From all around the world, including Britain, if we’re still included, that is. Are we?
KAWASAKI H2 750
Brian McGregor fancied a project to keep him busy through lockdown, so he bought an American import Kawasaki H1E as a box of bits. The end result was stunning; with KR-1 wheels, ZXR400 front end, Metmachex swingarm, and a super-trick set of spannies.
But best of all, the 500 inspired Brian to go one bigger with his next project – this amazing H2C 750, another US import bought as a complete basketcase. “I didn’t want to do a straight restoration or build a cafe racer, but instead create something more modern – abuild that could have come from the factory.” Here’s how he did it.
ENGINE
Brian went full bore with the motor, taking the barrels out to 73mm to give 791cc. The engine was treated to a complete rebuild by Gary Clarke from the Triples Owners’ Club.
Fuelling is via Mikuni VM34s (with UFO inserts that theoretically increase mixture flow and reduce turbulence) breathing through foam Ramair filters, with exhaust gasses exiting via gorgeous custom stainless Alonze crossover pipes.
He’s still running it in, and Brian plans to get it on a dyno when fully bedded-in, but says it’s already a hoot to ride: “I’m hoping for 85- 90bhp. When I can give it the full beans it should be epic.”
ROLLING STOCK
Brian’s kept things inhouse with a KR-1 rear wheel and ZXR400 front for a better choice of rubber, with a one-off rear disc to match the pair of wavy 300mm rotors up front; calipers are ZXR items too. Tyres are Pirelli Sport Demon – afairly considerable upgrade over the stock H2 rubber of the day.
CHASSIS
Forks are ZXR400, uprated with K-Tech internals; bottom yoke is also ZXR, top yoke is custom. At the rear, a box-section Metmachex swingarm works YSS piggyback shocks.
Surprisingly – or perhaps bravely – Brian hasn’t braced the frame, despite the motor’s hefty increase in potential. “Most flex, especially with a standard chassis, will come from the swingarm and pivot. The Metmachex ’arm is significantly stiffer than the original, so that should see off any issues. I haven’t experienced any problems.”
DETAILS
It’s a quick Kwak so it had to be green. The deep lustrous finish, with nods to Kawasaki’s KH triples past, is the work of Precision Motorcycle Paintwork in Newport Pagnell – and a fine job they’ve done too. “I wanted to steer clear of standard colour
