[AzCal Retred]

Nice retro twin, 67 HP, 412 pounds dry weight, about $9K.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/2022-kawasaki-z650rs/
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS Specifications - From Kawasaki
ENGINE
Engine   649cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Power   67 hp
Bore x Stroke   83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio   
10.8:1
Fuel System   DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Starter   Electric
Lubrication   
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch   
Transmission   6-speed, Manual, Return Shift
Final Drive   Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front   Telescopic fork/4.9 in
Suspension Rear   Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload/5.1 in
Brakes Front   Dual 300mm discs with two-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear   
Single 220mm disc, ABS
Tires Front   120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear   160/60 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity   3.2 gal
Color   
Candy Emerald Green, Metallic Moondust Gray/Ebony
ELECTRICAL
Ignition   TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs   
Headlight   LED
Tail Light   LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length   81.3 in
Overall Width   31.5 in.
Overall Height   43.9 in
Wheelbase   55.3 in
Ground Clearance   4.9 in
Seat Height   31.5 in
Curb Weight   412.3 lb*

[Leofric]

Some of these so called retro bikes don't seem that to me - that Kawasaki just looks a like a modern day naked bike to me. (probably a fine bike though )

[Karl Childers]

The bike that Kawi makes that embraces the term "retro look" the best is the W800. They make a pretty tasty cafe version of it as well.

[Richard230]

The bike that Kawi makes that embraces the term "retro look" the best is the W800. They make a pretty tasty cafe version of it as well.

I agree. I it just too bad that it hasn't been all that well received by the buying customer. A few years ago I saw one in the showroom of the San Francisco Kawasaki dealer (with an extra $700 of "additional dealer profit" added on to the price), but since then I haven't seen another one in a showroom and I have never seen a W800 in the wild being ridden by its owner. 

Perhaps Euro 5 has put an end to that model? There is hardly anything left in the market that is still wholly air-cooled any more - other than you know who. 

[him a layin]

if i ever happen upon a good used mid-70s h1 500 triple, i'll scoop that puppy up. might even actually ride it. i think that would be retro enough.

[Leofric]

Kawasaki VN900 Classic is fairly classic looking. Especially in special edition colours like mine.

[him a layin]

found a pic of my H1, circa 1980 rode it around tampa florida mostly, took it to denver and back once.

[AzCal Retred]

https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/mcy/d/grant-kawasaki-z1-suzuki-wes-cooley/7580507463.html

[him a layin]

that poor motorcycle. looks like it burned.

[AzCal Retred]

The CraigsLister says it's a 1970 H1. The supply is very thin, I think most succumbed to teenagers long ago....

[him a layin]

that sounds about right, it's the early tank, engine and seat. i've seen several listed for 5k and less. coupled with the availability of new engine parts from vintco, i could see rebuilding one if necessary.

[axman88]

There's a few ads for Kawa H1's on this online ad site.  https://www.smartcycleguide.com/kawasaki-h1_500-motorcycles-for-sale   Starting around $4K.

I do not understand the point of pasting a picture of a H1 500 on an ad that states they are selling a Vulcan, or Ninja though?

I've read that the belief that "Green bikes are BAD luck" dates back to courier use in WWII, ( it's harder to have good luck when people are shooting at you), but I always suspected the superstition can be traced back to the early 70s and the Mach threes and fours.

[him a layin]

thanks for that, i've seen the ad for the one in SC before. same paint scheme, likely the closest to me, and the price is certainly right. i'm not going to run out and buy it, but i can hear it calling to me.

the H1 was my first street bike after 2 smaller dual-purpose bikes which i used for commuting. i had no real basis for comparison, so its quirks seemed normal to me. i just didn't know any different. ridden to its strengths, i believe the H-bikes were no more or less safe than any other bike in the power range. only reason i dumped mine was operator error, i let the brakes get out of adjustment. right now i'm having problems missing 2nd gear on my himalayan because of the 1-down, 4 up shift pattern. i expect i'll get used to it.

[AzCal Retred]

In the wayback I ran out of traction on my H1 on a curvy mountain road (sand? dust?) at about 20-25 MPH. The machine lowsided and mashed the right hand case, I fell off behind the sliding mess, those WIDE crankcases dragged a bit, the tires grabbed some traction, then it highsided and politely crunched the cases on the other side too. Engine cases as crash guards...

In 1973 there were Kawasaki dealers with ready parts, so repairs were made, life moved on. I eventually traded some old geezer the H1 for a BSA 441 Victim, yet another learning experience. 

[James.]

The bike that Kawi makes that embraces the term "retro look" the best is the W800. They make a pretty tasty cafe version of it as well.

I had a 2016 W800 for 5years and in my opinion the Interceptor edges it performance wise with a smoother gearbox and vibe free engine.I don't know if Kawasaki have sorted it out but the vibe problem was common to most.The vibes at 3000rpm ,40 /50mph ish was bad.The added bonus of course with the Interceptor in my opinion is it looks better and is a good bit cheaper.