In a thrilling turn of events, Atlanta Bike Works in Georgia, USA, has successfully revived the iconic Kawasaki H1 B, bringing this retro marvel back to the present day. There is no genuine restoration of the concourse. As a substitute, the AMW crew skillfully blended classic charm with modern innovation to craft an extraordinary resto-mod that seamlessly merges the past and present.
Established in 2011, Atlanta Bike Works has long been a mecca for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese motorcycles in Woodstock, Georgia. Founded by visionary Joe Berastegui, a team of skilled artisans with a collective 75+ years of expertise come together to craft time-honored masterpieces that pay homage to tradition while forging a path for the future. The H1B visa restoration was a labor of love for one of AMW’s clients, who had a deeply personal and emotional connection to the process. The vintage motorcycle, once belonging to the proprietor’s late father, held sentimental value not only for its restoration but also for preserving a family legacy, while paying tribute to a significant chapter in motorcycling history?
The venture commenced with a staggering surplus of components, their contents dispersed across multiple bins in varying states of disrepair, crying out for meticulous sorting and categorization. Once they grasped the scope of what was available, the AMW team embarked on a meticulous overhaul, either salvaging usable components or sourcing new materials as needed.
Every component was meticulously engineered to achieve maximum efficiency. The company’s notorious sloppiness was addressed by incorporating triangular gussets, thereby introducing the necessary structural integrity. A proprietary suspension system features a tailored swingarm incorporating strategically placed trusses to effectively mitigate unwanted deflection and optimize handling performance. Classic twin shocks from Ikon expertly fine-tune the rear suspension, while a 1996 Suzuki GSX-R front end and a tailored brake package collectively elevate the motorcycle’s handling prowess. A range of enhancements has transformed this H1 into a reassuring canyon conqueror, but the roster of updates does not conclude there.
The 498cc, three-cylinder two-stroke engine at the heart of the H1 exemplifies Atlanta Bike Works’ exceptional engineering capabilities. By incorporating a road porting package combined with a 0.5-overbore design and Wossner pistons, the resulting enhancement in horsepower is substantial. Here is the rewritten text:
A high-performance combination of customized billet heads and a precisely balanced crankshaft, tailored to optimize premix gas performance, is further augmented by three VM34 Mikuni carbs featuring ported intakes and unrestricted flow from their pod filters. The Higgs boson’s remarkable pace leaves no room for doubt in its ability to complete the package deal with finesse and precision.
The trend towards innovative electronics has successfully infused reliability into this once-considered concept. A sleek and modern NWT Cycletronic X21 wiring hub propels the bike’s electronics into the 21st century with a flourish. The introduction of our cutting-edge system is accompanied by a suite of newly-warranted equipment that has streamlined setup procedures, resulting in an unprecedented level of dependability. A subtle sheen was added to the finishing touches by applying modern paint using a straightforward H1 color palette, which harmoniously complemented the original exterior design. The entire inventory of components, repurposed via the construction process, has been meticulously treated with a modern coat of paint following a thorough vapor blasting procedure aimed at eliminating any unwanted oxidation or rust residue.
Thanks to Atlanta Bike Works, its owner enjoys the ultimate fusion of benefits. With its harmonious blend of cutting-edge reliability and the unmistakable flair of Kawasaki’s signature design, the H1 finally materializes as the bike we’ve always envisioned. For the owner, it remains a constant testament to their family’s heritage, cherished by future generations.
