Calling DaninIowa

[Lightning Bob]

Dan

Sorry it took so long to get this reply off, but I wanted to dig out a few pictures to show you. Seems like nothing changes much at Iowa State. See: http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294675639&p=4281034025&idx=5 http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294675639&p=4281034022&idx=6 http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294675639&p=4281034022&idx=6

This is the bike I used to terrorize the streets of Ames with. It is a 1972 Kawasaki H1 500 cc two stroke triple. This was one of the first stock 12 second capable motorcycles produced. That is, if you could keep it on the ground. I used to love to cruise out to the Ledges State Park, and up to Wall Lake on it. I still own this bike, (only 16K miles on it) which I bought back in 1972. Though I still retain my motorcycle license, I stopped riding bikes in about 1985 because of several close calls in all of the traffic over here. My winter project is to restore my 72. I now also own a 71 H1. Earlier this year, I sent the top end off to Ron at http://purplehazeracing.com/
I had the cylinders bored and fitted with lightweight Weisco moly coated pistons. They also received a stage 2 port and polshing. Ron also shaved the heads for me.
I sent my crank out to another guy down south and had the bearings and seals replaced. Now, I just have to find the time to finish up cleaning and polishing everything else and putting it all back together again. When finished, I plan to take it out for an occasional Sunday drive and/or run at the track. Ron at PHR says it should run in the mid 11's if I put expansion chambers on it.

I haven't been back or Veisha since 1981, but I'm sorry I missed the riot a few years back.
Couldn't believe that happened at ISU.

Good luck in your studies, and Go Cyclones.

Lightning Bob

 

[Daniniowa]

Seems to me we have a few things in common. I've got two '85 Yamaha RZ350s. My first bike! Wow, what a blast! The hit you feel when that two stroke comes into the powerband. Awesome. One is currently having a fit. No spark. I'm trying to get it running so I can ride it to class this winter. (I don't see us getting much snow this winter.) The other RZ is in parts. I learned to ride on it, so it's a little rough. I just can't sell them because they're too much fun! My RZ's been on the pavement a couple times, as have I. (Most important thing I have learned is always wear protective riding gear!) I've been riding now for almost 8 years, with plenty more to go. I also own a '94 Honda CBR900RR. The RZ was a great training bike to learn to steer with the rear when I upgraded to the RR. I've run a 11.3 @ 125 on the RR.

Those Kawasaki triples are awesome. I don't know too many people that have them, but I've heard they are scarey fast. Great looking bike!