KAWASAKI H2 MACH IV 750 – THE WIDOW MAKER MOTORCYCLE 1972-1975
The Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 triple debuted in 1971, setting new benchmarks for motorcycle performance. Known for its raw two-stroke power speed and design, the H2 became one of the fastest production motorcycles of the 1970s.
Kawasaki H2: Complete History, Performance Specs & Design
At the time of introduction, the Kawasaki H2 750 had the fastest acceleration of any production motorcycle, capable of a 12-second quarter mile. Its high-performance 2-stroke triple engine made it one of the most thrilling bikes to ride of its time. Kawasaki's original ad brochure noted the H2 was for experienced riders, advertising a 12 second flat quarter mile time.
The H2 famously earned the infamous nickname the “Widow Maker” and “Flying Coffin” due to its extreme power, lightweight frame, and less than agile handling.
After the release of the Honda CB750 in 1969, Kawasaki needed to compete with a motorcycle marketed in the 750cc class. Instead of a 4-stroke, they designed a two-stroke triple based on the Mach III H1 500, prioritizing speed and acceleration.
At the same time, Kawasaki already had plans for a 750 four-stroke, but halted development to re-design it as a 900cc, leading to the creation of the Kawasaki Z1 900, launched a year later in 1972, which helped define the modern superbike era.
At the same time, Kawasaki already had plans for a 750 four-stroke, but halted development to re-design it as a 900cc, leading to the creation of the Kawasaki Z1 900, launched a year later in 1972, which helped define the modern superbike era.
The H2 featured new Candy Pearl paint and unique modern 1970s-era graphics, designed by Rollin Sanders (Molly Designs, California). A legendary hot rod and motorcycle paint customizer and whos iconic designs are instantly recognizable among classic motorcycle & car enthusiasts.
Kawasaki 750SS Japan model
In Japan, the Kawasaki H2 750 was sold branded as the Kawasaki 750SS priced at 365,000 yen. Strict 1970 Japanese motorcycle laws limited engine sizes to 750cc, preventing larger bikes like the Z-1 900 from being sold domestically. This regulation had a major impact on the industry. It made the Kawasaki Z1 900 exclusively for export, meaning it was not allowed to be sold new in the country it was made in. Japan did not want 900cc speed machines on their domestic roads, prioritizing safety by controlling engine sizes over unrestricted performance.
In 1970, the Japanese government introduced strict motorcycle safety laws and licensing requirements that made it difficult for riders to obtain a license operating bikes over 500cc. These regulations were part of an initiative to promote safer, small-displacement (low cc) motorcycles for everyday riders.
As part of this push, school students were instructed not to ride on or accept rides from 750cc motorcycles, reinforcing the perception that high-displacement bikes were dangerous.
The 750cc class was regarded as reserved for expert racers, and Japanese lawmakers capped the maximum engine size sold at dealerships in Japan to 750cc, effectively banning the sale of any motorcycles over 750cc within the entire country.
In 1970, the Japanese government introduced strict motorcycle safety laws and licensing requirements that made it difficult for riders to obtain a license operating bikes over 500cc. These regulations were part of an initiative to promote safer, small-displacement (low cc) motorcycles for everyday riders.
As part of this push, school students were instructed not to ride on or accept rides from 750cc motorcycles, reinforcing the perception that high-displacement bikes were dangerous.
The 750cc class was regarded as reserved for expert racers, and Japanese lawmakers capped the maximum engine size sold at dealerships in Japan to 750cc, effectively banning the sale of any motorcycles over 750cc within the entire country.
Anything exceeding that threshold was banned from being sold domestically, creating a hard ceiling in the market. As a result, high-performance motorcycles with engines larger than 750cc were restricted to export-only status.
A prime example of this policy’s impact is the Kawasaki Z1900, a groundbreaking 1973 900cc motorcycle that could not be sold new in Japan despite being manufactured there. Instead, it was developed exclusively for international markets, where demand for large, high-performance motorcycles was growing rapidly. Ultimately, Japanese lawmakers prevented powerful 900cc “superbikes” from entering domestic roads, prioritizing safety with regulatory oversight over high-speed performance within the country. This made the 750cc H2 "750ss" king of the road in Japan.
Most Kawasaki H2 750 motorcycles were exported to the United States as the primary market, while European demand remained high Europe only received a small limited supply.
kawasaki 750 h2 production data
Around 23,000 H2 motorcycles were produced for 1972, with the majority shipped to the USA. The United States was Kawasaki's target market for sales. Europe received very few H2s yet the demand was very strong on the European continent.
The Kawasaki H2 750 was discontinued in 1975 due to the fuel crisis, new stricter U.S. emissions regulations, and noise laws. In all some 50,000 H2 motorcycles were made.
The Kawasaki H2 750 was discontinued in 1975 due to the fuel crisis, new stricter U.S. emissions regulations, and noise laws. In all some 50,000 H2 motorcycles were made.
The H2 was ultimately replaced by the more refined Kawasaki 900Z1, which offered:
- Identical or better performance
- Better fuel efficiency (twice the MPG)
- Improved reliability and handling (far better overall refinement)
1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV in Pearl Candy Blue, featuring original paint on this unrestored survivor
1972 H2 750 Mach IV Specs
- H2 Frame Number Range: H2F-00001 to H2F-23670
- H2 Engine Number Range: H2E-00001 to H2E-23157
1972 Kawasaki H2 750 frame numbers started at H2F-00001 and ended at H2F-23670, while engine numbers began at H2E-00001 ending at H2E-23157
Frame and engine numbers may be higher or lower, gaps of +/- 500 units are common.
Frame number stamps are uniform in depth and aligned in a straight line, always produced in a consistent stamping. In contrast, engine number stamps may vary, with some numbers appearing struck lightly or deep, and occasionally misaligned or offset higher or lower than the rest.
Frame number stamps are uniform in depth and aligned in a straight line, always produced in a consistent stamping. In contrast, engine number stamps may vary, with some numbers appearing struck lightly or deep, and occasionally misaligned or offset higher or lower than the rest.
USA color: Pearl Candy Blue (only one color for the United States).
In Japan and Europe, a second color option was available: Candy Gold.
Paint tones varied from the factory, with some bikes having lighter or darker shades, brand new out of the shipping crate, colors on the show room floor would vary.
The gas tank, tail section, side covers, and front fender were all painted in matching colors.
The engine features alloy cylinders and cylinder heads with cast iron liners, a key design of the Kawasaki H2 750 engine.
Pistons and piston rings were manufactured with high silicon content to better withstand heat.
Temperatures above the exhaust ports could reach an average of 470°F (243°C).
The Kawasaki H2 started production in September 1971. Early models are identified by a plastic headlight bucket and a single engine mounting tube cradle instead of two.
The original MSRP was $1,385 in the United States and approximately £700 in the United Kingdom.
In Japan and Europe, a second color option was available: Candy Gold.
Paint tones varied from the factory, with some bikes having lighter or darker shades, brand new out of the shipping crate, colors on the show room floor would vary.
The gas tank, tail section, side covers, and front fender were all painted in matching colors.
The engine features alloy cylinders and cylinder heads with cast iron liners, a key design of the Kawasaki H2 750 engine.
Pistons and piston rings were manufactured with high silicon content to better withstand heat.
Temperatures above the exhaust ports could reach an average of 470°F (243°C).
The Kawasaki H2 started production in September 1971. Early models are identified by a plastic headlight bucket and a single engine mounting tube cradle instead of two.
The original MSRP was $1,385 in the United States and approximately £700 in the United Kingdom.
1972 H2 750 started production by Kawasaki in 1971
Kawasaki H2 750 gauges feature green numbers and lettering, a distinctive detail of 1972 models.
The bike uses a CDI ignition system, with a crankshaft-mounted generator. Each cylinder is equipped with an individual trigger, amplifier, and ignition coil.
Several production changes occurred throughout the 1972 model:
The bike uses a CDI ignition system, with a crankshaft-mounted generator. Each cylinder is equipped with an individual trigger, amplifier, and ignition coil.
Several production changes occurred throughout the 1972 model:
- Brake lever and torque link updated around frame number H2F-05000
- Pinion nut size changed from 27mm to 29mm around engine number H2E-05200
- Engine mounting shims revised around H2E-09000
- Brake pads updated around H2F-10500
- Fork seals improved after H2F-19000
1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Specifications
- Engine: 748cc two-stroke triple engine
- Horsepower: 74 hp
- Top Speed: 126 mph
- Quarter Mile: low 12-second range (1/4 mi time)
- Dry Weight: 423 lbs
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Fuel Economy: approximately 17 MPG
1973 H2A 750cc Mach IV
- H2A Frame Number started at: H2F-23671
- H2A Engine Number Started at: H2E-23158
Kawasaki H2-A 750 frame numbers started at H2F-23671, while engine numbers began at H2E-23158
Available color options included Candy Gold or Candy Purple.
The H2A featured new striping on the tank and tail section, while the side covers included emblems.
A chrome front fender was introduced, along with a locking gas cap and helmet lock.
The gauges were redesigned with white numbers and lettering, replacing the previous green style.
While a few minor production changes occurred, the Kawasaki H2 750 remained largely unchanged throughout the model year.
Additional updates included:
The H2A featured new striping on the tank and tail section, while the side covers included emblems.
A chrome front fender was introduced, along with a locking gas cap and helmet lock.
The gauges were redesigned with white numbers and lettering, replacing the previous green style.
While a few minor production changes occurred, the Kawasaki H2 750 remained largely unchanged throughout the model year.
Additional updates included:
- New distributor gasket
- Oil pump cover with grommet
- Slightly larger CDI cover
1973 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV in Candy Gold, featuring original paint, classic Mach IV styling.
1974 H2B 750cc Mach IV
- H2B Frame Number Range: H2F-32201
- H2B Engine Number Range: H2E-32401
Kawasaki H2-B 750 frame numbers started at H2F-32201, while engine numbers began at H2E-32401.
The 1974 Kawasaki H2 750 was redesigned, featuring new colors and graphics.
Color Options: Candy Brown or Candy Green.
Key updates for 1974 included:
The 1974 Kawasaki H2 750 was redesigned, featuring new colors and graphics.
Color Options: Candy Brown or Candy Green.
Key updates for 1974 included:
- Longer, redesigned frame for improved handling and rider comfort
- Revised seat, fuel tank, side covers, and tail section to fit the new frame
- New speedometer and tachometer integrated in a center instrument console
- Reflectors relocated from tail section to shocks and under fork ears
- Mach IV lettering in white under the 750 side cover emblem
- Oil tank filler moved from under side cover to under the seat
- Hydraulic steering damper added for stability
- Longer wheelbase
- Larger rear grab rail
- New chain guard
- Non-locking gas cap
- Round tail light
- Chrome fork ears
1974 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV in Candy Brown featuring redesigned frame, updated seat, fuel tank, and new graphics.
1975 H2C 750cc Mach IV
- H2C Frame Number started at: H2F-42547
- H2C Engine Number started at: H2E-42827
Kawasaki H2-C 750 frame numbers started at H2F-42547, while engine numbers began at H2E-42827.
The 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750 Mach IV received a final redesign before being discontinued from Kawasaki’s lineup.
Colors: Candy Purple or Candy Super Red
Key 1975 Updates:
The 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750 Mach IV received a final redesign before being discontinued from Kawasaki’s lineup.
Colors: Candy Purple or Candy Super Red
Key 1975 Updates:
- Updated lubrication system – oil was no longer pumped into the intake passage; instead, it went through the carburetors
- Crankshaft redesigned with partial round counterweights, reducing primary compression ratio
- Power output reduced to 71 hp
- Carburetors rubber-mounted for smoother operation
- Longer fuel tank and shorter seat
- Hydraulic steering damper relocated to the left side
- Increased weight to 458 lbs
- Quarter mile performance slower at 13 seconds
Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV Year-by-Year Model Gallery
1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Speedometer & Tachometer
1973 Kawasaki H2A 750 Speedometer and Tachometer
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1974 Kawasaki H2B 750 Speedometer and Tachometer
Identify speedo / tach by year:
1972: No center console, green numbers 1973: No center console, white numbers 1974: The trip meter was moved to the bottom of the speedometer, the odometer to the top, the stop lamp to the bottom of the tach, and the instrument lights from the tach to the new center console. 1975: Center cluster |
Tail section, light and grab bar were the same for 1972 & 1973 but re-designed starting for the 1974 H2.
Original 1972 kawasaki H2 Tail section and light
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1974 kawasaki h2b 750 taił section, grab rail and brake light
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This is where to find the H2 750 Kawasaki frame VIN number and engine serial numbers
This is where to find the Frame number and the engine number
The H2 and Z1 shared several of the same parts
How Much Is a Kawasaki H2 750 Worth in 2026?
The price range for a 1972-1975 H2 is $1,000 – $15,000. Actual value depends heavily on condition, year and originality. A professionally restored H2 motorcycle can sell for over $25,000.
What Affects Value of a Kawasaki H2 750 Triple?
- Overall condition is the number one factor
- Restoration quality
- Restored with original parts
- Matching engine and frame numbers
Who Buys Kawasaki H2 750 Motorcycles?
If you’re wondering who will buy a Kawasaki H2 750 motorcycle, KawGuy.com is a dedicated vintage Kawasaki collector actively purchasing H2 Mach IV 750 triples. Buying bikes in all conditions and providing fast value estimates, fair cash offers, and local pickup. If you’re looking to sell your H2 750 triple, contact KawGuy.com with photos and details to get started.
I want to get my Kawasaki H2 restored. Who does restorations?
Contact KawGuy.com for the best professional restoration advice. Full frame off restoration, get it running mechanical work or fix it up. How you want your motorcycle restored is up to you.