroke MX bike and was used to the sudden hit of power.

[@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

[@leebeenine]

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

[@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!

[@MrHasherd]

Thanks Harry. In the 1970s I worked I Tokyo and craved this bike and the 500cc Mach 1. Probably just as well that I didn’t get either.

[@alexv5261]

Love the bike videos Harry! You should also have an episode of Harry's watches.😄

[@andrewwest9252]

The usual Bridgestone and Yokohama tyres that were standard on bikes of this period were referred to as "Teflon Non-Stick" A reputation that was very well earned.

[@TyfoiD75]

I actually own the 1974 750 Kawasaki that my dad bought brand new, but sold after I was born. His friend bought it, kept it in mint condition and I got testdrive it when I turned 18. After the drive, I told the owner that "if you are ever going to sell this, contact me 1st" On that, I kept reminding him on occasion because me and him also became friends. As he was this world class bike mechanic (worked both MX and RR GP circuit for a number of years) and lets just say that i learned alot. I did not get to buy it, but he did the unthinkable and gave the bike to me on his testament.

[@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

[@julesviolin]

After spending 2 years on my Casal 50cc moped (fastest moped around in the 70's it used to leave FS1E's behind 😅) My 2nd bike was a CBX1000 straight after passing my test on a borrowed Suzuki GT185. Loved having 6 cylinders it kept my legs warm in the winter , worth a fortune now 👌

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

You’ve just got to love 70s 2 strokes. Had an RD350A as my first bike. Sold it to move down here for F1, bought a 4th hand RG500 in 93 when no one wanted them, they wanted CBR600s. Still have it today and no way I’d ever sell it. They just put a big silly grin on your face. Powerbands are where it’s at! Up for it if you want a go.

[@richy69ify]

CBR 600s kicked off the supersport era, but after a couple of years realising 2-strokes were in my blood I went back to smokers with an RGV250 then Aprilia RS250. 1990s were the peak IMO. The early 90s DTR 125 is still in demand today.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

@@richy69ify Exactly! DTRs were brilliant!!!

[@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.

[@francoislopin6372]

Am a bit younger than Harry and in my days, in the early 90’s, the crazy 2-stroke bike to have was the Yamaha TDR 250, basically two DT 125cc engine stuck together, putting out 50hp for 150kg. It looked the part too, like an angry TDM, half supermotard, half road-bike.

[@davidcorlett2082]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@robertsanders9068]

A rare treat - more motorcycle videos PLEASE - from a motoring journalist who is up there with the likes of LJK Setright - just forget those KZbin algorithms!

[@jackward-m2y]

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!

[@davidperry2492]

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

[@AndyH2O]

What a great bike. My only experience of these is of the 250 version in the early 1980s, power/torque to weight was something else, absolute fun.

[@MrPaulsim]

I remember drooling over the pictures of the H2 in the 70's, but never got to own one ! maybe I'll look for a decent one to own now.

[@GarryMcGovern]

MORE bike videos please Harry! While I absolutely love my cars (I only have the 6), bikes are my true passion (11 and counting - I just need more space!!). 😁

[@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'.