The widow maker

[roogazza]

I seem to recall that back then Kawasaki didn't actually have a test track as such, they used an old airfield runway. It was thought that this would certainly account for their handling.

I have very fond memories of some of my old bikes for example my Mach4 of 1972. But jesus christ I wouldn't want to ride one nowdays!! Maybe to the shops for bread and no more than 1 kilometer.

ps we don't lust after Morris Oxfords ,do we ? or do we ??

[Black Knight]

I owned a Morris Oxcart back in the day,twas an ex taxi and had done over 1 million miles!!-It had a bit of a knock so after 12 months driving I stripped her down and found the crankshaft in two pieces,and it was not a recent break.
Great car if you don't mind a gear change that feels like a bit of rope.

[GrayWolf]

While your statement is also correct re the '69 H1, the 1972 H2 was the first bike the magazines generally termed the Widow Maker, mainly because of the death rate of factory testers, for some reason the H1 was later also known as the Widow Maker. I am quite happy to think either is 'correct' but have many mags of that vintage and have none pre 72 H2 suggested any bike termed Widow Maker. If you have one I would love the article for my Kawasaki archives. Thank you

No the 500 H1 mach3 & H1a were the 'widow maker's'...

Mainly because of the vicious powerband {piston ported and the powerband was knife edge wide and like a light switch, either on, or off} coupled with the horrendous handling and flexiframe.
The H2 was actually more 'civilised' as a machine, far more torque and better power delivery manners. The H1 was dubbed the widowmaker by UK/European magazines very early on, One tester referred the H1a as being Thanatoid

I made the mistake? of buying an H1a in the late 70's when I could have had the 750 for the same price, thinking the 500 'less evil', How the fuck wrong was I

http://tinyurl.com/yczdalj2

[sidecar bob]

And the list continues to grow. http://www.autobase.co.nz/cars-for-s...pe/2992571.htm
I'm starting to think the term is a little over used.
It should possibly be added to the optomistic sellers thread too.