Damn, I loved the bikes of the 70s and 80s. For the life of me, I don’t understand why today’s bikes just don’t have that magic, that panache. Hell, most bikes don’t even come with a center stand anymore.
Well that's it a shame to see the bike go , It's a credit to you and your team, if I lived in the USA I would love you to build me a bike just like that one, hope to see more stuff coming out of your shop soon, stay safe. Phill in the Uk
It's beautiful my friend had a green KZ1000 always enjoyed the sound of the kerker,he sure regrets selling it. I'm a Suzuki guy I still have my 79 GS1000E with the V&H even after 41 years it one of my favorite bike to ride.
That was a great era, when the GS1000, XS1100, CBX, and Z1R were all unveiled within a few months of each other. I almost chose the GS1000, because I couldn't afford the CBX, but in the end I bought a XS1100. The shaft drive clinched it for me!
Awesome video! I love those old Kawasaki's, in 1982, I had a 78 model KZ 650, my first real bike. Today, I still have a 78 KZ 650, in really nice condition. I like how you are so detailed in your work. Great videos 👍
Man you sure brought that back from the dead. You turned that into a beautiful bike, you guys do such awesome work and you go way out of your way to find good used parts when you go in that direction. I think your videos are excellent and you explain everything you are doing. Thanks for sharing your stories and videos with us.
I'm happy to say that EBC has corrected the rear rotor size issue and if you order the LAMD4077, it will be 290mm and have the correct hub hole pattern. Thanks to Johnny for bringing this to their attention.
They cud still sell these today iv loved them since i first seen one when i was 7 or 8 back in late 77 78 and i love lots of bikes from this time they just had there owen noise but you cud pick it out comeing down the road i was only a child then i lived in the uk and around speed way bikes as well in 1982 we came to austrailia and in my 50s but still love them sexy bikes thank you keep up the lovely work bud
I bought the '78 KZ650 Custom new and had it four years. It was close to or identical colour to the blue you did this KZ1000 in. My friend bought the '78 KZ1000 new. His was a dark subtle green. You had to be up close to see the green in the paint.
I can see why you feel like you do. I worked for a few Kawasaki dealers from the early 80's onwards, and one of the nicest bikes I rode was a KZ 1000 I had to take home to break in. I think the pistons were 1015 or 1016 maybe?, same exhaust, dual discs. Everything just worked the way it was supposed to. I tried to buy it from the guy. Not a chance. This guy should be very, very happy with it.
Wow you do fantastic work! That bike's as nice as they come. I can only imagine how my '88 1100 Katana would be after you restoring it. Sadly I'm in Canada, but could never afford a project like that anyhow. :) I love vintage bikes (especially early 3 and 4 cylinder versions), and congratulate you on a job well done.
I noticed the dot on the front tyre was in the wrong place , should be oppersite the valve as the heaviest part of the tyre is where the dot is ok thanks
I had a blue 78 KZ650. I put 10K miles on it between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 78 carving canyons west of Denver. I sold it to buy a premium stereo from Listen Up. I still have the stereo, but would rather have the bike.
Fascinating video, meticulous work resulting in a beautiful bike. One thing that would concern me is shipping that masterpiece uncrated. Sounded like there was going to be a couple of stops with the bike being unloaded and reloaded several times before making it to the owner. Man I'd be too worried it could be dropped or scratched or dinged against another bike. Seems risky to ship a $25k+ one-of-a-kind bike unprotected like that. Anyway great vid and bike. I'm sure the owner loves it.
great videos ,really informative.ive got a 79 kz1000 just picked it up hasnt ran in 6 yrs.Tank is dry and from what i can tell rust free .the bike over all is all there .whats the best start point to get this up and going.cheers Zane ,i currently ride a 2008 vulcan 1500 /started off with a 2007 klr 650.rock me rock me kawasaki
Hell i Love All your videos , can you tell me what you folks use to clean rusty gas tanks ? The type of products , Thank you . Much Peace and Love to All you Guys !!!
Clean bike and like the EBC brake discs, I wonder if it has considerably improved the braking? One small comment - no offense, it does not affect the functioning and I understand why the position of the calipers behind the forks is preferred - but the forks are in backwards.
@@Johnnysvintage No, not mistaken. The KZ1000 A2 (1978) had the calipers behind the legs however I suspect you have a KZ1000 A1 (1977) fork mounted because the drain plugs are not on the lowest point and the small tabs on the outer tubes next to the drain plugs should be facing backward which are both giveaways that the legs have been switched over.
The question is a legitimate one to @Johnnysvintagemotorcycle. I’ve been a long time subscriber and have noticed several bikes that were very appealing. Questions seem to go unanswered at least on this RU-vid channel.
Okay. I now see Johnny is looking for any imperfection, nice job. 100%. I trust you to help me with a rear brake caliper from a '77 KZ1000A. Rebuild or replace? Need some help.
@@Johnnysvintage I thank you for responding. I need a rear caliper rebuild kit for a 77 KZ1000A. How do I find something like that? Omg, you are the FIRST response I have ever received.
@@Johnnysvintage Hello, I love your videos and attention to detail. I have a 1977 KZ1000A with a locked up rear brake caliper. I have not been able to find a good, used one. Are there any other models of KZ's that have a rear caliper that may be compatible with mine? BTW, I have a Johnnysvintagemotorcyle decal on my gas tank cap. Thank you for fullfilling my previous need for parts.
Hi there, thank you for the great video! I have the kerker system on mine but I am interested in the black Yoshimura 4 into 4 pipes. Are you aware if they are still around and available? Cheers
If al look at the amount of work you and your staff put into a bike like this .i cant help but wonder what we are talking money wise??I am curious becaus it is my wish to rebuild my Kawasaki ZZR 1100 when i am on pension.Ofcourse i dont need exact figures but if you could give me a lead i sure will appreciate a indication to work with.Thank you .Greetings from The Netherlands Johnny!!
@@Johnnysvintage Thats ok.I just loved what you had done on the KZ 1000.I watched your footage twice and its a stunning bike.I wish you all the best and i will find a way to rebuild my ZZR1100 because she is worth it.She is the best bike i ever owned.Greetings Robert
@@Johnnysvintage That's no problem at all, Good Buddy, I just enjoy seeing all your Kawasaki Z-1 and KZ builds, it gives me ideas where I wanna go with my bikes!!!
@C No last name Thanks 'C'. I've only been watching [subscribed] Johnny's for about a month. I agree with your comments about him [them]. I'm a Kawi guy. I had a '76 KH400, and bought a new GPz550 in '81. I'm 60, and my daily rider is an '03 ZRX 1200r. I rescued it from Huntington Beach, Ca. It's got some sea-salt rust. I'd love to have him and his crew give mine the 'business'. Thanks for the help.
