Photo: 1969_Kawasaki_500_H1_MachIII.jpg: Mike Schinkel derivative work: Ligabo (talk) · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
79/100 Overall
60 On the road98 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III vs Suzuki GT550
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III scores 79/100 overall against Suzuki GT550 on 77/100. On the road: 60–73. As classics: 98–80. Overall result: Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III.
Suzuki GT550
77/100 Overall
73 On the road80 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Kawasaki H1 | Suzuki GT550 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 5 | 7 | Suzuki GT550 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Suzuki GT550 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 8 | Suzuki GT550 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 7 | Suzuki GT550 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 7 | Suzuki GT550 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 7 | Kawasaki H1 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 8 | Kawasaki H1 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Kawasaki H1 |
Choose the Kawasaki H1 if…
you want explosive two-stroke acceleration, outrageous period character and one of Kawasaki's most famous motorcycles.
Choose the Suzuki GT550 if…
you want smooth two-stroke triple character, useful road manners and an appealing alternative to the better-known GT750.
Background
History
Kawasaki H1
The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was produced from 1969–1976 and used a 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Suzuki GT550
The Suzuki GT550 was produced from 1972–1977 and used a 543cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Kawasaki H1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1969 to 1976.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Suzuki GT550
- Its production span in this library runs from 1972 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 543cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Kawasaki H1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Suzuki GT550
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki GT550. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Kawasaki H1
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Suzuki GT550
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Kawasaki H1
Rivals to the Suzuki GT550
Final result
The verdict
Suzuki GT550 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.