The H1 had a high power-to-weight ratio for the time, and a dry weight of , comparable to a top racing motorcycle, but had generally poor handling and weak drum brakes front and rear. It could accelerate along the mile test course in 12.4 seconds. When the H1 was first announced, "Motorcycle Mechanics" criticised Kawasaki for their "own ambitious claim" that it was "the fastest and best accelerating road machine ever produced, being capable of 124 mph and 12.4 sec. for the standing start quarter mile". "Cycle World's" 1969 test quoted 119.14 mph and 13.20 seconds, with bike-retailer Reads of London at 109 and 13.5, whereas Dutch motorcycle drag racer Henk Vink, importer of Kawasakis into the Netherlands, was quoted as achieving 13.48.