The Widow-maker. With a nickname like that, you already know almost everything you need to know about Kawasaki’s H2 Mach IV. In standard guide it was the ultimate superbike of its time – blowing American and British competition into the weeds.
But this is no standard H2, this is a fully restored, completely bespoke build, with an Allen Millyard engine at its core.
Although this is a 1972 H2, it was first registered for the road in May 2003. This is because the owner at the time, John Edge (a renowned member of the Classic Kawasaki Club) had built and restored the bike from the ground up, using OEM Kawasaki parts, a wealth of upgraded and customised parts, and that fantastic 4-cylinder two-stroke (more of which later).
Sadly, John recently passed away, and so this beautiful H2 is being sold on behalf of his estate.
While the odometer reads just over 3,500 miles, the owner tells us the bike has barely been used since its restoration. What we can confirm is that it looks, to our eyes at least, almost new - and the tyres have clearly not seen tarmac in any meaningful way.
Although the V5 states there have been two owners, the current owner has taken on the vehicle purely for the sake of keeping this rarest of motorcycles insured until it can be sold. So what you’re looking at here is effectively a one owner vehicle.
We must mention here the fact that this is an Allen Millyard build. Allen Millyard is a legendary engineer who creates incredible one-off motorbikes. He has built less than 60 motorbikes, so this is an amazingly rare machine. He made his name adding cylinders to Kawasaki H2s, creating both 4-cylinder and 5-cylinder machines from the original 3-cylinder base engine. What’s really unique about his work is how beautifully finished it is, looking like a factory-fit and not a customisation.
The Motorbike Show on Channel 4, as well as his own YouTube channel, have made him a household name (at least in the biking community). As history and provenance goes, this bike is in the upper echelons of anything on the market today.
Looking first at the paintwork, this bike has been painted a gorgeous, glossy black, with red and silver graphics that perfectly mimic the original H2 graphics, but in an alternate colour scheme. This is complemented by a lovely charcoal grey suede seat.
You’ll have noticed from the images that the space where the oil tank used to reside has been modified to hold a Bacardi bottle. This is a little nod to the owner, John Edge, who liked the occasional tipple (for medicinal purposes, naturally).
The chromework is absolutely stunning and the frame too is in beautiful condition. You really can tell this bike has been dry-stored and, not just loved, but adored. Every inch of it is aesthetically perfect. Try as we might, we couldn’t find a fault, it really is that good.
One of the few standard elements of the bike is the gearbox, which is the standard H2 5-up. Almost everything else is completely customised and bespoke.
The front brakes are twin discs with 6-pot Pretech calipers, and drum brakes to the rear. The frame and front forks are standard, but the rear swing-arm is a period aftermarket piece by Metmachex, with gorgeously chromed rear springs and shocks keeping all that power in control.
When it comes to the engine, to be honest, there’s too much to list here. Starting with the obvious, what was a 3-cylinder is now a 4-cylinder two-stroke. Not only does this make it incredibly rare, but the increase capacity offers a massive jump in power and torque - it’s estimated at 120bhp+, really earning that “Widow-maker” tagline.
The precision is incredible, for instance the cooling fins have been modified to clear the frame, but not only that, the new shape aids cooling for the unit. You’ll also notice the custom ignition system, with the clear window showing the quad-points system and Suzuki coils, and the Mikuni Carburration.
The exhaust system is completely custom chrome, necessary with the change from a 3 to a 4-cylinder design. There are countless other bespoke touches and little details that you notice as you examine the mechanicals. Allen Millyard’s work here is simply incredible, there’s no other word for it.
The seller has advised that the bike runs very well and will be great fun for anyone who releases it's potency after mastering the starting procedure.
Every now and then, a vehicle becomes available that is completely unique, an absolute one-off. This doesn’t happen often, very little is genuinely bespoke in this market – and if it is it’s often not particularly well done.
But here we have something very different. The H2 is already one of the most revered and sought-after classic bikes on the market. And it’s easy to see why. Even in standard form they are wonderful machines: fast, reliable and with wonderful handling.
This is no standard bike though. It’s been built from the ground up by a leading H2 expert, who has done an incredible job of styling and detailing the bike. The greatest compliment we can pay it is that this looks like a manufacturer’s factory special, or concept. It’s that good.
Add in the Allen Millyard 4-cylinder, two-stroke unit that brings this wonderful creation roaring into life and what you have is an absolute one-off. There will never be another one of these, it’s that simple. The quality of every aspect of the build, from welding to paint, chrome and fit, is just bewildering. Whoever purchases this will soon be the proud owner of what we reckon is one of the most special vehicles we’ve ever seen, and we’ve seen a lot.
If you’re in the market for a classic motorcycle that’s not just unique but engineered to near perfection, this is it. This is your chance. Don’t miss out.
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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1972 Kawasaki H2 1003cc Mach IV Allen Millyard Build
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