Is the Kawasaki Z1 still a good bike?

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 28 дек 2024

Комментарии • 145

  • @Timson1976
    @Timson1976 3 месяца назад +2

    Finally got mine back today. Never had so many thumbs up and conversations while waiting red lights. And on top it drives amazing ❤️

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  3 месяца назад

      I reckon you’ll get plenty more thumbs ups

  • @stephendelaney9839
    @stephendelaney9839 2 месяца назад +2

    I was 14 when i saw the zed nine i had to have one , eight years later i had my own Z1A and i still love the bike maybe even more , iv had loads of the old zeds, Rickman, z13, 650 ,ST1000, but always kept my old Z1A , and also now a z900 A4 ,both the Z1 and the z9 have wonderful qualities , and very subtle differences , if you get the chance go for a practical later z900 cheaper but not much difference or even the later z1000 very simular and just enjoy the essence of real biking , those looks the feel the sound , get to know them how they work , they do handle in the right hands , the Mad max one movie and Stone movie certainly depicts how cool they really are .

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  2 месяца назад

      Thanks for sharing, great to hear you still have them

  • @rv16ad
    @rv16ad Год назад +11

    they are only called KZ if it is an american bike ,as they were the only country to call them KZ in australia they were always called Z900 A4 4 is because it was the 4th model of Z900's. i have owned a 76 Z900 for about 5years now it has doubled in value ,but will never be 4sale i love riding the bike too much .thanks for this great video and review of this iconic masterpiece.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Thanks for watching, I know how you feel, I loved riding it also, great bike. We’ve got a few more classic bike reviews coming up

    • @billbalyx8799
      @billbalyx8799 10 месяцев назад

      they were called KZ'S in Canada also...i bought one brand new out of the box, was the first year of the KZ and the last year of the 900

    • @anthonynicholich9654
      @anthonynicholich9654 3 месяца назад

      ​@@billbalyx8799
      1976! KZ900 ONLY YEAR.

  • @drn6073
    @drn6073 3 месяца назад +1

    I've had a z1b for nearly 40 years and still love it

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  3 месяца назад

      Nice one, great to hear you’ve still got it

  • @ozyrob1
    @ozyrob1 9 месяцев назад +3

    Nice review. As someone has alreay pointed ot KZs were the North American bikes. Our last z900 was the A4. An incredible bike. I owned one myself.

  • @joehooyen725
    @joehooyen725 Год назад +2

    I traded a CB 750 on a new Green Z900 in 1976, used it to commute to work ,toured on it & also drag raced it . Only negatives i remember were tubed tyres & points ignition.Handling was ok for those times. Ended up trading it on a new 1st model CB900 in late 1979. Nice on the eyes video mate!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Thanks mate, glad you liked the video and thanks for sharing your experience with the Z900. We have plenty more new bike, classic bike and rider stories videos on the channel if you are interested.

  • @165alice1002
    @165alice1002 Год назад +3

    I bought one new in 77 , loved that bike.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      I’m guessing you don’t have it anymore? Great bike, thanks for watching

  • @davidmccall4776
    @davidmccall4776 9 месяцев назад +4

    I had a 1976 KZ900, a brown one, which was the only color other than green available that year, and it was a beast! The only complaint was with the frame's tendency to flex and get "squirrelly at high speeds (105mph and above). I still have the sales receipt, $2609.00 US. Be careful out there. Seeya! ☮✌

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  9 месяцев назад

      Awesome bike, how long did you have it for?

    • @davidmccall4776
      @davidmccall4776 9 месяцев назад

      @@BikerTorque I totalled it in 1981,sadly. It took a little while to get back on the bronc again, but I did, on 77 Harley Lowrider. I've owned several bikes since, but none as quick as the 900!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  9 месяцев назад +1

      @@davidmccall4776 on no, hope you were OK. Big change riding a Lowrider. What are you riding now?

    • @davidmccall4776
      @davidmccall4776 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@BikerTorque A black 97 Heritage softail.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  9 месяцев назад +1

      @@davidmccall4776 nice one

  • @SherKhan-b1kes
    @SherKhan-b1kes 10 месяцев назад +1

    One thing I love is how Kawasaki spent more time in the styling, instead of being about basic functionality. Even coming towards the late 80‘s they were pricey which made me opt back then for a more affordable Suzuki Gs1000s.
    Thanks for taking us pillion down memory lane,
    Best wishes from Germany

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  10 месяцев назад +1

      Couldn't agree more! Glad you enjoyed it

  • @JC-vw9qz
    @JC-vw9qz Год назад +1

    Awesome bike and review. I’ve heard about Tim that owns this bike and he is a bloody legend!!
    Keep up the good work Ross.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Tim is a legend, proud to call him my mate. Plus he lends me his bikes when I get bored riding my own. Now @jc-vw9qz just trying to work out who you are…

    • @JC-vw9qz
      @JC-vw9qz Год назад +1

      @@BikerTorque Hah!!! speak to the man himself. He will tell you. Safe riding mate.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      @@JC-vw9qz lol, pretty sure I’ve got it, how’s the GS?

    • @JC-vw9qz
      @JC-vw9qz Год назад +1

      @@BikerTorque 👊GS Going well…would have been great to join you for Tassie but not to be unfortunately. Look forward to hearing about that adventure and many others in between. Love the channel and looking forward to the next installment. Look after yourself.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      @@JC-vw9qz I’m heading to Walcha in August if you are keen to do a long ride. Might give the Laverda a test run.

  • @JimmyMacTavish
    @JimmyMacTavish Год назад +1

    Been waiting for this one 👍🏻
    Nice work!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Glad you liked it. Thanks for checking it out

  • @billbalyx8799
    @billbalyx8799 Год назад +2

    Had the brown 1976 KZ900, best looking Japanese bike ever made, put 44,000 miles on it in 2 summers, wish I still had it

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      They are a great looking bike. Thanks for watching

    • @Alexie3333
      @Alexie3333 10 месяцев назад +1

      That's a lot of milage in two summers!

    • @billbalyx8799
      @billbalyx8799 10 месяцев назад

      yes it was.@@Alexie3333

  • @user-sf7jo7yv4s
    @user-sf7jo7yv4s Год назад +1

    Awesome review as always Rosco and a good looking looking bike as well .😉

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Thanks T, wait a minute, what’s going on here😂😂😂

  • @kawasaki900guy
    @kawasaki900guy Год назад +2

    Great review mate! I remember drooling over these in centerfold ads in Cycle magazines in the mid-70's when I wasn't even old enough to drive yet. I finally bought a '74 Z-1A in my graduation year of 1979, and I still have it to this very day. IMO, there has never been a nicer, better built motorcycle ever conceived. Mine has been upgraded with disc brakes front and back from a '78 KZ 1000, and it has an engine from a 1980 KZ 1000 that has NEVER ever been rebuilt, with electronic ign, a Kerker pipe, and 29mm smoothbores. However this winter it's getting a piston kit, and only because the valve seals are causing the engine to smoke a bit, so why not do a total top end rebuild? . The bike is green with gold stripes and I can't go anywhere with it that people aren't turning their heads, or yelling out open windows or from sidewalks, or walking up on me when I stop just about anywhere. Owning and riding it never gets old, even though I'm a 62yo man on a 50yo motorcycle. It's simply heaven in motorcycle form & a real-life time machine!. Btw, many of my buddies who also had them in the old days still have them. Kawasaki Lets The Good Times Roll!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      Thanks, glad you like the video and thanks for the info on your bike. Definitely up there with my favouite bikes of the 1970s, although if Im honest the bike I really lust after from the 1970s is a Daytona Orange BMW R90S, one day I'll get one, but would love a Kwaka in the garage also.

    • @Jedders1968
      @Jedders1968 7 месяцев назад +1

      It is so cool that you have the same bike from '74. Respect! 🇬🇧

    • @kawasaki900guy
      @kawasaki900guy 7 месяцев назад

      @@Jedders1968 Thanks bro, I'm just getting her ready for the road now. Just light duty stuff like oil change, chain adjustment, tire pressure check & overall check up.

  • @baumie461
    @baumie461 Год назад +1

    Great review and history lesson mate.👍

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      Glad you liked it, we’ve got a few more on these classic bike reviews in the works

  • @faystanford2367
    @faystanford2367 Год назад +1

    Another good review Ross.

  • @dirkmatthies
    @dirkmatthies 2 месяца назад +1

    I own a Z1000 A2, changed the carbs (Mikuni RS34), shock absorbers (koni), swing arm (krüger & junginger), exhaust 4 in1 (Schüle). Now I have a "new", really fast and good looking bike. Will never sell it.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  2 месяца назад +1

      Sounds great! Thanks for watching

    • @dirkmatthies
      @dirkmatthies 2 месяца назад +1

      @@BikerTorque Thank You for Your video ! Will probably buy a Z900 A4 tomorrow. Therefore I watched it. 🙂

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  2 месяца назад

      @@dirkmatthiesnow one, enjoy.

  • @RWilko221
    @RWilko221 Год назад +1

    Make sure your mate takes it to Tassie, you will have a blast and exactly the roads and distances for the classics, do it in style!!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      That’s what we are planning to do at this stage

  • @Jedders1968
    @Jedders1968 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great video! I'm lucky enough to have a Z1 (1973) and a Z1B (1975). I've got other bikes but these are just fantastic .... I can't get enough of them. Just need some decent weather! 🇬🇧 👍

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  7 месяцев назад

      You are lucky indeed, much difference between the two?

    • @Jedders1968
      @Jedders1968 7 месяцев назад

      ​@@BikerTorque The Z1 has twin front discs which was an option at the time but I had the second disc fitted - it is a good upgrade. I try to alternate taking them out on dry days. I use the Esso 99 fuel in them and they run much better on this imo. They don't like not being used and need a good blast at least once a month. The Z1 is the Orange and Brown colour and the Z1B is Candy Blue. The Z1 has a black engine and the Z1B has a silver engine. I can't detect any difference in power. The Z1B has had 3 of the spark plug holes helicoiled (before I owned it) and the 4th one blew the spark plug out on a recent ride so that is now helicoiled too. This might indicate a potential weakness with the aluminium head but the Z1 is still standard and no problems to date. PS I've also got a 1985 Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo which is a mad bike! 😄👍

  • @tedecker3792
    @tedecker3792 4 месяца назад +1

    My new 73 Z1 ran in its sweet spot at 100mph. 200 miles from home to college was a two hour trip. Wide open SD roads and very few police.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  4 месяца назад

      Sounds like a fun commute to college

    • @tedecker3792
      @tedecker3792 4 месяца назад

      @@BikerTorque I liked to play with cars on I-90, I’d be behind a car driving 75 at an interchange, accelerate down the off ramp, make a full stop, then blast up the on ramp and come out ahead of them.

  • @BigBert
    @BigBert Год назад +1

    Love those old classic bikes. That is a well looked after unit 😎👊🏻

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      Yes, they are great to ride. It is well looked after, needs a couple of things but nothing major. You may see it next year in Tassie Big Bert

  • @RodKrisBisdakMotovlog
    @RodKrisBisdakMotovlog Год назад +1

    Wow that's really cool classic 900cc bro. Keep it up and more vidz to come brother.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      It certainly is. Glad you enjoyed the video

  • @winkydinkandyou
    @winkydinkandyou Год назад +1

    In America we all got a Kerner header and upgraded to dual disk in the front. Never paid attention to how many miles on it only that it was well taken care of in good running condition. Nobody had a leaky bike that's not true. The brakes and everything about the bike wreck just fine back then they were as good as it gets. Today people totally describe the bikes half correct and half wrong. Super easy to work on. I owned 4 and a 1980 z1r 1000. I'm 64 I'd say I have enough experience back in the day to say today I'd rather have a newer bike.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      I hear you about newer bikes, but I do still love the older ones for a lazy weekend ride

  • @andrewwitts1389
    @andrewwitts1389 Год назад +1

    Beautiful bike - love the colour!

  • @garyspracticalworkshop357
    @garyspracticalworkshop357 Год назад +1

    Great work, I need to learn how to put it over as good as you , Nice one, Gary UK

  • @BDHO73
    @BDHO73 Год назад +1

    What an awesome bike. Love it.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      It certainly is. You might get a chance to take it for a blast one day.

  • @wilharnecker2575
    @wilharnecker2575 Год назад +2

    Do the Tasmania trip!!!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +3

      We are heading down there next month, but not on the old bikes unfortunately. The Laverda is having a few engine issues, and the Z1 has a few issues that need sorting with the carbs, so it’s modern bikes for the trip this time.

    • @email4664
      @email4664 11 месяцев назад +1

      @@BikerTorque This is the best review of this type of bike yet. Thank you for being a fellow gearhead and getting all of the points. Love it that you gave us all the first gear thunk. I adore that about my other 4 cyl bikes of this era. Lovely bike

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  11 месяцев назад

      @@email4664 thanks, glad you liked it.

  • @PetesClassicCycle
    @PetesClassicCycle Год назад

    AWESOME VIDEO!! Very informative and well put together

  • @Kaw900
    @Kaw900 5 месяцев назад +1

    I still own 2 kz900s, had a 74,2 75s and a 77 kz1000z1, there was never a bike any better in my opinion

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  5 месяцев назад

      That’s a great collection, I loved the KZ when I got to ride it. My mate still has it, I may have to borrow it again

  • @colinhall8998
    @colinhall8998 9 месяцев назад +2

    It’s the Holy Grail. There will never will be a better range of bikes than the 70’s Z’s. They were designed for one thing, speed!

  • @davidhayter8516
    @davidhayter8516 Год назад +1

    Is the K9 still a good bike…when was it ever a bad bike. Along side the 750/4 they are a magnificent machine. love ‘em.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Agree, it’s a wonderful machine, but to be e honest not really a fan of the Honda Four

  • @hachewie
    @hachewie Год назад +1

    Awesome classic bikes. I think my next bike might be something older.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +2

      Good idea Chewie, cheap rego to if you put it on historic rego

  • @williamchristie7365
    @williamchristie7365 Год назад +1

    I would love to see you review the 1983 CB1000 Custom if you have not already done so. Cheers!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Would love to do a video with the CB1000 Custom, the issue is getting my hands on one for a few days to ride and get enough footage for a video

  • @iancrombie8862
    @iancrombie8862 11 месяцев назад +1

    Beautiful bike!😍😍🏍

  • @teneretraveller8980
    @teneretraveller8980 Год назад +1

    Nice one.
    The original King.
    I remember them being released. Gawd, I'm old.
    Nice review, mate.
    Safe, happy travels 👍
    .

  • @RoadsOfOz
    @RoadsOfOz Год назад +1

    Kawasaki made some quick bikes in the 70’s and 80’s. Also it is easier to get parts for the 70’s models as they are well supported.
    You looked like you had a ball on the big zed.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Absolutely loved it Matt. Thanks for watching

  • @queenslander954
    @queenslander954 Год назад +1

    Z1 , Z1A & Z1B .. were the good mail, the cheap paint-jobs on the Z900 killed the vibe .

  • @julianalderson3938
    @julianalderson3938 10 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks buetiful bike'

  • @peterhoulis1184
    @peterhoulis1184 Год назад +1

    Personally as a rider whos owned a z1a , z1b 3x z1000a and z1R and i prefer the z1000a to the 900 bigger motor ,better brakes and stiffer frame

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      haven't ridden the Z1000, but imagine it's a step up.

    • @TheTestride
      @TheTestride 9 месяцев назад

      Yes agree . Owned 2 Z9s and my Z1000A was my favourite by far. 👍

  • @themister3865
    @themister3865 5 месяцев назад

    The 900 cc Kawasaki Z-1 was built from 1973 to 1975. After 1975 they were KZ-900's.

  • @thepointingfinger
    @thepointingfinger 4 месяца назад +1

    Riding old bikes is like playing an old Fender Stratocaster, sure there are newer faster and better bikes, guitars. But they do they job well, right? I don't see the need to cruise more than 50 - 100 km/h down a road. I'd feel a bit unsafe at high speeds, then I'll use a car. It's the beauty of the ride, not the speed nor the cost. In my opinion. 😊
    PS. I have an old stratocaster, not old enough for museum, but it's old enough not to have poly coating. 😋

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  4 месяца назад +1

      I’d agree with that. It’s funny my mates and I were hustling talking about the link between music and motorcycles

  • @richardmikesell1335
    @richardmikesell1335 Год назад +1

    I have a 1976 kz900 z1 frame code. I rode 200 miles on it today!!!!! No fucking shit great bike, she is my blue bitch. I've had her of 20,30 years. I cant get over how smooooooth that air cooled motor runs. Don't forget Marvel Mystery oil for air cooled motors. Thanks for the video.😆

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Glad you enjoyed the video and great to hear you are still racking up the miles on this classic. Thanks for watching

  • @chrismoody1342
    @chrismoody1342 5 месяцев назад +1

    I have 75’ Z1b in the garage. New bike are faster but back in the day nothing was faster. Speaking of fast, 120 mph is way off. I’ve personally had mine rung out to 145 mph (indicated). Wouldn’t exactly trust Speedo accuracy. None the less I go to cars and coffee and draw attention, I ride the Z1. The modern Ninjas are a dime dozen. Not going sell mine till I got one foot in the grave.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  4 месяца назад

      Certainly is a quick bike, hope you enjoy yours for many years to come

  • @stevepatterson6297
    @stevepatterson6297 26 дней назад

    Hmm... I don't believe it was ever known as a KZ900 in Australia. 🤔 KZ was an American model designation. Here in Oz it was known as Z1A, Z1B, Z900 or Z1000.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  25 дней назад

      Not sure, you might be right, either way, great old bike

  • @ekspatriat
    @ekspatriat Год назад +1

    When you say renamed KZ I don't think they came to the UK ever. I thought they were all still just Z. (Even in Aussie)

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Definitely KZ for the 1976 model in the US, but may have been a plain old zed in Australia

    • @stevbrkr
      @stevbrkr Год назад +2

      @@BikerTorque KZ900 was for the North American market only and had a single front disc brake. In Australia and the UK, they are called Z900 and have twin front discs as standard. The UK version had a longer rear mudguard. The Australian Z900 had the same short mudguard as the US version.

  • @tedecker3792
    @tedecker3792 5 месяцев назад +1

    You could “kick” start a Z1 with your hand. Won a few bets that way!

  • @trevorlock642
    @trevorlock642 Год назад +1

    One of the rear spokes is bent...

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      Yes, it might be getting re-spoked soon

  • @anthonynicholich9654
    @anthonynicholich9654 Год назад +1

    Superior to a Honda that being said the best bike of the 1970s

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      We agree

    • @winkeemanley1820
      @winkeemanley1820 3 месяца назад

      I had a 1970 Honda 750 and a 1978 Kawasaki Z1000.
      Miss the above bikes today. Should not have sold them.

  • @neilharrison1203
    @neilharrison1203 Год назад +1

    Definitely a lovely bike ….

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      It’s was absolute pleasure to ride. Thanks for watching

  • @johncunningham4820
    @johncunningham4820 Год назад +1

    Funny Opener . Over-estimate Brakes . Yes . Can be VERY " thrilling " indeed . 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 . Been there..............
    Back when Kawasaki was definitely the Performance King . Mechanically pretty well Bulletproof and reasonable Frames .
    PS : Also a Sydney dweller . Always have been .

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад

      Hey John, thanks for checking out the video. Yes 1970s brakes aren’t a match for the modern stuff, but agree it’s a bullet proof engine. Good to hear from another Sydney-sider. Might see you on the road some time.

  • @gregspice5916
    @gregspice5916 Год назад +2

    "Excellent handling", your kidding! They were / are terrible handling in stock form. I was there when they were released. I followed a mate up the Beach Forest road with this girl on the back, watching the bike flexing all over the place.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +1

      I have to say one I had handled pretty well, might have have a suspension upgrade, can’t confirm.l but most press for back in the 70s seemed to have a pretty high opinion of the bike, from what I found. I can’t confirm, as I was only 3 in 1976 and therefor didn’t have a full licence. Thanks for wTchingy

    • @letssee5213
      @letssee5213 Год назад +2

      I have a diamond brown 76 KZ900 and it handles just fine.

  • @ianbonnick7640
    @ianbonnick7640 9 месяцев назад

    As soon as I heard it I thought the carbs are out

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  9 месяцев назад +1

      It’s had a tune and carb’s looked at since we filmed this, running beautifully now

  • @ambmainman
    @ambmainman 10 месяцев назад +3

    But wait a minute.... the handle bars on that bike are truly atrocious looking!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  10 месяцев назад

      Lol…harsh

    • @ambmainman
      @ambmainman 10 месяцев назад

      @@BikerTorque But true!

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  10 месяцев назад +1

      @@ambmainmancan’t agree with that assessment, but each to their own

    • @ambmainman
      @ambmainman 10 месяцев назад

      @@BikerTorque There's a reason they were not put on as standard..... because they are hideous..... and totally spoil the look of an otherwise great motorcycle!

    • @colinhall8998
      @colinhall8998 9 месяцев назад

      Spot on. He looks like he’s scared of going fast with those bars on, what a shame 🤣🤣🤣

  • @carlnapp4412
    @carlnapp4412 5 месяцев назад +1

    The Z-900 was the better bike, by far!

  • @brianazmy3156
    @brianazmy3156 Год назад

    "It's like a zed-1 only better". Obviously they know nothing about performance. Go to any drag strip and look at how many z-1 engines are still being used. This will easily tell you which is better. For decades it was what every other manufacturer attempted to compare to.

    • @BikerTorque
      @BikerTorque  Год назад +2

      I think you’ll find it’s the same engine.

    • @monkmoto1887
      @monkmoto1887 Год назад +1

      Dude it’s the same engine. And there wasn’t that much difference between any of them. Have a z1 and want a bigger motor? Put a 1015 or 1165 head on it. Carbs cams clutches cranks. It was like legos for bikes, parts everywhere and basically all interchangeable. But as far as the z1 vs kz900 it’s the same exact motor except maybe a couple of tuning differences

  • @anthonynicholich9654
    @anthonynicholich9654 3 месяца назад +1

    Superior to a Honda CB750.