Kawasaki 500-SS/Mach III (H1A) (1971) 1:12 HASGAWA 21735

Plastic motorcycle model to assemble: Kawasaki 500-SS/Mach III (H1A) (1971) 1:12 Hasegawa 21735

The Kawasaki 500-SS/Mach III (H1A) model from 1971 is a unique proposition for motorcycle and modeling enthusiasts. This 1:12 scale plastic model, produced by the renowned company Hasegawa, allows you to recreate one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1970s.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Catalog number: 21735
• Number of parts: 156
• Model length: 176 mm
• Model height: 105.5 mm
• Model width: 68.5 mm

Model features:

• Color of fuel tank parts: blue
• Chrome elements: headlight and mirrors
• Additional plastic parts: fuel tank (without holes)

History of Kawasaki 500-SS/Mach III (H1A): The Kawasaki H1 Mach III, produced from 1969 to 1975, was a response to the growing demand of the American market for motorcycles with greater power and higher top speeds. In the mid-1960s, the United States became the largest motorcycle market, and Kawasaki, wanting to meet customer expectations, began work on the secret N100 project in 1967. The goal was to create a 500 cm³ motorcycle that would develop 60 HP and achieve a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds, which at the time was considered the limit of possibilities for road motorcycles.

The Kawasaki H1 Mach III debuted in the USA in 1969, featuring a white sculpted fuel tank with a blue racing stripe and special Dunlop K77 tires. The motorcycle was powered by a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a capacity of 499 cm³, equipped with Mikuni VM 28 mm carburetors and a CDI ignition based on thyristors, generating a voltage of 25,000–30,000 V.

Although the Mach III was not a direct successor to the Kawasaki W2, it gained immense popularity in the USA due to its excellent power-to-weight ratio. However, despite its impressive performance, this motorcycle had its drawbacks. The gearbox was unusual, with neutral below first gear, the brakes raised doubts, and handling was considered marginal in every situation except when the motorcycle was stopped with the engine off. For this reason, the H1 earned the nickname "The triple with the ripple."

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.