 H1 Mach III 500 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Production | 1968–1980 |
| Engine | 250 to 750 cc (15 to 46 cu in) air-cooled piston port two-stroke triple |
The Kawasaki triples were a range of 250 to 750 cc (15 to 46 cu in) motorcycles made by Kawasaki from 1968 to 1980. The engines were air-cooled, three-cylinder, piston-controlled inlet port two-strokes with two exhaust pipes exiting on the right side of the bike, and one on the left. It was the first production street motorcycle with capacitor discharge ignition (CDI). Right from the first triple model, the 1968 Mach III H1 500 cc, it was a sales success that gained a reputation for almost unmatched acceleration as well as an air of danger for inexperienced riders trying to cope with the bike's increased power to weight ratio over any previously available stock motorcycles.[1]