Six times World Champion in SBK and still looks like a chap that you can have a beer with in the pub. No drama, bodyguards, flashy clothes or anything about him. People like Lewis Hamilton could learn a thing or two from him. True champions always stay down to Earth.
Lewis Hamilton is just as down to earth but is a victim of his own success, everyone knows who he is and he gets mobbed daily by people and the media so doesn't have the luxury of freedom like this guy would. I bet you don't even realise that you just fell for a marketing ploy.
I had the z1 b back in 79 certain bikes when you ride them just make you feel special, and when your not riding them you get pleasure just from looking at them ! I'm 61 now riding a 1100 monster and still feel like a kid every time I ride 😁
Club Kawa.. I had a 78 z1r 79-85 sold it when we went farming.. just back into biking after selling my ssd900 in 86.. not riden since then .. bought a gsxr1k k5 track bike off an old old friend newly reaquaintanced.. scared the sh!t outta myself.. eyes on an Monster s4r & m1200r.. have a bit of biking to catch up on in retirement.. cheers from NZ
what a truly decent guy. Given everything he’s achieved and given the sport, he’ have every right to be a bit remote but he is just really down to earth. Jonathan is an inspiration to all us bikers and fans. respect. thank you for these Vids. they’re terrific.
Thank you JR, we really enjoy the slice of life videos you present every so often. I know of no other top level racer that allows us a glimpse into his seemingly rather normal life! Good luck this year’s championship, we’re all rooting for you! Greg in Texas
I bought one in April - it was the bike that tempted me back to riding after almost 30 years away. I love the way it looks and it does everything I'll ever need, and more.
Fantastic!! How humble can you get!? Multiple world champ and still listening to people. Awesome. Be safe out there Mr Rea, assume every car driver cannot see you.
It will be an eye-opening experience for you to ride on the roads. As you’ve discovered, seems every car out there is determined to plaster you if you’re atop a motorbike. Not at all like the hazards of racing where you can “trust” the professionals to an extent to not do something completely brain dead or be slagging away on their mobiles…. Be safe out there!
Hello from Oregon - I bought one of these last year. Great bike! Vintage looks with fully modern function. Be careful (pretend you are invisible) and have fun.
I have one of these and love it. Thicker fork oil, replaced the shock, lower Rizoma bars and an ECU flash and it's a very competent sportbike. Doing he decat link pipe this weekend and then a full tune.
Jonathan you are a heck of a man, on the track, on the road, with other people. A month ago, when you finish last in a race after your falled , I said, Wowoww this guy is something else, for me was a lesson everybody needs to learn. Your new 900 RS is great, nice colors selection, thanks for sharing.
Great bike - and the special treatment from Coleraine Kawasaki letting you in through the 'Exit Only' doors 😉 I remember turning up to my first motorbike lesson in my new black leather jacket and my instructor said 'it's the same colour as the road'. Went with the high viz ever since 😎
Beautiful bike, I almost bought one but went with the Yamaha xsr900 instead just for the triple engine. It looks great I hope you have plenty of fun on it.
I love this so much, I'm not into racing but appreciate how much of legend you are and to see you are so nice and so respectful is just a joy. Enjoy your new bike mate and take care, there are a lot of nutters on the road...
They are a beautiful bike, I’ve owned mine since 2018, the Jaffa colour which you can’t get now. I installed a Translogic up-only quickshifter which adds to the enjoyment. I hope they’ve fixed the notorious snatchy throttle with the latest bike, mine was terrible until I got a ECU reflash after the warranty expired. Now it’s the perfect road bike.
Best choice this 900 RS, got one of 2018 too and love it. Lift up the handle to the front for a bit, gives you more control on the front wheel and a little more sporty position. Good luck and have fun with it.
This bike is really great, i hope you enjoy it like i have. But some riders have traded on prematurely because of the high revs when cold behaving like an old choke system. Its particularly high if in 4th and if you pull the clutch in you can see 3000rpm ish. It only affects you when slowing for junctions in the first 5 minutes till warm but it can feel like its pushing you on when you're trying to slow down. Not sure if the later 21 models still do it, but it is easily sorted with the cold running adjuster turned clockwise by 5 or 6 flats.
I loved my zx10. 06 plate I owned a few yrs ago , 107 mph in first when you hit the Rev limiter , insane bike , light and flick able, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Congratulations on getting a new exciting bike! That's cool with you. Hope you have a fun and safe ride with Z900RS! Good luck with Navarra👍 Full VAMOS 👍🤘
That second sales guy going through the paperwork is a sound lad, he put me out on a few test rides when he worked for Charles Hurst, MT10, MT09SP etc... the MT10 is a belter. ✊
I was riding when the original Z1 came out in 1972. Got to ride one on a trip with some buddies. It was the fastest thing around back than. Only down side was first year or two the wheel bearings were crap and would allow wheel shimmy in the turns (made things 'interesting'). First thing you did when you bought one was go after market and get them replaced. The new ones are a very nice retro.
Jonathan that's a great looking bike! The retro styling looks a lot like the "old" KZ900, love it! I have no doubt you will get a lot of enjoyment from it with all the "free time" you have. 😉 Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with us. Keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤️🏍 Randy
Awesome! Congrats Johnny. For years we have watched you and your fellow riders ride on tracks and have listened to your view from a racers standpoint. Now you are stepping into our world of street riding. Be careful & enjoy the RS. I have the 2021 Z900RS Green & Yellow. Push for #7 Title
impressed to have found Jon´s stream. Fascinated how nice and down to earth he is. And loves the same bike. Just wondering whats his relationship with Toprak is. They seem to get along reallyfine despite rivalry. So Jon, will you pls answer my question?:)
What a dude! multiple world superbike champion finally gets his licence and first road bike, amuses himself with general road users making idiots of themselves ! Epic stuff!
Congratulations mate. You'll be able to ride the Great Ocean Rd next time you're down here. Hopefully the paddock will be able to return to Phillip Island next year.
Great stuff, well done with both passing the test and the new wheels. A flyscreen might help with the buffeting on the road and give some protection to the clocks and top yoke. See ya on the road, maybe even down south!
Just treat every Tin lid as if they're out to kill ya, they usually are. Good luck and happy travels! Im curious if you'll try and make it faster like we all do hahaha
I've had one since 18. Have 6 bikes and this one is still one of.my favorite street bikes Rear shock needs upgrading and the front forks can get a new drop in. A set of rearsets and you'll be sorted.
I have had mine for six months now and love it. I added the G2 Ergonomics Throttle Tamer. It made a world of difference smoothing out the throttle response.
Well this will sell a few more Z900rs'. Have a "Jaffa" in my garage and luv it to bits. As the song goes "Go Johnny Go Go Go". Best to all and keep safe, Old Bloke
Health to enjoy JR and love the choice, will be looking out for "JN65 REA" when out on the CBR - look forward to your gear and aftermarket can reviews next ;-)
Awesome bike, mate 👍 Saw you life in Buriram winning your races. Just received my own Z900 RS 3 weeks ago. Knowing that you are riding the same bike is almost as good as a getting knighted by the Lord himself 💪
Nah...stick the race suit on. 🤣😂 I once took my old Blade in for a service, drew the short straw on loan bikes and was given a Dylan 125 scooter. Ended up riding through London riding the scooter wearing my 1-piece suit. Every courier took the p*** out of me that day. 🤣😂
love the color way tone on the bike. wait till you JR get to ride the ZRX-1200 Daeg! it has a small wind screen. (ps. please tell Kawasaki to bring it back on production)
It is so funny to hear a 6 times WSBK champion say: "My first ever road ride on my own bike." at age 34. :) On the opposite I as a road rider said at age 34: "This was my first ride on a track with my bike." :) Another funny part was that part about that free oil filter. :)
that bike seems to have really humbled you ;; i hope you really enjoy it and give us some more videos if you get chance between your very busy schedules ,, also it does look very smart;;
The ZX10R that JR mentioned was sold, and that was in the video is mine 😁
The man himself even signed it 🥳🥳
Now that's a cool story!
its great to hear little stories like this it means something to yourself, a great memory to hold on to , nice one Glen.
Six times World Champion in SBK and still looks like a chap that you can have a beer with in the pub. No drama, bodyguards, flashy clothes or anything about him. People like Lewis Hamilton could learn a thing or two from him. True champions always stay down to Earth.
Lewis Hamilton is just as down to earth but is a victim of his own success, everyone knows who he is and he gets mobbed daily by people and the media so doesn't have the luxury of freedom like this guy would. I bet you don't even realise that you just fell for a marketing ploy.
Enough said ! Perfect words
@@like-icecream It's not a Marketing ploy.
Unlike JR, Lewis Hamilton actually gets mocked a lot so he is a bit cocky sometimes.
JR is loved by everyone so he doesn't feel the Urge to Get Cocky
This guy is a breath of fresh air. Like someone already said, no airs or graces and totally respectful. Top geezer!
Reminds u of Ian Hutchinson
@@buddyodilao6369 the long throw-in specialist?!
@@buddyodilao6369 qà
Ronaldo come to united
I have the original 1976 Z900. Had it since new. Has 101000 miles on it😅🤣
WOW!!!! That is awesome, mang!!!!
I had the z1 b back in 79 certain bikes when you ride them just make you feel special, and when your not riding them you get pleasure just from looking at them ! I'm 61 now riding a 1100 monster and still feel like a kid every time I ride 😁
Club Kawa.. I had a 78 z1r 79-85 sold it when we went farming.. just back into biking after selling my ssd900 in 86.. not riden since then .. bought a gsxr1k k5 track bike off an old old friend newly reaquaintanced.. scared the sh!t outta myself.. eyes on an Monster s4r & m1200r.. have a bit of biking to catch up on in retirement.. cheers from NZ
What a nice chap, no airs and graces even though he’s world champ.
Amazingly didn't even have a motorcycle license until a couple of weeks ago.
@@HocusPocus7474 I can't wrap my head around that.
@@lovelessissimo Quite a few race riders, do not have a road licence
Spot on.
@@BigBadLoneWolf that blows my mind. How can that be?
jonny's reaction to the bike having traction control. Priceless!
i like his face when he asked if it had a quickshifter.
When I started, alloy wheels were a dream and traction control was your right hand!. Lol.
Great video. Reminded me of picking up my Z900 back in 1974 after only ever having ridden a Suzuki TS185....new territory and so many great memories.
Cool choice... Gotta be one of the only bikes that's value goes up once the new owner signs the log book!!!
Congratulations 👍🏻👍🏻
what a truly decent guy. Given everything he’s achieved and given the sport, he’ have every right to be a bit remote but he is just really down to earth. Jonathan is an inspiration to all us bikers and fans. respect. thank you for these Vids. they’re terrific.
Thank you JR, we really enjoy the slice of life videos you present every so often. I know of no other top level racer that allows us a glimpse into his seemingly rather normal life! Good luck this year’s championship, we’re all rooting for you! Greg in Texas
Guy Martin is also a very nice bloke.
I bought one in April - it was the bike that tempted me back to riding after almost 30 years away. I love the way it looks and it does everything I'll ever need, and more.
I'm absolutely in love with that bike. One day I will have one. Happy for your purchase, brother.
Fantastic!! How humble can you get!? Multiple world champ and still listening to people. Awesome. Be safe out there Mr Rea, assume every car driver cannot see you.
Pleasantly surprised, I thought you were going to get a replica of your WSBK, good to see you've gone for the z900 😎
It will be an eye-opening experience for you to ride on the roads. As you’ve discovered, seems every car out there is determined to plaster you if you’re atop a motorbike. Not at all like the hazards of racing where you can “trust” the professionals to an extent to not do something completely brain dead or be slagging away on their mobiles…. Be safe out there!
Just imagine everyone is Garret Gerloff 😂
Nice choice JR! I kind lean toward the metallic root beer brown with orange, but yours looks great too of course! 🏁
I wonder how many people are thinking "look at that Rea wannabe" when they see you riding around with that helmet.
Especially with that private number plate JN65 REA
I'm a Suzuki guy, but that Kawasaki is one smooth ride. Rea is boss. Well done.
Hello from Oregon - I bought one of these last year. Great bike! Vintage looks with fully modern function. Be careful (pretend you are invisible) and have fun.
I have one of these and love it. Thicker fork oil, replaced the shock, lower Rizoma bars and an ECU flash and it's a very competent sportbike. Doing he decat link pipe this weekend and then a full tune.
Jonathan you are a heck of a man, on the track, on the road, with other people. A month ago, when you finish last in a race after your falled , I said, Wowoww this guy is something else, for me was a lesson everybody needs to learn.
Your new 900 RS is great, nice colors selection, thanks for sharing.
Great bike - and the special treatment from Coleraine Kawasaki letting you in through the 'Exit Only' doors 😉 I remember turning up to my first motorbike lesson in my new black leather jacket and my instructor said 'it's the same colour as the road'. Went with the high viz ever since 😎
Great choice and love that Retro style from the 70's. The only addition would be a front mudguard extender too keep the road crud of the radiator.
Nvm the extender, just straight on attaching radiation guard and manifold guard.
They make a black plastic extender for the back of the fender for around $20. I have one on mine.
I have the same bike in the Candytone Green and I love every minute of driving it. I wish you a lot of fun with it 👍Greetings from Germany 👋
Cool 👍
Awesome, 6 time world champion yet humble and modest, all the best with the new bike and for 2021 wsbk!
Congrats on the collection of your new bike Johnathan it’s a minter 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Beautiful bike, I almost bought one but went with the Yamaha xsr900 instead just for the triple engine. It looks great I hope you have plenty of fun on it.
I love this so much, I'm not into racing but appreciate how much of legend you are and to see you are so nice and so respectful is just a joy. Enjoy your new bike mate and take care, there are a lot of nutters on the road...
Keep it up mate, don't let go of your dreams, soon you'll be able to join club races and maybe get a podium or two every once in a while!
I'm a bit disappointed that you didn't get a free Team Green safty training to go with your Z900. Congrats on the new bike, it looks great!
They are a beautiful bike, I’ve owned mine since 2018, the Jaffa colour which you can’t get now. I installed a Translogic up-only quickshifter which adds to the enjoyment. I hope they’ve fixed the notorious snatchy throttle with the latest bike, mine was terrible until I got a ECU reflash after the warranty expired. Now it’s the perfect road bike.
Nice bike choice there JR. Glad to see you have a 65 in the reg number. Hope you have many safe miles on it.
Best choice this 900 RS, got one of 2018 too and love it. Lift up the handle to the front for a bit, gives you more control on the front wheel and a little more sporty position. Good luck and have fun with it.
Absolutely love the retro 900 Z. It was incredible back in the day, and just as beautiful today. Congrats Jonathan!
Love it now let’s hope our wee country gives you some decent weather to get out and enjoy it properly. Good luck at the weekend
Nice bike Johnathon , you took me back into my younger days of my own 900 Z1 from the 80s , you'll love it !👍👍👍👍
Johnny is so good with people! Very patient and obviously approachable. Top guy.
Great choice mate! Oh man... I love that Kawasaki store! I would be there 24/7 and check all the Kawis if they let me! 😁
pop round for a borrow when there's no-one about. bikes always seem to run better if you do that !! jus sayin
Sweet bike and number plate. Really enjoy seeing you outside the race track, shows how much of a nice bloke you are 👍🏻
This bike is really great, i hope you enjoy it like i have. But some riders have traded on prematurely because of the high revs when cold behaving like an old choke system. Its particularly high if in 4th and if you pull the clutch in you can see 3000rpm ish. It only affects you when slowing for junctions in the first 5 minutes till warm but it can feel like its pushing you on when you're trying to slow down. Not sure if the later 21 models still do it, but it is easily sorted with the cold running adjuster turned clockwise by 5 or 6 flats.
I loved my zx10. 06 plate I owned a few yrs ago , 107 mph in first when you hit the Rev limiter , insane bike , light and flick able, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Congratulations on getting a new exciting bike! That's cool with you. Hope you have a fun and safe ride with Z900RS!
Good luck with Navarra👍 Full VAMOS 👍🤘
I'm wondering what your insurance is as a new rider being a racer .I would be calling Hodgeson and co for a quote 👍👍😁
This is hilarious on too many levels hahaha good going man! Enjoy yourself and ride safe! Everyone's absolutely nuts on the road, so watch out. ✌️
That second sales guy going through the paperwork is a sound lad, he put me out on a few test rides when he worked for Charles Hurst, MT10, MT09SP etc... the MT10 is a belter. ✊
So he did names Oliver isn't it? Bought many bikes off him great sales man
@@markhill8590 Oliver/Ollie that's it 👍
Ollie's looking well!
Superb choice, Jonathan. My father had a Z400 in 79, which I took for a spin when a little young, but loved it. :)
I was riding when the original Z1 came out in 1972. Got to ride one on a trip with some buddies. It was the fastest thing around back than. Only down side was first year or two the wheel bearings were crap and would allow wheel shimmy in the turns (made things 'interesting'). First thing you did when you bought one was go after market and get them replaced. The new ones are a very nice retro.
Seems strange seeing JR looking so wide eyed and new around a Motorcycle. Lovely man.
こんにちは😄数年前の鈴鹿8耐の最終ラップで転倒するも、一心不乱にバイクに走っていったレイ選手に感動しました🥺そんなレイ選手がカワサキのバイクを紹介してくれてとても嬉しいです😖
Jonathan that's a great looking bike!
The retro styling looks a lot like the "old" KZ900, love it!
I have no doubt you will get a lot of enjoyment from it with
all the "free time" you have. 😉
Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with us.
Keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤️🏍
Randy
Awesome! Congrats Johnny. For years we have watched you and your fellow riders ride on tracks and have listened to your view from a racers standpoint. Now you are stepping into our world of street riding. Be careful & enjoy the RS. I have the 2021 Z900RS Green & Yellow. Push for #7 Title
What a beautiful bike champ!!! my best wishes from Brazil 🇧🇷
Thank you very much!
Good choice of bike there fella, My 1st bike after passing my test was a Z900rs in Brown & Orange, Had it two years now, I'll never sell it
Nice to see a multiple champion buying from a multi best Kawasaki dealer UK and all from wee Norn Iron.
impressed to have found Jon´s stream. Fascinated how nice and down to earth he is. And loves the same bike. Just wondering whats his relationship with Toprak is. They seem to get along reallyfine despite rivalry. So Jon, will you pls answer my question?:)
Looking good JR. Health to enjoy, watch out for the clueless road users who don't seem to see bikes.
Great choice, enjoy the ride Jonathan. I've got the Z900 and have ridden the RS a few times.
Classy choice, Jonathan!!! I've always thought the Z900RS is one of the best looking bikes on the road.
Congrats on the bike. Have a 2021 myself in the green and yellow. Awesome bike. You'll have a lot of fun.
What a dude! multiple world superbike champion finally gets his licence and first road bike, amuses himself with general road users making idiots of themselves ! Epic stuff!
Hope to see u on the road sometime soon Johnny. Keep er lit stay safe
Congratulations mate. You'll be able to ride the Great Ocean Rd next time you're down here. Hopefully the paddock will be able to return to Phillip Island next year.
Great stuff, well done with both passing the test and the new wheels. A flyscreen might help with the buffeting on the road and give some protection to the clocks and top yoke.
See ya on the road, maybe even down south!
Awesome bike. I believe i suggested the Z900 when you first mentioned getting a road bike and were looking for suggestions.👍👍
Congrats! Now start motovlogging!👍 also please be safe on the roads. Lots of distracted drivers!
Congratulations on your new purchase. Very nice bike. Welcome. Look forward to some road riding videos :)
Just treat every Tin lid as if they're out to kill ya, they usually are.
Good luck and happy travels!
Im curious if you'll try and make it faster like we all do hahaha
Congrats with lovely bike! Hope you have many great adventures and good moments on the road enjoying the freedom of motorcycle riding. Cheers!
I've had one since 18. Have 6 bikes and this one is still one of.my favorite street bikes
Rear shock needs upgrading and the front forks can get a new drop in. A set of rearsets and you'll be sorted.
I have had mine for six months now and love it. I added the G2 Ergonomics Throttle Tamer. It made a world of difference smoothing out the throttle response.
Well this will sell a few more Z900rs'. Have a "Jaffa" in my garage and luv it to bits. As the song goes "Go Johnny Go Go Go". Best to all and keep safe, Old Bloke
Luv this retro version. I'm going to need one. Congratulations Johnny.
Beautiful bike! I hope they gave you a good deal 😉
Sweet ride! Hopped on one at a bike show, and man, what a bike. Quality and comfort is oooooooozzzzing out of it...
Health to enjoy JR and love the choice, will be looking out for "JN65 REA" when out on the CBR - look forward to your gear and aftermarket can reviews next ;-)
Love it , the Bike i required, best of luck Jonathan, enjoy,lovely Machine and a great guy.
Great choice Jonny, got one myself and I track it. Chopped the side stand mount, high cams, ECU, suspensions, brakes etc.
Do the pegs ground too early on enthusiastic corners?
@@savagejabbit5929 scrape fest
Congrats mate. Looking forward to watching you at Silverstone next. Go you good thing!!
I owned an original z900 back in 1985 it's the only bike I regret selling, I do like the new take on the original, nice choice Johnny..
Awesome bike, mate 👍
Saw you life in Buriram winning your races.
Just received my own Z900 RS 3 weeks ago.
Knowing that you are riding the same bike is almost as good as a getting knighted by the Lord himself 💪
It took till the end for me to understand that video. Who thinks about a World Champion without a driving license?
I totally didn't expect that.
Nah...stick the race suit on. 🤣😂 I once took my old Blade in for a service, drew the short straw on loan bikes and was given a Dylan 125 scooter. Ended up riding through London riding the scooter wearing my 1-piece suit. Every courier took the p*** out of me that day. 🤣😂
love the color way tone on the bike. wait till you JR get to ride the ZRX-1200 Daeg! it has a small wind screen. (ps. please tell Kawasaki to bring it back on production)
That is a great looking bike - some lovely detail and the exhaust header look superb. Have fun
Really enjoying these vlogs , lovely bike 👍👏
_looks modern retro and has a good sounding factory exhaust ain't it champ?_
It is so funny to hear a 6 times WSBK champion say: "My first ever road ride on my own bike." at age 34. :) On the opposite I as a road rider said at age 34: "This was my first ride on a track with my bike." :) Another funny part was that part about that free oil filter. :)
Such a likeable person, was great fun to join him on this tour.
Congrats on the new bike. I’ve a 2008 versys my first and only bike . And I love it!! Keep it between the hedges and shiny side up! g…
2:26 That is indeed a Cool Jacket Jonathan. Good choice for the street.
be keeping an eye out on those Antrim roads now, hope you enjoy the road as much as the track 👏
Congratulations on that bike. I love Kawa’s, I personally own a Versys 650 2008. Take it easy, and stay safe.
Good luck Jonathan, really enjoyed your journey to road legal biking. Love to see you some day out on the road.
Lovely bike JR and great number plate too 😀 🏍
Great looking bike 👌 might see you out on the road, health to enjoy. 🏍
Most of the racers seem like decent people and that is one nice bike
Great choice of bike I have a 2018 love it. I also have a 1976 z650.
Mint looking bike also love the number plate.
that bike seems to have really humbled you ;; i hope you really enjoy it and give us some more videos if you get chance between your very busy schedules ,, also it does look very smart;;
Brilliant Jonathan, enjoyed following your story onto the roads.