The Kawasaki 500-cc Mach III (a.k.a. H1) earned a place in history as a legendary two-stroke triple. The H1 was renowned for its raw power and record-setting top speed but feared for its flimsy chassis and grossly inadequate brakes. Introduced in the early 1970s as part of Kawasaki’s revolutionary Mach III lineup, Cycle World famously described The H1 as “a bike that could redefine speed for its era, but required a steady hand and a daring spirit to tame.” During its time the H1 was unbeatable in impromptu stoplight drag racing and the bike of choice for those game enough to mount the bike not so affectionately known as the “windomaker”.
Fast forward to the present day and Atlanta Motorcycle Works in Georgia USA has brought a stunning example of the Kawasaki H1 B back to life. This is no concourse restoration though. Instead, the AMW team has melded vintage character with modern engineering to create a one-of-a-kind resto-mod.
In Woodstock, Georgia, Atlanta Motorcycle Works has been a hub for vintage Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts since 2011. Led by founder Joe Berastegui, his team combines over 75 years of expertise to create masterpieces that honor the past while embracing the future. This H1 B restoration was a labor of love for one of AMW’s clients with a deeply personal backstory. The bike belonged to the owner’s late father, and its resurrection was as much about preserving a family legacy as it was about reviving a piece of motorcycle history.
The project began with over ten boxes of parts filled with components worn to varying degrees that needed to be painstakingly sorted. Once they had their head around what was there, could be salvaged, or had to be sourced, the AMW team embarked on the extensive transformation.
Every detail of this build was carefully calculated to ensure the optimum result. To transform the notoriously sloppy frame it received triangular gussets, adding much-needed rigidity. Complementing the frame upgrade is a custom swingarm that has trusses incorporated into its design to reduce unwanted flex. Classically styled twin shocks by Ikon support the rear end while a ’96 Suzuki GSXR front end and custom brake package further sharpen the bike’s handling. These changes alone have transformed this H1 into a confidence-inspiring canyon carver, but the list of upgrades doesn’t end there.
The 498cc two-stroke triple at the heart of the H1 is a showcase of Atlanta Motorcycle Works’ engineering prowess. A street porting package, combined with a .5 overbore and Wossner pistons, provides a substantial boost in horsepower. Custom billet heads and a balanced crankshaft optimized for premix fuel are complemented by a trio of VM34 Mikuni carbs with ported intakes and free-flowing pod filters. A stunning Higgs Speed exhaust spectacularly completes the power upgrade package.
Modern electronics have brought reliability to this considered build. An NWT Cycletronic X21 wiring hub has rocketed the bike’s electronics into the 21st century. Accompanying the new system are several NWT accessories that have simplified the setup and added steadfast reliability. The finishing touches included fresh paint laid using a classic H1 scheme over the predominantly original bodywork. And all of the stock parts repurposed during the build have been treated to fresh paint after being vapor blasted to remove any unwanted oxidization or rust.
Thanks to Atlanta Motorcycle Works, this H1 offers its owner the best of both worlds. By combining modern reliability and handling with the Kawasaki’s iconic styling, they’ve made the H1 we’ve always dreamed of. And for the owner, it’s a rolling reminder of their family’s past that can be enjoyed by generations to come.
