Kawasaki Z1 900 | The King of Motorcycles? 

Had the first one delivered in South Dakota. Rode it 6 years and 70,000 miles. Worked at a Honda dealership at the time, the boss made me park it across the street.

My 1975 Z1B900 stays in the family. It goes to my oldest Son, when I can't hold her up, anymore. What a machine...👍

Been riding 47 years… and I still think this is the sexiest motorcycle ever built, had a z1000 and a Z650 … loved them, but always wanted a Z1

When motorbikes were beautiful.

Had a buddy back in 1976 who had one. It had a 4 into 1 header with a megaphone pipe. Man you could hear it from 5 miles away on a hot summer night. I remember laying in bed,windows open no ac back then, he would be coming home from work around midnight. What a beautiful sound, yep that’s Michael headed home. You could hear it from the time he started it to when he turned it off when he got home. Pretty sure the neighbors didn’t like it but to a 18 year old kid it was music to your ears. Man,those were the days !

A French cafe at night, by the sea, me a 13 year old lad just sat looking at all the bikes parked outside. These guys were like gods with their CB750'S, GT750's, Laverda's and an assortment of other machines. All of the guys seemed to have beautiful French ladies on the back. I was mesmerised. Then, a sound I will never forget as a bike came down the road by the sea front and pulled up, only to be surrounded by everyone there. A Z1, that under the cafe's lights, looked like something created by Da Vinci. It was the most beautiful bike I had ever seen.I knew all about the performance but had never seen one in the flesh. There began a love affair with Kawasaki that is still as strong today as it was then. I have owned many Kawasaki's and still have 3 now (about to be 4 as I will shortly rescue a ZZR 1100). I still think about that night and the question I would like to ask those French riders is.....How the bloody hell did you manage to get all of those beautiful French ladies to ride on the back? Maybe if I slowed down a little I may have had more luck. But then I would not be a Kawasaki rider Ha! Ha! Live to Ride!

I had seen the review of the Kawasaki Z1 in a Popular Mechanics 1972 Sept issue, I believe, which I still have. The challenge was to ride the bike 24 hrs continuous hours over 100 mph at Daytona - just stopping to replace tires (which were coming apart), oil changes, chain adjustments (the original Z-1 had a automatic 3-position chain lubricator), and oil changes. A year later, summer 1973, I met another other motorcyclists heading in the same direction on the Interstate (back then, whenever you met a fellow motorcyclist, you would invite him to ride together). Soon there were three of us. Suzuki GT-750, and two Honda Four CB-750 (mine included). Someone shows up in our rear view mirrors, single headlight on (that must be a dedicated motorcyclist, a "pro" as only hard-core riders rode with their high beam on in daylight). Pride and vanity helping, we cranked up our engines easily to 100+ mph hoping to loose that single driver in the dust. He joined up with us, shit, it is a Burgundy red Z-1... We all admired each others bikes and then he waved at us and ... departed leaving us behind. Wow! We joined him at a service area and took our got a snack, we all switched bikes, trying each other's machines and made it to Trois-Rivieres (QC, Canada) on a local highway. Those were the days, we were a nice a small riding community and we pretty much all knew one another. The only people who would not "play" with us with "bad" motorcycle gangs and Harley Davidson guys, we did not care, we could lose them in the dust. Eight years later, I sold my faithful CB-750 to a friend at 102,000+ miles and bought a used Kawasaki KZ-1 with a Vetter fairing. Peace be with you guys, ride safe! Ciao, L (ME, USA & QC, CAN). PS. I still ride Vintage Honda, my joys are a 1983 CB-1000 Custom and a 1982 Goldwing Interstate (and a few others from that era)...

I remember 1973, I was 15 and was into 125cc trail bikes but I have never seen a bike more beautiful than the Z1 900's and I nearly died the first time I laid eyes on one. I am happy I grew up in a golden era of bikes, music and girls.

I was a police mechanic in the 1970s. One year we sold all the oil leaking Harley's and got Honda 750s. The next cycle we bought Kawasaki 900s. I drove a Suzuki GT 380 in my personal life and to this day wish I still had that little rice grinder.

The production value, the sound, editing, and care taken over each video shows genuine love of your craft and for bikes. Thank you!

The love of my life. Bought it on my 18th birthday. Lived to tell the tale.

I remember when the Z1 came out in the mid 70's. It was awesome, like nothing else back then.

The colors and black engine grabbed me and I got one in Nov. 73. The brakes were good, but not strong enough for the power and speed. This bike could get one in trouble if they weren't careful. Luckily, Kawasaki came out with a dual disc kit for it and when installed, the bike had superior braking power. I drove mine across the country in 74, averaging 45 MPG. Loved that bike, learned a lot riding it. Unfortunately some lowlife thief stole the bike in July 76. I've looked at the new 900RS, but it just doesn't grab me the way the Z1 did.

A work of art I live on for years.

I had a Triumph Trident T160 in 1975 preceded by a BSA Thunderbolt but most of my peers were riding big UJM’s. They didn’t interest me in the day but this Z1 has certainly held up over the years and looks great.

Back in the day when Kawasaki opened their factory door and wheeled the Z1 out the world gasped. All modern inline four cylinder four strokes can trace their lineage back to the mighty Z. A fantastic video...

Most beautiful motor ever made.

The quality of this documentaries is just astonishing. I love it, the job has to wait as soon as I get the pushup notification 😍

I think I was 11 and had a small mini bike and loved to ride. When this came out I remember staring at it for what seemed like hours. It was the bike of bikes and it was a head turner. Every so often a bike comes out that is a game changer and I think this one tops the list.

I smile when I think "Yeah, I had one of those..."! That bike was balls-out SICK. Sold it to my best friend. He still has it today.

This is one of the best sounding motorcycles that I have ever heard when I was growing up, especially if you put a Kerker aftermarket pipe on it.

best bike in the best decade

my 73 z1 900 has been in my family since 1975 when my brother bought it. i got it from my brother in 85 what a bike. still get many compliments.

Of all the bikes I owned, this was my favorite! I rode it all over the west coast. I miss it! Thanks for the memories!

Another great video on the "King" of bikes - from a proud Z1 owner in NZ

I had a 77 and 78 KZ 1000’s back in the 70’s, maybe 15 bikes later, I’m 64 and ride a GW now, the day I can’t ride will be the start of my demise, excellent video, loved it.

A timeless beautyful bike !

Rode one, never owned one. Was 17 when the Z1 made its debut. The Z1 is to me the best looking 4 cyl 4 stroke ever.

So many of the bikes of this era were gorgeous. Today's bikes often look like Transformers, an acquired taste I've yet to acquire.

Great video production of a great motorcycle. Thanks. I'm lucky to own a '73 Z1 and also a '69 CB750 and an orange 1971 Datsun 240Z. Not the fastest things on the road but the most beautiful and viceral to ride and drive. Who's the idiot downvoting? Show us your bike then.

all hail to the king! Love the thing, happy days of biking

This channel is my absolute favorite! I just watch all the videos whenever I crave some UJM

I just decided to keep my 1972 Kawasaki Z1900 because of your video

The bike i always promised myself, but never got round to owning one. Beautiful looking machine.

I'm glad to see old Japanese bikes being introduced here. I hope to see more good motorcycle introduction videos. Good luck to all the riders. Hello, from Japan

Finally someone making top quality video content about bikes that are usually reserved for supercars. Subscribed

I lusted after this bike as an early teenager. After a Honda 350 and Suzuki GT750 I decided on a brand new 1978 Suzuki GS1000 instead. 25 motorcycles later, I am seriously looking at a Kawi x900SE as my daily rider mainly as it captures the look of the original z1 with modern specs. I just wish it had the 4 pipes.

Hello, it is really a fantastic Z1 bike, I am finishing the restoration of a 1973 Z1, my dream bike, greetings.

My Dad had a Z1 shipped from Japan by my Uncle who was in the Air Force. It cam in a crate with some assembly required. My bedroom was above the garage and I listened to Dad and a neighbor putting it together.

Thanks for sharing this video on what I believe is one of the most beautiful bike ever. It’s one of those bikes that I could spend ages looking at. Regards, Bob M. South Wales

For a good dose of Z1's en masse , then look at the 1974 cult classic Australian film , ' Stone ' . Made on a tiny budget and filmed around Sydney's posh leafy harbour side suburbs , this film inspired and ultimately was the precursor to the Mad Max films that shortly followed .

Excellent video - I had a Suzuki GT550 - and always lusted to get my hands on one of those H2s - the coolest 2 stroke of its era - still is - period - this were the days, the new Pink Floyd album, a young chick riding with You & You feel immortal/ like the king - at least on the road ! Those were the days!

I wish... the new motorcycles were this beautiful. This bike is a work of art as in Triumph Bonneville level art. New motorcycles can't hold a candle to the older standards like this bike. Thanks for your content.

My 1st bike was a brand new 1975 Z1, and I didn't even have license for a bike. So, I trained on the back streets and thought, "What a mild mannered monster this is..." It seemed big and top heavy while standing still, but once you got it rolling, it got quite dainty. Fast forward, got licensed, and rode it every day, everywhere for 4 years, rain or shine. First 6 months scared me to death...dam thing was like an ICBM on take off. I got used to it, but I never lost respect for it. It scared me every day with its potential. At that time, they were the baddest thing on 2 wheels. I sold it in '79; because I had a pregnant wife. I wish I had kept it, now that they've become classics.

Magical Beast, If you ever rode one to the limits you know exactly what Paul is talking about. In the right (or even better, wrong) hands, these things were ferocious and really entertaining! Ride safe and sane.

My brother had one and we taught many a fast car a lesson in speed and acceleration WHAT A BEAST !!!

Ive had 3 since 1976. Most happy memories.Still riding at 64...will never give it up.

In 1973, this bike was king...I had one exactly like this one...and my next door neighbor had the green one shown behind him...

I had a Z1 in '74 and then got stationed in Spain. That was the vehicle I had tapered over and it was a real hit there. The La Guardia Civil loved it when I was on auto way and they would want to race me with their 500 Bultacos. Needless to say 2nd gear was all I needed to run away from them. An insert into the sway bar and better final gears it was great.

3:45 you could stick your girlfriend on the back and barely know she was there. That’s because she flew off the back a few miles back up the road.

I had the 1974 Z1 900 and I loved that bike. Of course mods were made with triple disc brakes with independent master cylinders, a squared off tail light instead of the oval one, and a 4 into 1 Supertrapp header with a very nice red paint job and custom seat as well. All access weight was taken off it and another thing was a more stylish front fender which made this bike look and sound better than all bikes even the FJ1200, GXSR's, etc. I mean this sounded like a rocket and went like one too. I miss that bike but I do very well with my 2000 Fatboy now. If I can find a workable deal before I die I'll buy another 0ne. Topped mine out at 130+ and only reason I pulled back was I wasn't too sure about the front tire lasting much longer.

Always loved these bikes and actually bought one before I got married but sadly my then wife made me sell it and my other bikes. There are several bikes that I had then that some 30 odd years on I still resent her for making me sell. Another great video thanks.

My favorite Japanese motorcycle ever built, performes perfectly and absolutely beautiful!!

I’m currently riding A 2021 Kawasaki Z900 RS café, the bike that pays homage to this bike. I’ve had many Kawasaki motorcycles over the years but this one has to be one of my favorites

Glorious bikes, wish I still had mine... frightening brakes, handled like a shopping trolley but it was bulletproof and you knew you were 100% alive every second. Love the music in the segment too!

I thoroughly enjoyed my Kawasaki Z 1000 in sky blue for many years! Great sound!

I was a 24 y/o working at Camrod Motors, a pretty big motorcycle dealer in NYC (Manhattan) when this bike came out. I thought I was pretty hot stuff with a 750 Norton Commando with the Combat engine. A great and quite fast bike due in no small part to its light weight., At 130 lbs myself, we made a good pairing. Anyway one of the best perks of my job was that I got to ride whatever I wanted to. The day the first Z! came in I took it for a ride around the west side neighborhood where the shop was located. On a straightaway I opened the throttle wide and damn near flew off the thing. I held on for dear life. It was breathtaking. I've never forgotten it.

I have to compliment you on your channel, been watching for a while now and it's always amazing how your love and passion for these machines shines through. Great machine and a fitting video tribute!

Even today still looks fantastic 😍

Having had the opportunity to compare a mate’s Z900 alongside my brother’s Laverda Jota, there is no comparison. The Jota was notably faster, and didn’t feel like it had a hinge in the chassis going through corners, which was the defining characteristic of the Z1 when pressing on. The Jota was a lot more expensive, though, and so it sold in limited numbers and the Z1 sold truckloads. I know which one I’d rather be on. Compared, too, to the Suzuki GS1000 it’s mythology pales in light of the relative superiority of the Suzuki, which was faster and actually had a really good chassis.

I got a 73 z1A i imported from canada and currently building a toecutters z1000a madmax bike , ive had a total of 7 zeds and you get use to the ride , brakes , handling , i love em

iN 1974, I bought a KZ 900 off of the showroom floor. It was a beast for sure. Never got beat and I thank The Lord I survived it. One time I did 120 mph. Talk about a rush. It was a good looking bike. Today, at 66 I just have a Yamaha 650 V Star Classic and it does me fine. Still enough to scare the heck out of me here and there and let me know I am alive.

Set these bikes up new from the factory at a dealership. What great times they were! Loved taking them for a test drive! BUT I also loved the H2-750's also. They were both a blast to drive! Interesting they say top speed was 130mph. I went 145 on one with ease.

Much gratitude from a new Z900rs cafe rider in Vancouver BC, Canada. On my next venture across the pond I'm def going to try and find that awesome shed of toys you got there

Definitely the King greatest motorcycle ever made

Jasper Racing Motorsports.....I've rode a Z-1 since 74...an it screams...it definitely was iconic in its day..ran faster than anything out there....the epitome of motorcycles...my brother stills has it to this day

I had an identical Z1 , same colours and ' L ' suffix as this , later in life at a time when it became affordable ( for a while ) , unlike when new !.I absolutely loved it and fully endorse what has been said, it was lithe , beautiful and always riding it was an experience to behold , even on the 500 mile National Rally over night which it took in its stride .Only let it go as if used regularly , the exhaust silencers were not that durable !.Having said that it was one of the most memorable and best bikes I ever owned and the stratospheric rise in values is not hard to fathom .Brilliant production by the way bringing back many happy memories.

If I could turn back the clock, I would buy a Z1. Due to financial reasons at that time, I had to sell my 1978 Z1000 which I miss today. Let the good times roll !!!!!

Fantastic documentary. Best content about these lovely chaps, as always! Keep up the great work team.

Totally agree, the king and still is. I had the z650 first then a z1000H fuel injection which I thought was a really nice looking bike but the original z1 was the best looking of all the big Z’s.

Bought a green '76 KZ900 spring before high school graduation. man i loved that bike. it was so cool and badass. girlfriend and i rode everywhere. lost it when shop doin repairs in Southaven, Miss burned down in '79. bought a XS1100 but sure have missed the KZ. The Z1/KZ 900s are best lookin bikes made. hands down.

I come here coincidentally and I am very satisfying now. Greetings from Japan 🇯🇵

Thank you for putting the time and effort into this presentation of the Z1. My first road bike was a 500 H1 when I was 17. Two years later I traded it in on a secondhand (just 12 months old) 900Z1B. Both great bikes, and rather spoils you to have such machines at a young age and when they first came out. I had clip on handlebars on the 500 and put drop down bars, 4/1 exhaust and K&N cleaners on the 900. You could hear it coming a mile away, great bike.

Just come back from the weekend’s British Motorcycle Show at the NEC where I saw the Z900RS SE. I’ll tell you what a it’s a great replica even if it’s not four into four. Well worth a look I reckon as originals like this go through the roof…

Always turns heads,a true classic!

"A bit of sparkle and a bit of magic". That's what Kwaks have always had, it's in their DNA. Fantastic video, Paul - beautifully shot, as usual. 👍

Thx for posting this video, and the one about the two strokes from the 70s.!!! I had 2 of those bikes myself as a teen. The S 250cc triple three kawasaki, and the Z 650. Both the videos bring back great memories.!!! Thanks again for posting.!

I remember a time when every rider in my neighborhood either rode or wanted to ride a Z1 and later, the Kawi-one-thowie! I settled on an 83 GS 750 ED

Lovelly bikes, back in the day I had a Honda 750H2 and I always aspired to one of these. Bulletproof engines ..

I just got an 83 Kz-550. I plan to fix it up and parlay it into a 900 or 1000. But I will be happy poking around on it in the meantime. I race at the track regularly so have no need to go silly fast on the street.

Great video and I agree with all your comments.

Great video. I think I paid 2400 dollars for the Sophia Loren of motorcycles. The color combination of the paint job was beautiful. Still riding at 50 years plus no bike ever won my heart like the Z1B. My glory days!

Your videos are always so beautiful

Hi Brightside media ! Agree with you 100%. Back in the day they were the bike to own. In New Zealand they are now collectors bikes and some collectors own 4 or more. Are they also sought after in UK ? I am 64 now and I remember these bikes clearly. Are you ever in NZ ? If ever free accommodation for you. Regards. Mecums live motorcycle auction on at the moment.

What’s a little bit of frame flex between friends 😵‍💫

Una delle più belle e iconiche moto mai costruite ....quanti ricordi !!!

Great video! Im now in love with that bike and need to have one! Hahaha

I was obsessed with this beautiful bike more than any girl at the time. the acceleration was like a drug. i still remember going outside and seeing it was stolen. broke my heart.

Stunning bikes man, I love everything that you have in your garage. But I have a huge soft spot for two strokes, nothing I used to like better than going touring on my two strokes, water buckets, H2 Kwak and my personal favourite, my Suzuki gt250k, it went all over the uk 🇬🇧 with me from Northern Ireland. Superb video man. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧

I bought mine in '73. Scared the cr@% out of me several times. The quickest way I found to launch was to turn it up to 6,000, drop the clutch and by the time you got your feet on the pegs, it was at 9,500 and time to shift. A friend had a Triumph Bonneville. After riding his Bonneville, getting back on my 740 lb Z1 was like straddling a refrigerator! It was really hard on chains and back tires - uh well maybe that was a little bit my fault. I slid the front forks out and turned the tire around which put the front brake behind the wheel. That helped the 100 mph steering wobble!

バイクの走行シーンとBGMが非常に良く合っている。

Another superb quality video, really enjoyed the ones I have seen, I know it takes a lot of work but wish you could do a feature length! Have a z650b1 which I love but my Z1a is something all together different, something about the Z1 it grabs your very soul, every time.

Kawasaki motorcycles are legends. I am using kawasaki KB100 RTZ for last 33 years and still working fine today. Thanks to kawasaki designs and reliability. Sanjay Pune India

It so good thing. Iff the bike can stay in the families,and it so good too hear if they goes too your ovn sønn. God bless you

Great video and well produced! I think I’ve got the best of both worlds, a 2018 Z900RS with the looks of the original Z1! Same Jaffa color as well. The Z1s were very popular in Australia when they were introduced, of course I had to go against the grain and buy a Ducati 750 Sport (the yellow tank) back in 1974. More than made up for it with my RS though. Funny thing is, a well-restored Z1 is worth around double what a new Z900RS costs.

Insanely fast!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW ! ! ! ! ! ! ! AMAZING BIKE ! ! ! ! ! ! AWESOME ! ! ! ! ! FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I had one of these in the 70s ..wish I still had it

I found my 1974 Z1 in a basement at a house I was just working at,it was sitting for a few years the old gentalman said his son used to run it a Martin Us 131 dragway,he didn't tell me how quick it ran but sold it to me for 600$..I got it running when I got it home and it was a very scary machine and I loved it 😭😭😭🤟

The king of the Road