Originally created to best and kill the traitor Takeshi Hongo, the Kamen Rider, Hayato was modified in another Kamen Rider, to be capable of transforming via stylish hand positions to absorb wind power as opposed to Takeshi's need for a outside source of wind power to charge him, becoming a more versatile fighter as a result. However, Hayato was rescued by Takeshi before being brainwashed, and fights against Shocker during Takeshi's absence. Like Takeshi, Hayato seems to require no food or water whatsoever.

To distinguish from Kamen Rider 1, who also was solely known as "Kamen Rider" before 2, Hayato Ichimonji's Kamen Rider form is referred as Kamen Rider 2. Also, to distinguish from his later upgrades, this form is usually referred to as Kamen Rider 2 (Old 2).

The original manga gave an in-depth analysis of the entire schematics used by Takeshi, Hayato, and the Shocker Riders.