1976 KAWASAKI KH500 A8

This Kawasaki KH500 is a stylish 1970s sports bike, which is presented in superb restored condition. It is powered by a 498cc air-cooled three-cylinder engine, producing around 52bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 33,451 miles from new.

Unlike many examples on the market that are imports, this particular bike is an original UK-delivered KH500, and was first registered in May 1976. While it left the factory finished in a red livery, it was repainted in the Kawasaki ‘Candy Sky Blue’ colour during a restoration around seven years ago. This is a vibrant blue-green hue, though the DVLA records it as the latter. It was acquired by the seller two years ago, who has enjoyed around 250 miles on the road.

Its frame and body are in excellent condition, with the paintwork still gleaming, and the metal elements around the bike looking pristine. While the colour was changed to the earlier hue, the specification remains original, including the elegant rear mudguard that has been re-chromed and is fitted using a new old stock mounting bracket sourced from the US. The wire wheels are in great shape, with highly polished rims, and the three exhaust pipes also present superbly.

The black vinyl seat trim may well be original, and there is a barely noticeable split along one of the centre seams, which could of course be inexpensively repaired should the next owner wish. Both hand grips are in very good order, and the instrument dials are free of damage and work perfectly. All of the switchgear is clearly marked, and there are no electrical faults.

During the restoration, it is understood that the two-stroke engine was fully rebuilt. It has been kept in very good order since then, and its last service was carried out by R Holmes Motorcycles in Cambridgeshire in 2018. Following this, it has been kept dry stored and on a trickle charger to keep the battery in good condition. The bike is reportedly running well, with only the typical smoke you would expect from a period two-stroke engine. The most recent MOT test was on 25 August 2017 at 33,135 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. It is now exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, as well as VED road tax.

This Kawasaki KH500 A8 is a superb example of one of the marque’s 1970s ‘triples’. While not as hard-edged as the early H1s, this H1F series model is ultimately more refined and usable - and no less handsome. It is accompanied by an original owner’s manual and tool kit, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection of classic motorcycles.