Restoration Complete - Safetied - Insured - Driven - WooHoo!

[TracksH1E]

So I've been driving my H1 for about a week now. Tweaking and tuning the carbs, short rides, checking plugs...etc.

My impressions after about 20 miles of running (don't want to go too far from home yet)

Starts nice, first kick, runs nice. Kick start is higher than I remember, my legs don't want to go that high anymore. Almost fell off the bike  when I wanted to start it in gear, pulled the clutch and kicked....whoa nothing was there. Didn't know it had to be in neutral with the clutch out to start it.

Running - Was too rich at first, had to adjust needle heights. Then one cylinder a bit too lean so I adjusted that needle back.

Brakes - well not the ABS I have on my 2015 Vulcan S but they stop me.

Shifting - takes a bit to get used to 5 up, not 1 down 5 up.

Seat - firm but comfortable

Handling - Ok for a 1974 bike, seems geared a bit too high, running around town @ 30mph I only need second gear (3000-4000rpm?). Rear sprocket has 45 teeth, didn't count the front one yet, might have 15 according to a photo I snapped

Acceleration - pulls ok through 4k then takes off real nice after that. Sounds great too.

Took it to a couple buddies that I know used to have them, they drooled, haha.

Still want to fiddle with it and get it running just perfect. (in between other jobs)

But I don't know what I want to do with it now. It's fun to ride, but not as fun as my Vulcan.

Vulcan has just as much power (but won't do street racing wheelies), ABS brakes, fuel injection, fuel gauge and electric start.

H1E has better sound, different look, different riding position (not sure if it's better or not) probably higher top end but I don't drive over 170 anymore and new bike costs another $425 in insurance. I don't really want to insure 2 bikes.

I had a great time restoring it and if I had a place to properly store it, I'd keep it just to look at it like a fine piece of art.

I'll drive it for a few weeks more then decide what to do with it.

In any case, I'm so happy I took on this project.

[zambia]

That's a great ride report! I am surprised you find a Vulcan as much fun as the H1.. but that's always a subjective point of view. To really enjoy a triple you have to ride a little bit like a lunatic - remember, with a full face helmet, folks can't tell how old you are (In fact, some years ago I introduced myself to my new neighbour and his wife as they were putting out the garbage..they asked me about my teenaged son with the loud bike LOL). I had a Councours with all the features and benefits you mention regarding the Vulcan. It was a nice bike, but it never made me smile like the H2.

I say, keep it..it's rare and it will hold it's value. My 2¢

[Curtis]

Aug 9, 2021 16:49:06 GMT -5 zambia said:

That's a great ride report! I am surprised you find a Vulcan as much fun as the H1.. but that's always a subjective point of view. To really enjoy a triple you have to ride a little bit like a lunatic - remember, with a full face helmet, folks can't tell how old you are (In fact, some years ago I introduced myself to my new neighbour and his wife as they were putting out the garbage..they asked me about my teenaged son with the loud bike LOL). I had a Councours with all the features and benefits you mention regarding the Vulcan. It was a nice bike, but it never made me smile like the H2.

I say, keep it..it's rare and it will hold it's value. My 2¢

The Vulcan S is the 650 ninja engine with a slightly different cam profile and tune. I have a ton of fun on them, the intake noise sounds like it will swallow a small child and the acceleration is spectacular, this is not an old mans vulcan

[TracksH1E]

Unfortunately the bike is quite quiet at speed so plenty of owners modify their exhaust to give it a throatier sound. I drilled mine out as per many online users and I am quite happy with it now. It is a really fun bike to ride around town.

Trying to get the H1 carbs tuned and running just right is frustrating right now. If someone made me a offer today I might just take it.

[TracksH1E]

So I made a quick PP Video to document last winters project. Here it is.

Doug's 1974 H1E

[pipe welder]

Great video and I really enjoyed the music choice.
Thanks for sharing.