70's Kawasaki 500 H1 a-f triple

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 05:13 AM

Thinking of getting this m/cycle, this one actually an investment and to ride also, looking for something that increases in value.Anyone got one of these lightweights and what's your experience with them.

HFW003 · 04-10-2020, 05:31 AM

Absolutely no issue buying a restored one to ride if that’s your thing.

I’m sure you’re smart enough to know this, almost always NO motorcycle is an investment nor will it increase in value.

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFW003

Absolutely no issue buying a restored one to ride if that’s your thing.

I’m sure you’re smart enough to know this, almost always NO motorcycle is an investment nor will it increase in value.

You seen the prices for a 750 H2 ''Widowmaker''.

Frupal · 04-10-2020, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

You seen the prices for a 750 H2 ''Widowmaker''.

If you did buy a restored so-called widow-maker, I would not recommend actually riding it. It’s called the widow-maker for a very good reason!

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frupal

If you did buy a restored so-called widow-maker, I would not recommend actually riding it. It’s called the widow-maker for a very good reason!

Yup 74bhp that comes on full in a narrow rev range, caught out a few inexperienced ones..only for experienced mature riders with it's big frame.
The 500 is easier going, easy sit and best looking bike ever in my opinion.

spazzyfry123 · 04-10-2020, 11:02 AM

I don't know that I'd look at it for something that would appreciate. But, I do think you could have a pretty nice one and get to nearly ride it for free when it came time to let loose! That would be a lot of "free" fun!

Rmtt · 04-10-2020, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I don't know that I'd look at it for something that would appreciate. But, I do think you could have a pretty nice one and get to nearly ride it for free when it came time to let loose! That would be a lot of "free" fun!

Those types of "investments" are the most fun. I have had the luck of having a few cars that I got to enjoy for a few years, then almost recoup everything I had in them back when I sold them.

strohw · 04-10-2020, 01:57 PM

There are various motorcycles you can buy that appreciate slowly. But generally speaking you can't ride them if you want that to happen. I agree with whats been said already in that you could buy a nice example of one of these, ride it occasionally and net out or a bit better when you sell it.

N54Yankee · 04-10-2020, 02:29 PM

I’d rather have a Triumph Trident and I’m not even a Brit!

HFW003 · 04-10-2020, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

You seen the prices for a 750 H2 ''Widowmaker''.

I have but there are a couple of issues with your premise and I stand by what I said, not many (if any) motorcycles will appreciate in value and if they do it will be over a long period of time,

Like any performance vehicle of that time you can’t just grab parts to do a restoration project, there is a lot of time and money.

All moot though I you happen to have a mint condition, hardly ridden 70’s Superbike in the garage.

If was going for a bike from this period I would getting the 750 Four, always had a thing for them.

Get yourself the bike and have some fun!

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFW003

I have but there are a couple of issues with your premise and I stand by what I said, not many (if any) motorcycles will appreciate in value and if they do it will be over a long period of time,

Like any performance vehicle of that time you can’t just grab parts to do a restoration project, there is a lot of time and money.

All moot though I you happen to have a mint condition, hardly ridden 70’s Superbike in the garage.

If was going for a bike from this period I would getting the 750 Four, always had a thing for them.

Get yourself the bike and have some fun!

Don't want a heavy 4 stroke four want a lighter two stroke mate, made up my mind like you chose your Ducati.

HFW003 · 04-10-2020, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Don't want a heavy 4 stroke four want a lighter two stroke mate, made up my mind like you chose your Ducati.

Each to their won my friend, I don’t like green

Be safe and have fun, that’s all that is important with type of “investment”!

racerbruce · 04-10-2020, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Thinking of getting this m/cycle, this one actually an investment and to ride also, looking for something that increases in value.Anyone got one of these lightweights and what's your experience with them.

What about this??
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...400-5006201054

https://news.maxabout.com/bikes/yama...s/#prettyPhoto

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFW003

Each to their won my friend, I don’t like green

Be safe and have fun, that’s all that is important with type of “investment”!

Thanks friend..I don't like green myself but seems a popular colour with these!

spazzyfry123 · 04-10-2020, 06:32 PM

I’ve got a ‘71 Honda CB350 twin in a billion pieces right now. Started the resto and then moved. If this lockdown lifts, I’m heading to pick it all out of storage to get it done in the garage. Love old bikes, but only if you like to tinker.

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I’ve got a ‘71 Honda CB350 twin in a billion pieces right now. Started the resto and then moved. If this lockdown lifts, I’m heading to pick it all out of storage to get it done in the garage. Love old bikes, but only if you like to tinker.

Rode a classic CB 250 twin quite a while ago, absolute bullet proof engines.

spazzyfry123 · 04-10-2020, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Rode a classic CB 250 twin quite a while ago, absolute bullet proof engines.

Funny enough it’s the engine that’s giving me issue. Only one cylinder will fire despite good compression, fuel, spark, timing, air... what more do you want?? Started tearing it down to diagnose further and now it’s completely disassembled. Very much a “well while I’m in here I might as well...”

M5Rick · 04-10-2020, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Funny enough it’s the engine that’s giving me issue. Only one cylinder will fire despite good compression, fuel, spark, timing, air... what more do you want?? Started tearing it down to diagnose further and now it’s completely disassembled. Very much a “well while I’m in here I might as well...”

Carb float/blocked maybe.

spazzyfry123 · 04-10-2020, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Carb float/blocked maybe.

Carbs rebuilt with new floats. Oh well. I’m itching to get it here at the new house. Building the garage in anticipation.

vreihen16 · 04-10-2020, 08:28 PM

I miss my old Suzuki T20 X-6 Hustler. Two cylinder, 2-stroke, kick start on the left, factory chrome panels on the gas tank.

On the topic of appreciating 1970's bikes, has anyone seen the price on Honda CBX's lately?????

M5Rick · 04-11-2020, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Carbs rebuilt with new floats. Oh well. I’m itching to get it here at the new house. Building the garage in anticipation.

Is the spark plug petrol wet on the cylinder that's not firing.

adc100 · 04-13-2020, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Yup 74bhp that comes on full in a narrow rev range, caught out a few inexperienced ones..only for experienced mature riders with it's big frame.
The 500 is easier going, easy sit and best looking bike ever in my opinion.

I owned a 78 KZ if you were going like over 100 and got off the throttle it went crazy. Almost killed me as an inexperienced rider.

04-10-2020, 05:13 AM	#1
M5Rick General 68470 Rep 22,057 Posts Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: GB iTrader: (0)	70's Kawasaki 500 H1 a-f triple Thinking of getting this m/cycle, this one actually an investment and to ride also, looking for something that increases in value.Anyone got one of these lightweights and what's your experience with them.
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04-10-2020, 05:31 AM	#2
HFW003 Brigadier General 6154 Rep 3,273 Posts Drives: 2024 M340i xdrive Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 M340 x drive [10.00]	Absolutely no issue buying a restored one to ride if that’s your thing. I’m sure you’re smart enough to know this, almost always NO motorcycle is an investment nor will it increase in value.
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04-10-2020, 11:02 AM	#6
spazzyfry123 Lieutenant Colonel 4891 Rep 1,958 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List (1)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] (2)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] 98 Lexus LS400 [10.00] 16 Toyota Land Cruiser [10.00] 97 Toyota Land Cruiser [8.33]	I don't know that I'd look at it for something that would appreciate. But, I do think you could have a pretty nice one and get to nearly ride it for free when it came time to let loose! That would be a lot of "free" fun!
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04-10-2020, 01:57 PM	#8
strohw Captain 482 Rep 634 Posts Drives: 19 Versys 1000, 20 KTM 690 SMC Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	There are various motorcycles you can buy that appreciate slowly. But generally speaking you can't ride them if you want that to happen. I agree with whats been said already in that you could buy a nice example of one of these, ride it occasionally and net out or a bit better when you sell it.
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04-10-2020, 02:29 PM	#9
N54Yankee Lieutenant Colonel 2708 Rep 1,916 Posts Drives: N54 135\|Cobb\|M3 control arms Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I’d rather have a Triumph Trident and I’m not even a Brit! __________________ __________________ "The Constitution was never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.” Samuel Adams
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04-10-2020, 06:32 PM	#15
spazzyfry123 Lieutenant Colonel 4891 Rep 1,958 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List (1)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] (2)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] 98 Lexus LS400 [10.00] 16 Toyota Land Cruiser [10.00] 97 Toyota Land Cruiser [8.33]	I’ve got a ‘71 Honda CB350 twin in a billion pieces right now. Started the resto and then moved. If this lockdown lifts, I’m heading to pick it all out of storage to get it done in the garage. Love old bikes, but only if you like to tinker.
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04-10-2020, 08:28 PM	#20
vreihen16 Recovering Perfectionist 20343 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: BMW-less :( Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Orange County, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Mighty Freight ... [0.00] 2000 Audi TT Quattro [0.00] 1967 Formula Vee [0.00]	I miss my old Suzuki T20 X-6 Hustler. Two cylinder, 2-stroke, kick start on the left, factory chrome panels on the gas tank. On the topic of appreciating 1970's bikes, has anyone seen the price on Honda CBX's lately????? __________________ Currently BMW-less.
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