Mike Theile and his 1975 Kawasaki 500 H1
Make: Kawasaki
Model: 500 H1
Year: 1975
Country of Origin: Japan
Engine: 500cc Triple
Transmission: 5 speed
Owner: Mike Theile
City: Huntington Beach
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Congratulations to Mike Theile of Huntington Beach for winning Bike of the Month with his 1975 Kawasaki 500 H1. Mike won a $20.00 Beach Burgers gift certificate provided by Beach Burgers and The Scooter Solution.
This was Mike's first time to our meet. He has owned the bike for 6 months and is the third owner. He brought his wife and daughter, but they all voted for different bikes.
New Old Stock
The bike has been totally restored, however all of the paint is original 1975 Kawasaki NOS. Mike has been working on small imperfections, and his bike is nearly perfect.
1975 was the last year of a six year production run of the H1 which started in 1969. Best known for their straight line speed, the H1 and 750 H2 were often referred to as "Widowmakers" due to their less than favorable handling characteristics. Kawasaki's goal was to produce a 500cc 13 second quarter mile motorcycle.
The H1 two-stroke, triple engine produces 60HP and the bike was capable of 115+ MPH top speed.
I don't think Mike will hit the top speed, or need to take many high speed corners riding up Beach Blvd, so let's hope he brings it back so we can see it again.
Thanks Mike for bringing this Kawi Hot Rod to our meet. View all the photos in our August Gallery.
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