New member background, and some restoration questions

[jimh1h2]

Hi all. My name is Jim and I live near kingston ontario. I’ve been a triple owner since 1975. First one was a 74 400. In 1977 I bought my 72 H2 and have had it ever since. (Yeah, I’m an old fart!) I rode the hell out of it until 1982 when I bought an 82 GPz 1100. I parked the H2 until 2001. I rode it for a few years and parked it again. Life gets in the way of a lot of things! But my questions aren’t about my H2, although I’d like to ride it again someday. In 1999 I bought a really ratty but complete 1970 H1. Now, finally over 20 years later I’ve decided to get it on the road. My questions aren’t about the restoration process itself, although I’m sure some will come up over time, but on some changes that I want to make and how they might affect the value if I want to sell it. The first change would be a complete front end from an H2 . The second would be the colour to paint it. I never liked the peacock grey, or the red they came in. I’d like to paint it blue like a 71 with the fading stripe on the tank. Both changes are still Kawasaki, but of course not “proper” for a 1970 H1. What does the collective mind of this forum think? Sorry if I’m long winded here, and thanks for any and all thoughts on this.

[reimair]

Jim
Restored a 70 H1 and regretfully let it go for good money and have really regretted it ever since. In hind sight a 70 H1 is the 2nd best triple. First place to the 69. Personally think the 69 has the best livery, but the red 70 livery is a really close 2nd. (Best Option in my opinion)I would suggest going this route or backdating to the 69 livery and no one will know. Only upgrade would be the Lakeland CDI. Then make sure you fine tune the front brake. But best bet would be to find someone with a purple H2 and arrange a trade?

[kawonda750]

You can put an H1B or, I assume an H2 front end on it but you have to change the triple trees as well. Then you could do the EX caliper mod and have a really good front disc brake. I did that on my 70 Peacock H1.

For resale, a stock colour is more saleable. Also, with the scalloped tank, it would be a shame to put those big 71 stickers on.

[jimh1h2]

Thanks for the thoughts on my 70 H1. I do have a complete H2 front end from the top clamp to the wheel. I assume this will bolt on an H1? As far as the colour goes, I think I’ll go with the red theme. I didn’t realize that the 71 tanks were different. I was thinking they changed in 72. Does anyone know the paint code for the 1970 red? Also, where in Canada is a good place to go for parts? I looked online, but I would rather tap into the knowledge of this forum. I’ll need stuff like a seat cover, cables, stripes for the bodywork, and quite a few other things I’m sure! Where does one get a Lakeland ignition? Thanks again for the info. 

[kawonda750]

Diablo Cycle in London or vintage kawasaki in Mississauga.

[jimh1h2]

Thanks for the replies, I’ve dug the old H1 out of its resting place and I’m going to take a close look at it. I haven’t done anything with this bike since I got it about 20 years ago. Dug out a lot of parts I kinda forgot I had😂. I’m going t o try and post a few pictures of the bike.
Well, that didn’t go well. Even though I resized the pictures to about 400 kB the forum won’t let me upload. What is the secret here? Thanks......Jim.......

[kawonda750]

postimage or picturetrail.

[myroc]

With a special bike like that, I would only consider doing a correct OE restoration. Otherwise value will tank.