1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E

Traditional

3-cyl. 498cc/59hp

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$9,400*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph07/2310/2301/2404/24$2k$4k$6k$8kJun 2024
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1969-1976 Kawasaki Mach III stats
Highest sale
$30,800
Lowest sale
$2,145
Most recent sale
$6,600
Sales
80
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Model overview

Model description

Kawasaki had experimented with larger bikes with the 624 cc W1 twin, (a BSA A10 knock-off) in 1966, but then went back to the drawing board and came up with the H1 Mach III two-stroke triple of 1969.

Gracing the cover of both Cycle and Cycle World in April 1969, it offered 60 bhp from a three-cylinder two-stroke engine of 498 cc, weighed 382 lbs and could turn a quarter mile in 12.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 124 mph. Honda’s game-changing 750 had been upstaged, and at $999 the Kawasaki was almost half the price of the Harley-Davidson’s XLH.

Not all of the statistics were positive, though. 57 percent of the bike’s weight was on the rear wheel, and the frame was constructed of small steel tubes that proved to be fairly weak. The drum brakes were also less than exemplary, and accelerating through a corner often generated a “tank slapper.” Even so, the Kawasaki H1 Mach III was incredibly exciting. Its exhaust let out a thrilling wail from its triple pipes, and dazzling pearl white and purple paint only added to the attention grabbing.

The Mach III was very thirsty, with a range of about 80 miles to a tank of fuel, and engine vibration could numb your fingers after a longer ride. Electrics, meanwhile were quite good with a capacitor discharge ignition providing enough spark to prevent plugs fouling, and a waterproof cover was added in 1970.

The sleek fuel tank was enlarged for 1971 and efforts were made to strengthen the frame. A long awaited front disc brake became available the following year. That same year Kawasaki added a 250 cc S1 Mach I triple and a 346 S2 Mach II triple. Completing the lineup was the king of the hill – the H2 Mach IV 748 cc triple, which was even faster and crazier than the 498 cc version.

Meanwhile, Honda’s 750 4-cylinder, 4-stroke lesson had not been lost on Kawasaki and the DOHC 900 cc Z1 was launched to great acclaim in February 1972. It would sell 80,000 units in the next two years and ultimately outlast the screaming 2-stroke triples.

The two-strokes continued their development, and 1974 saw the S2 250 cc triple joined by an enlarged S3 – now up to a 400 cc displacement and with square fins on the cylinders to differentiate it. The 498 cc Mach III H1E gained valves to direct oil to the main bearings, while the 748 cc H2B Mach IV received new bodywork and a long-overdue steering damper.

The year 1975 saw the Z-1 takeover the high performance mantle, as the Mach IV was discontinued, but the 498 cc Mach III would continue through 1976 and its 250 cc Mach I sibling unaccountably survive it by an extra year.

The early Kawasaki triples have understandably gained a following among collectors, and because their handling characteristics can best be described as unforgiving, the number of survivors is not particularly high. The excitement they offer, though, is sufficient payoff for a relatively high purchase price in the collector market.

As is often the case, it’s best to buy only bikes with long-term provenance and check carefully for accident damage repair, and it’s worth noting that some parts are hard to find and can be expensive. At the end of the day, this is one of the more memorable models from a formative period in Japanese motorcycles, it has a place in just about any bike collection.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,400 for a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E at auction over the last three years was $20,900. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E at auction over the last three years was $7,150. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 11 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III Es sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Mach III E was $9,900 on January 31, 2025 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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