What bike was called the “widowmaker”?

The nickname most famously refers to the 1972–1975 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750, a brutally quick two-stroke triple whose savage power delivery outpaced its period chassis, suspension, tires, and brakes. While several motorcycles have been labeled “widowmakers” over the decades, the H2 750 is the archetype that cemented the term in motorcycling lore.

The Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 (1972–1975) — the archetypal “widowmaker”

Launched in 1972, the Kawasaki H2 Mach IV packed a 748 cc, two-stroke, three-cylinder engine that delivered startling acceleration for its time. Contemporary tests lauded its straight-line speed but criticized the flex-prone frame, basic suspension, and modest braking hardware. The combination produced dramatic wheelies, high-speed wobble, and a razor-thin margin for error—especially on the less-than-perfect roads and tires of the era. The H2’s reputation grew not just from raw numbers but from a hair-trigger, midrange power “hit” that could unsettle the chassis mid-corner.

Why the H2 earned the nickname

Several factors converged to make the H2 750 the motorcycle most associated with the “widowmaker” label. These were rooted in the technology of the early 1970s and in the H2’s specific design choices.

• Explosive two-stroke powerband: A sudden surge of power in the midrange could loft the front wheel or overwhelm rear traction without much warning.
• Flexy frame and basic suspension: The chassis was known to shimmy and weave under power, especially over bumps or in fast sweepers.
• Period brakes and tires: A single front disc and a rear drum, plus 1970s tire compounds, limited stopping power and grip at the limits.
• Short wheelbase and aggressive geometry: Made the bike lively—exhilarating in a straight line, twitchy when pushed in corners.
• Accessibility of speed: Compared with large four-strokes of the day, the H2 offered eye-widening performance at a relatively low price, putting a lot of bike in the hands of riders with varying experience.

Taken together, the H2’s virtues and vices created a machine that could thrill skilled riders yet punish misjudgment, earning the enduring, if grim, sobriquet.

Not to be confused with the modern Kawasaki Ninja H2

Decades later, Kawasaki revived the H2 name for a supercharged Ninja H2/H2R family. Despite sharing the badge and headline-grabbing speed, the modern H2s come with advanced electronics (ABS, traction control, wheelie control) and far superior chassis, suspension, and tires. The “widowmaker” nickname does not generally apply to these bikes.

Other motorcycles that have worn the “widowmaker” label

The term has been used more broadly—sometimes by riders, sometimes by the press—for machines that delivered outsized performance relative to their contemporary handling or rider aids. Here are a few that have also carried the label in conversation and coverage.

• Kawasaki H1 Mach III 500 (1969–1972): The H2’s smaller, earlier sibling, another two-stroke triple with a notorious reputation for speed and skittish handling.
• Honda CR500R (1984–2001): An open-class two-stroke motocrosser revered—and feared—for its massive torque and violent power hit in the dirt.
• Suzuki TL1000S (1997–1998): An early V-twin sportbike that developed a reputation for tank-slappers; Suzuki issued a steering damper fix to calm its front end.
• Kawasaki ZX-10R (2004–2005, first generation): A very sharp-liter sportbike launched in the pre-electronics era, remembered for its aggressive power delivery and quick steering.

Despite the nickname’s occasional application to other models, the Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 remains the motorcycle most universally identified as “the widowmaker.”

Legacy and safety perspective

The H2’s legend is a snapshot of its time: stunning engine development outpacing chassis, tire, and brake technology. Modern motorcycles benefit from vastly improved frames, suspension, radial brakes, sticky tires, and electronic rider aids—transforming how high performance is delivered and controlled. Vintage H2s still command attention and respect, both for their place in history and for the skill required to ride them briskly.

Summary

The bike most commonly called “the widowmaker” is the Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 (1972–1975), a ferocious two-stroke triple whose explosive power and marginal period handling made it both iconic and infamous. While other machines—from the Kawasaki H1 to the Honda CR500R and certain 1990s–2000s sportbikes—have also worn the label, the H2 750 is the definitive reference behind the nickname.

Why was the TL1000R called the widowmaker?

The Suzuki TL1000S was a Suzuki V-twin roadster sport bike made from 1997–2001. It is frequently referred to as the TLS or Suzuki TLS. It is notable for the 90° V-twin engine which is still used in Suzuki’s modern SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 motorcycles. Due to its problems, it has earned the title of ‘The Widowmaker’.

Which bike is nicknamed the widowmaker?

1972 Kawasaki H2 750, described by some as the ‘widow maker’ or by Gordon Williams as the ‘suicidal bike’.

What bike was the widowmaker?

Specifications: Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV, 1972-1975

Engine	748cc, air-cooled, oil injected, 3-cylinder, two-stroke
Wheelbase	1410mm
Seat height	795mm
Dry weight	192kg
Fuel capacity	17 litres