Kawasaki Z1 vs. Honda CB750 - Japan's Superbike Rivals

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2016
  • No story of the Kawasaki Z1 can be told without a starring role from the Honda CB750. If it wasn’t for that iconic motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z1 wouldn’t exist.
    This is the story of what many argue is the first true superbike of the seventies and its relationship and rivalry with its main competitor - the Honda CB750.
    Shot at Paul Brace's Proper Bikes: properbikes.co.uk
    A Brightside Media production brightside-media.com
    カワサキZ1&ホンダCB750 〜スーパーバイク・ライバル〜
    カワサキZ1の歴史とその最大のライバルであるホンダCB750との関係を描いたストーリー。
  • Авто та транспорт

КОМЕНТАРІ • 490

  • @BrightsideMedia
    @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +5

    Check out our newest film about the Honda CB750: ua-cam.com/video/hcdUgUu66bk/v-deo.html

    • @kramrollin69
      @kramrollin69 3 роки тому

      Nice presentation. Great bikes. Nice to see a little guy riding these beasts too. Unfortunately, at 6'2" and built like Arnie (old Arnie that is), I look like a gorilla sitting on a mini bike, on my mint K1 750. In fact , Arnie rode a cb750 in T1, yes it looked small. Lucky I have a CBX 1000 Prolink, minus fairing, to get that big bike feel. Heaven help what I will look like on my 74 T150. Might have to sell them both and buy a Valkerie or something. I can still remember petite young women in the early 70s, riding Z1s, and having to stand on tippy toes at the traffic lights.....Do women actually ride real bikes now?

  • @MrPepper312
    @MrPepper312 5 років тому +38

    Bought mine in 1973 when they first came out and I just turned 20 years old. Man I was on top of the world. Best time of my life.

  • @Flenderr
    @Flenderr 5 років тому +49

    I have them both and I also love them both. Fantastic legendary bikes which even today are perfectly happy on the road... after 40 years!

  • @llewvirtue861
    @llewvirtue861 5 років тому +7

    That sound brings back so many memories to so many people

  • @dannymccune1888
    @dannymccune1888 4 роки тому +10

    June 6, 1973 - I bought my Z1. Still have it. Stopped riding it at 107,000 mile. All stock except for the seat and top end motor mount. Still have November,1972 CYCLE magazine. Front cover, Kawasaki Z1903, "Every inch a king."

  • @itsshalevfromtaxidashcamer9390
    @itsshalevfromtaxidashcamer9390 5 років тому +31

    I love old Japanese motorcycles!

  • @remonfelix6511
    @remonfelix6511 4 роки тому +6

    I just can't get enough of this video! Coming from a 22 year old driving a Suzuki GS550E from 1980 :)

    • @1941392
      @1941392 4 роки тому

      Maybe you’re boring?

  • @NewtonWashinton
    @NewtonWashinton 6 років тому +6

    I owned both these bikes I bought a new CB750 in 1971, I bought new in 1974 the Z1 900, I loved both these bikes, In 1983 i bought new a V65 MAGNA very fast at the time. Thank you for the video! Great memories for me.

  • @chrismoody1342
    @chrismoody1342 5 років тому +27

    Proud owner of a 75’ Z1b. My buddy had a CB 750 which was a nice bike. Until I showed up on a Z1. Z1 styling was and still is one of the beautiful bikes ever made. My Z1 ate his 750 up. I could do in fourth gear his top speed. I’ve had mine which is still in stock; form other than a 4/1 header exhaust to a 145 mph indicated and almost 2 sec quicker in a quarter. I will never sell it ...... well maybe when I’m 85. 😎

    • @amateurastronaut5006
      @amateurastronaut5006 4 роки тому +1

      I got a 78 xs11 that'll eat your z1s lunch.

    • @auggie803
      @auggie803 2 роки тому +3

      -So your Z1 moped could do 125 in 4th gear. If so,,That is Fast !

  • @jimclarke1108
    @jimclarke1108 4 роки тому +20

    I owned the Honda CB750 new back in the day, traded it on the New Z1 900, hard to choose the better looking bike, but the Z1 900 was the better choice, for me

  • @tanktankerson1042
    @tanktankerson1042 5 років тому +13

    Would love to have both of them, thanks for taking the time to share this video with us. Brings back a lot of memories of my youth.

  • @blindfredy6128
    @blindfredy6128 4 роки тому +2

    I've had a lot of bikes over the last 50 years, including Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas and Kawasakis. A BSA 2 Bridgstones, Honda CBX 6 cylinder. At present I have a 96 Sportster 1200S and a CBR Super Blackbird 1100xx BUT I still drool over these bikes.

  • @kimhorton6109
    @kimhorton6109 4 роки тому +19

    I went to a Z1 from a Honda CB500 and the Z1 was a beast to keep on the road. Chains and sprockets were an annual item. Every other year all the pipes had to be replaced. I didn’t have many brake pad changes. Loved the bike but I should have saved my $ and fixed up the CB500. It was easier to maintain, less heavy and handled better.

    • @tedecker3792
      @tedecker3792 2 роки тому +1

      I worked a deal with the shop I bought the bike from. In subsequent years everyone wanted a header. So I would buy the header if they traded me their new stock pipes. Headers were about $150, and new pipes were $100 each. And you’re right, the stock pipes would rust out in about 2 years.

    • @papatorr3669
      @papatorr3669 2 роки тому

      Z1 pipes only good for 2 years? My cb750 pipes are good for 20 and no sign of rusting out.

    • @Spartansrule118
      @Spartansrule118 2 роки тому +1

      @@papatorr3669 how reliable is a CB750? I’m thinking of getting a 1978 CB750K. Any thoughts?

    • @Ron52G
      @Ron52G Рік тому

      @@papatorr3669
      That’s what they made Kerker 4 into 1 headers for.

    • @Ron52G
      @Ron52G Рік тому +1

      I road a Honda 500 cb once.
      Most boring bike I ever road. It would rev like mad, but nothing was really happening.
      Would take my 1975 900Z1B any day.

  • @angargoy7181
    @angargoy7181 5 років тому +15

    When Venezuela was a rich country in the 70s in the city of Caracas was one of the best-selling bikes at that time I had a Honda 750cc motorcycle and sold it to buy the Kawasaki 900cc was a very fast motorcycle for its time I I put an exhaust pipe 4 en1 was very beautiful the sound the problem of this motorcycle Kawasaki was his engine was very delicate for five years gave me many problems with the engine after I sold it and I bought a Ducati 900cc ss that also had engine problems In those days the engines of these bikes were not like those of today.
    At this moment I live in Spain and I have a Yamaha Facer fz6 that has 98 hp and weighs very little now I am 66 years old and I still enjoy motorcycles after many years. Greetings to all

    • @protectorh9167
      @protectorh9167 4 роки тому +1

      I bought a cb750 with a rickman fairing 2 months ago, the bike is built in the 70's and still in his original color thats mean it is very blabla look here;
      www.blauweplaat.nl/motor/honda-cb750-k6-1976-caferacer-uit-de-70s/
      And very easy to drive
      I am back in the 70's 😁😍😀, the owner before me had this bike for 40 years in posession and had to sold it sadely because of his age.
      So enjoy when you still can.

    • @kramrollin69
      @kramrollin69 3 роки тому

      @@protectorh9167 Mien Got!!, Looks like something out of the first Mad Max....:).

    • @ramishrambarran3998
      @ramishrambarran3998 2 роки тому

      I live in Trinidad, West Indies. I visited Caracas in 1976 for the first time. I could not believe the amount of motorcycles on the streets ! In those days there were all makes of motorcycles sold there. Alas, Venezuelans found out quite recently that "socialismo no funciana". There are now a handful of cheap Chinese clones !

  • @jgibson111
    @jgibson111 7 років тому +16

    My first introduction to a CB750 was through the sound of one whizzing by in 1969. Even as a kid I was mesmorized by the sound. My dad was a European auto mechanic and what I heard was more Ferrari than motorcycle. When I was older and had the money I bought a like new 1973 K3 750 and I was the coolest kid on the block....until the next kid showed up on a Z1 900! A few years later I got one of those. Cool kid on the block again...till the Suzuki GS 1000 showed up! Then I got some of those and worked my way to the drag strip. Did well there but none ever had the soul of my Honda or Kawasaki.

    • @cedricletourneur5980
      @cedricletourneur5980 Місяць тому

      J'ai vu une CB 750 Four et ENTENDU ce son UNIQUE pour la 1 ère fois en 1972... à 10 ans. Aujourd'hui encore, ce son est pour moi resté incomparable et inégalable. En attendant le jour béni où je possèderai enfin une "4 pattes", j'ai même trafiqué les lignes d'échappement de ma T120 afin de lui donner un son approchant celui de la Honda... pour toujours la moto de mon cœur.

  • @heraghanessian7017
    @heraghanessian7017 5 років тому +8

    My first bike was a 1979 GS 750. Loved it

    • @imrebakos5576
      @imrebakos5576 4 роки тому

      The 79 Suzuki dual overhead cam was so much more smoother than the single cam Honda 750

  • @robertyoung73
    @robertyoung73 6 років тому +6

    Bikes from my era, really like your videos, cheers.

  • @sarobinson56
    @sarobinson56 4 роки тому +2

    I owned a 76 CB750 Four, same color. My buddy had a blue one. On the freeway, at 70 MPH together those motors would produce a rhythmic hum that was amazing to hear and feel. So cool....later, I upgraded to an 82 Kawasaki LTD1000, and that was an astoundingly sweet machine, the only bike I ever owned that could scare me everytime I rode it. Still, the CB750 had a power train that made you feel like you were superman.

  • @Sincity4me
    @Sincity4me 7 років тому +4

    I have a 1975 Z1 sitting in my garage right now that I've been meaning to restore but just haven't done it yet. Reason being it is hard to find anyone that knows how to work on the motor of the classic bikes such as this one. I've logged many miles on it and it is a pure joy to ride. Leaving it sitting for 3 years without proper storage has cost me dearly. Would love to hear the roar of those 4 cylinders again.

    • @alansmilealot
      @alansmilealot 6 років тому

      Jim M. Can u upload a video of it? Good luck as well, it deserves to be reborn

  • @BamaRider
    @BamaRider 4 роки тому +2

    In 1974 my father owned a 1974 CB 750 K4, and I was riding a 1973 350 Four, looking to upgrade. I was 19 years old. My brother bought a 1974 Z1, that at the time I refused to believe could be better than the Honda. After riding the 2 bikes, I had to accept the truth. The Z1 was better than the CB by any metric. Faster, stopped better, handled better (although I wouldn't call either bike a good handling machine). It decimated the Honda in roll on contests. I wish I had each bike in my collection.

  • @rohithsasi5925
    @rohithsasi5925 5 років тому +1

    Really good video, please upload more..waiting for new

  • @freesoul85vis
    @freesoul85vis 7 років тому +2

    beautiful video!!

  • @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN
    @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN 3 роки тому +3

    I own the zephyr 750 tribute bike kawa came out with in the early 90s and I love it better than my 2018 z900

  • @timrogers2045
    @timrogers2045 4 роки тому +4

    Had both of them. Good bikes. Couldn't fault them for their day.

  • @BrightsideMedia
    @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +2

    Check out our latest film about the BMW R90S - a bike that went to the moon: ua-cam.com/video/7d46ti4Qj18/v-deo.html

    • @JD1976
      @JD1976 4 роки тому

      Do a video on the 70s kawasaki cafe style KZ1000 and z1 bikes. I notice most american kz bikes are not like the ones i seen in japan. In japan the z1 had a fairing and straight handlebars. They also had the foot pegs about 12 inches behind the normal foot peg location, much like a modern zx bike. The bikes on mad max 1979 resembled them alot.

  • @monteiro5306
    @monteiro5306 6 років тому

    Awesome video. Amazing job.👍👍

  • @toycollector10
    @toycollector10 3 роки тому +3

    I own a stock '73 Z1 and a '69 CB750 K0 diecast amongst other classic Japanese bikes. Both restored by myself so I actually have an emotional investment in them.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому +1

      Long may they remain in your stewardship :-) The sandcast K0 is worth a fair bit now and will only keep climbing. Nice!

  • @rumo201
    @rumo201 4 роки тому +8

    Kawasaki 900 one of the best looking bikes ever! Love it much

  • @pmgmotorcycles
    @pmgmotorcycles 2 роки тому

    Nice video! Thanks for sharing

  • @2thePtBassTuT
    @2thePtBassTuT 4 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @Caliiforniicatiion
    @Caliiforniicatiion 10 місяців тому

    That's awesome bro! 👏 👏 👏 👏
    Thank you from 🇧🇷

  • @heretohear8662
    @heretohear8662 7 років тому +19

    Love both of these bikes, but that "kawi" is a good looking bike!

    • @disyokerr
      @disyokerr 4 роки тому +3

      I drive a Z900 for first time when I was 16/17 circa 1978,I returned inmidiatly to my friend a Venezuelan Guy,I had like diarrea when that monster start goin down in a curve...to long for my short experience .Even back then I had tryed GT 750 Suzuki and CB 750 and RD400 .Any of those scared me.GT was more agresive than the Z but was not that long and big...Lot of respect for Z 900 .years later I treated Z1000 almost the same bike little smoother and faster . probably I was older and experienced.Who knows.I just wanted to share that memories. Thanks

    • @delaguiar
      @delaguiar 2 роки тому

      The z1 has the better looks but the cb 750 is the better bike overall.

  • @fingerlakesdiet560
    @fingerlakesdiet560 Рік тому

    Great video great editing! Cheers from the Finger Lakes!

  • @milojanis4901
    @milojanis4901 4 роки тому +5

    2 of the greatest bikes made in the 20th century. I worked at a Honda shop when the Z1 was introduced. Yes, it was bigger and faster than the CB 750. BUT-The 1969 and 1970 Honda Four bikes were both pretty close to the Z1 in the 1/4 mile. A friend had a 1970 K0 that ran in the 12s, 12.90 to my 1975 Z1s 12.75. The early Hondas were much more powerful that the K2 models, and each year thereafter.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +1

      Indeed. We couldn't agree more. You're also right that despite the difference in displacement, they were pretty evenly matched on the road.

  • @glengerdes2447
    @glengerdes2447 5 років тому +11

    I was so glad to be there when they both were released. Never forgot the first time I rode both.😃

  • @svendura1
    @svendura1 6 років тому +5

    Great work! Thank you, guys for this stunning video clip. I love the sound of the Z900, Frankenstein's daugther :-)

  • @dualdanman816
    @dualdanman816 4 роки тому +2

    Man!! I miss my 73 Z1 900 I remember cruising to southaven Michigan,just riding up and down the coast line with my girlfriend on my fatman seat fun days 🤙😷,God bless you for the video 👍🤩

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much :-) Glad we've been able to bring back some good memories for you.

  • @kwakaj14
    @kwakaj14 7 років тому +4

    Beautiful.

  • @michaelpuntillo3500
    @michaelpuntillo3500 2 роки тому +1

    Both motorcycles are absolute beasts. Gorgeous bikes. Both are beautiful.

  • @txrick4879
    @txrick4879 7 років тому +72

    Honda 750 the bike that changed every thing.

    • @ericgeorge5483
      @ericgeorge5483 5 років тому +2

      No, the Vincent Black Shadow did that.

    • @Farweasel
      @Farweasel 5 років тому +3

      Misses the point Greig .......... Vincent showed what was *possible* with vision. 'Tho you could argue Brough paved that way for Vincent.
      But that doesn't in any way detract from what Honda (and to be fair Kawasaki given they were neck & neck with Honda to launch a 750-4) achieved. It was a game changer.

    • @dannyruble5488
      @dannyruble5488 5 років тому +1

      Farweasel unless l miscomprehended what you wrote, it seems that you’re agreeing with the original post that the Honda changed everything... You’ve said it was a game changer... the Vincent hardly was in the game. Just because it was earlier doesn’t mean that it changed much of anything. Honda came out with the 750, and at the time, thousands of people, riders, dreamers and those in the industry witnessed, or were jaw dropping. There were a few bikes before the Honda that had a few details that the 750 sprung on the world all together in one incredible machine. Disc brake, four cylinders, overhead cam, four carburetors, four pipes, etc etcetera... NO ONE had done that. The way that people were buy the mini Ferrari engine sounding by the thousands and how it became ubiquitous as the VW bug , and was The genesis of the UJM, is proof that it is, and was the machine that changed everything... Just as op said. That is fact. Kinda cute that you might think of the Vincent being even of considered of such an honor that the Honda alone deserves. Sorry, the case is closed.

    • @mickbrown8249
      @mickbrown8249 5 років тому +2

      CB 750 Honda even standard was better handling ,esp high speed corners two up ..SAfrica 75/77 ...

    • @marvinsamples8236
      @marvinsamples8236 4 роки тому +2

      Actually one could argue that the little honda 50 was real what changed everything, before it you road a harley or an indain, or a British bike, and in general men road them, the little honda opened up the door for the average joe to be on a motercycle, it was little, cheap easy and forgiving, with out that little bike there would be no honda 750 ,

  • @robertbagley9199
    @robertbagley9199 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for a brilliant video Brightside Media, two gorgeous excamples of motorcycling icons, gotta love the sound of that Z1 when you open it up, no need for after market pipes! Is there a video showing what else is in that building??

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed it :-) Check out: ua-cam.com/video/CL2EjpZDKSk/v-deo.html

  • @jimclarke1108
    @jimclarke1108 4 роки тому +2

    Great looking bikes, both of them

  • @DouglasCBSF
    @DouglasCBSF 4 роки тому +1

    Amazing. Congratulations

  • @Charon58
    @Charon58 4 роки тому +4

    The CB-750 came out in 1969 and while the Z-1 was "introduced" in 1972, you couldn't really buy one until 1973, 4 years after the Honda. That isn't "a whisker" ahead as the video describes. Honda crushed the industry with the release of the CB-750.
    The Honda was a better all around bike, even though the Kawasaki had been able to use the bike as a template for the Z-1. Honda probably could have just bored and stroked the CB and competed directly on performance with the air cooled Z-1. Instead they developed the GL-1000, water cooled, triple disk wonder, and developed the twin cam air-cooled series that eventually displaced 1100 cc.
    The Z-1 was not a better bike but, because we're talking American riders, faster was the deal. Kawasaki actually detuned the H-2 so the Z-1 would have a faster quarter mile time and Kawasaki knew that the 2 strokes were on the way out.
    As for styling, at the time all the young men liked the flared tail piece of the Z-1 but the Honda is a timeless classic and has aged way better.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +1

      Kawasaki was ready to release launch their 750 well before 1972. It took them a while to lick their wounds and properly develop the new project 'New York Steak'.

  • @iodineclip
    @iodineclip 7 років тому +61

    need more retro designs with modern tech, need more 4 cylinder screamers.

    • @MrJesus-jp1zv
      @MrJesus-jp1zv 5 років тому +1

      The new retro z900 is awesome

    • @quomofo1
      @quomofo1 4 роки тому +1

      The Honda CB1100EX is a great modern retro.

    • @SergeyPRKL
      @SergeyPRKL 4 роки тому +1

      You don't need anything else than Z900RS and CB1100EX :)

    • @mirandabri834
      @mirandabri834 4 роки тому +2

      After breaking the v4 crankcase apart, the ONLY thing screaming is MY BACK!!

    • @disyokerr
      @disyokerr 4 роки тому

      @@SergeyPRKL CBF 1000 or 1100 1981 my love

  • @sangpenikam7882
    @sangpenikam7882 3 роки тому +1

    Bring back the good old days.. Great teacher onizuka bike.. 😂

  • @llewvirtue861
    @llewvirtue861 5 років тому +4

    One is not better than the other, I have owned them all, they were all great for theire time

  • @freeconfederate
    @freeconfederate 4 роки тому +3

    Rode a 1972 Honda 750 every day for two years. I loved it! Sold it for the same price I had paid for it two years earlier! That says alot about the value and appeal.

    • @amateurastronaut5006
      @amateurastronaut5006 4 роки тому

      Should have never sold it. They are only going up in value now. Well provided that it's as stock as possible.

  • @mr1bienvenu1
    @mr1bienvenu1 5 років тому +5

    I'd love to have both those bikes.

    • @winkeemanley1820
      @winkeemanley1820 5 років тому +1

      I had a 1970 K0 Honda 750 and a 1978 Kawasaki Z1000.
      Both good reliable machines.
      Regret selling them.

  • @nimbly1693
    @nimbly1693 3 роки тому +2

    I love those 4 into 4 pipes.

  • @simonodell2103
    @simonodell2103 5 років тому +2

    My 2 favourite classic bikes of all time

  • @clivewedderburn7601
    @clivewedderburn7601 3 роки тому +2

    I ride a CB750. It owns the road. Makes a beautiful rumbling growl, and is a darn sight cooler than I’ll ever be.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому

      They're awesome bikes and still really look the part today. Arguably even cooler than they were back in the day.

  • @scrumpymanjack
    @scrumpymanjack 2 роки тому +1

    I haven't ridden either of them but, on pure looks, I'd go with the Honda every day of the week.

  • @bernardmeyre
    @bernardmeyre Рік тому +1

    Both bikes are breathtakingly beautiful
    Superb Japanese design. And conception.

  • @RaoulThomas007
    @RaoulThomas007 7 років тому +2

    A couple of beauties!

  • @SergeyPRKL
    @SergeyPRKL 4 роки тому +1

    Im totally Hondaguy. Except: Z1, ZRX1200R (green one) and the new Z900RS. They just nailed it. Z1 lines are so great.

  • @simongilbert2704
    @simongilbert2704 3 роки тому

    these vids are good , as is the [ proper bikes ] site .

  • @davemoore5842
    @davemoore5842 7 років тому +9

    Bought a late '73 (titled '74) Z1 900 brand new for $2,300 and change . Probably more bike than my inexperienced 19 yr. old ass needed - what a great learning curve though ! Rode that thing through snow , rain , sleet and around the Great Lakes , to Florida and across Texas wide open , to California . Had later bikes ('76 Kaw 750 and '82 Kaw 1000 shaftdrive) and while they were good , nothing like that first love ! :) :)

    • @MrPepper312
      @MrPepper312 5 років тому

      Same here bought mine at 20 yrs old in "73" and I weighed about 130 lbs. The dealer watched as I got on to ride off. Probably thought I was gonna drop it. My previous bike was Honda CB 350. Man that was a step up. Will never forget that feeling.

  • @LinuxGalore
    @LinuxGalore 7 років тому +57

    it is a shame Kawasaki doesn't make a retro naked 4 cylinder anymore. I notice Honda is making the CB1100 in a retro design now.

    • @RandomVideos11100
      @RandomVideos11100 7 років тому +6

      heard they are bringing a z900rs in a retro design, along with a triple h1 retro in 2018.

    • @NathanChisholm041
      @NathanChisholm041 6 років тому +1

      Richard Neal Mate last year i bought a 2016 z1000 and i love her! My gf is not happy....

    • @nolascopereira5519
      @nolascopereira5519 6 років тому

      Honda Cb 1100 RS or EX OR Kawasaki z 900 RS

    • @robbalinski1606
      @robbalinski1606 6 років тому +6

      Kawasaki hit it out of the park with the new z900rs, best looking retro bike made in the last 30 years

    • @tanktankerson1042
      @tanktankerson1042 5 років тому

      I agree, I am over only being able to purchase an inline 4 on a Tupperware Torpedo. Nothing beats the power and grace of these earlier bikes!

  • @mikeo7221
    @mikeo7221 5 років тому +8

    I love both, but the Z1 speaks to me.

    • @alanrix5344
      @alanrix5344 3 роки тому

      Had a new z900 and put 4 into 1 pipes on it .Absolutely awesome sound

  • @oldman9164
    @oldman9164 2 роки тому +2

    i had a CB 750 ,bought it in 73 new ,built it twice . 1st as an 811 2nd was 836 both times it was crazy fast. rode it across country..only chain lube and gas. how can you beat that ? . liked the Z but never bought one . the built honda was faster and i think more reliable . just my opinion .

  • @Budivedder
    @Budivedder 4 роки тому +1

    Classic and nice bike

  • @jurgentreue1200
    @jurgentreue1200 3 роки тому +2

    I never owned a CB750/4 but I did own a Z1. I did have a CB500/4 though, my first big bike. Looking back, I loved the Honda more than the Kawasaki.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому

      Bigger isn't always better, it's all down to the character. The 500 was a really great bike too.

  • @glen6945
    @glen6945 2 роки тому

    THANK GOODNESS FOR DISC BRAKES

  • @TerryPorterElectronics
    @TerryPorterElectronics 4 роки тому +6

    I owned both bikes and this article is very accurate, the Honda was very nicely made, but a very heavy slug. A lot of kids were killed on them because they took ages to wind up and ages to stop. Both bikes had terrible handling and suspension, but the Z1 had immense horsepower and torque which utterly murdered the Honda.
    I used to easily blow the CB750 into the weeds with my Kawasaki 500 Mach 3, then later I annihilated them with my Z1B.
    I always think of the original CB750 as a old geriatric English gentleman, so polite and distinguished, and so slow with his walking cane ;-)
    I love Honda tho, and have owned several, including the one in my garage right now, a 1994 CBR900RR which I've owned for the last 20 years. It's definitely not slow.
    Now I'm the one getting geriatric, ain't life grand!

  • @EvilTwin123
    @EvilTwin123 5 років тому +10

    Currently own the 93 CB750 with 4 /1 exhaust for throatier sound and geared for punch off the line.
    The cruiser positioning with sport bike power is a great combination.
    Gotta Love a bike If you can cruise 85 in 5th gear with throttle to accelerate.
    But if you were to drop it to 4th gear and twist the throttle, that's when you might hear the throat-clearing sound of that single exhaust pipe whir a high pitch banchee cry of acceleration.

    • @amateurastronaut5006
      @amateurastronaut5006 4 роки тому

      I have a 78 750k. Might go with a 4 into 1 but I don't wanna lose that stock look. If I wanna go faster I have a 78 Yamaha xs1100 race bike that's built to the hilt. It'll do the quarter in 10 seconds.

  • @davidrochow9382
    @davidrochow9382 5 років тому +1

    2 beautiful bikes

  • @Titan500J
    @Titan500J 4 роки тому +1

    I've ridden then both and I've got a soft spot for both. The Kawasaki is just more in a good way. While the Honda is sophisticated. If you ever get the chance to ride the Honda just listen to it idle then blip the throttle. It sounds like a Farrari. What I remember from a article in the 1969 Cycle magazine (I think) road the bike down on Sunset Blvd and revved the engine, it almost stopped traffic. You see there was only single and twin engine bikes at the time. Nobody had heard that sound before. Thanks

  • @TN_HondaDad
    @TN_HondaDad 3 роки тому +1

    Timeless...

  • @glen6945
    @glen6945 2 роки тому +1

    BOTH GREAT BIKES

  • @michaelpuntillo3500
    @michaelpuntillo3500 2 роки тому

    Both beautiful motorcycles

  • @LesWG5
    @LesWG5 7 років тому +8

    I'd love either one of these bikes but as a former S3 400 triple owner I'd have to go for the Z1😎

    • @davidmacphee3549
      @davidmacphee3549 Рік тому

      I am fascinated by the '72 S2 350 red. That's what I wanted as a novice.
      "Oh, We won't have those, for another 4 weeks. ""Okay, Can I have the 500?
      Was that Guy doing an upsell? Bastard!

    • @JETZcorp
      @JETZcorp Рік тому

      As a CURRENT owner of an S3 400 triple, I'd also definitely take the Z1 out of these two. But if we're honest, I'd do an H2 before either!

  • @ericynot
    @ericynot 7 років тому +14

    I've owned a lot of different makes and models of motorcycles over the years, but the Z1 I bought in 1974 remains my favorite. Sure wish I still had it.
    I sold it ten years later to a guy who traveled the country buying up old Z1's to sell back to Japanese buyers -- it seems that in the beginning all the Z1's were shipped to the U.S., so, due to their rarity in Japan, had become expensive collectors items there.

    • @MrCaptcash
      @MrCaptcash 7 років тому

      ericynot t

    • @Sincity4me
      @Sincity4me 7 років тому

      Too bad I didn't hear of the guy buying them up. I've still got my 75 although it would have been difficult parting with it back when it was running.

    • @hugq14
      @hugq14 6 років тому +2

      ericynot They weren’t all shipped to the US!! Europe got a big chunk of them. I bought 3 of them in the early 80’s and I still have them!

    • @ajax700
      @ajax700 4 роки тому +1

      @@hugq14
      Please make a video.

  • @glen6945
    @glen6945 2 роки тому

    OOOHHHYES 2 GREAT BIKES

  • @robertplant55
    @robertplant55 3 роки тому +1

    Honda CB 750 Four Urknall des Jahrhunderts - Ja, bereits 1969 kam das Kultmotorrad auf die Welt. Damals, als die Verkaufszahlen von Motorrädern alles andere als rosig waren, weil jeder lieber ein Auto fahren wollte. BMW dachte sogar daran, die Zweiradproduktion komplett einzustellen. Zu dieser Zeit begeisterte Honda schon auf den Rennstrecken der Welt und mit diversen Serienmotorrädern. Vorgestellt wurde die CB 750 Four im Jahr 1968. Mit Details, die aufhorchen ließen: Vierzylinder-Motor, 67 PS, 736 Kubik, Scheibenbremse und ein Merkmal, dass bis heute noch alle Motorradfahrer begeistert: die 4 in 4 Auspuffanlage.Die ersten Modelle der CB 750 Four hatten einen Motor, dessen Gehäuse im Sandgussverfahren hergestellt wurde. Dies sind heute die am meisten gesuchten und auch teuersten Modelle der Baureihe. Für eine Sandguss werden schon mal Preise von mehr als 40.000 Euro aufgerufen, je nach Zustand und Originalität auch weit darüber.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому +1

      Wir hätten es selber nich besser sagen können. Wir haben auch einen neueren Film über die CB750 gedreht: ua-cam.com/video/hcdUgUu66bk/v-deo.html&t

  • @sesquashtwo
    @sesquashtwo 3 роки тому

    Just seeing these bikes being ridden, brings up the fact that the late 60's the full 70's were the best years to live as a bike rider. For so many reasons other than merely the models available. The culture was so much different from today. The 'all' of it.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому

      No doubt, there was much more variety in terms of concepts. You had air and water cooled two-strokes, big fours, rotaries, six cylinder superbikes, you name it!

  • @44357514
    @44357514 7 років тому +8

    I'd love to buy either one of these bikes. My First bike back in 1980 was an Orange 1971 Honda CB750-Four. A few years later I purchased a Black 1981 Kawasaki 1000-LTD. Both Bikes were awesome. One of the things that were great about these bikes is that they had the "Standard" style foot peg relationship to your feet and not the fully rearward foot peg position like the modern "Crotch-Rocket" style bikes. The Kawasaki might have been a bit faster, but the Honda was a more Stable Ride.

    • @txrick4879
      @txrick4879 7 років тому

      44357514 Wow i had the same bikes.Thank god i sold them to my younger brother and get to ride them now and then.Tried to buy the Z back but he wont sell.Well now i have a bike he wants and might swing a deal.

    • @The123ewq456
      @The123ewq456 6 років тому +1

      did you guys ever get post cards from a guy or two in California ? He was offering an amount of cash offer on anyone with a Z1 straight frame. name i recall was Fallsberg or similar?

    • @The123ewq456
      @The123ewq456 6 років тому

      I got the first one around 1995 . I had one registered . And the last one around 2005. and 4 or 5 postcards all total.

  • @robertbrandywine
    @robertbrandywine 6 років тому

    Ah, that sound at 3:15!

  • @pdark3930
    @pdark3930 4 роки тому +1

    Great video and made me realise even more that I made the right decision because I just bought 2020 z900rs

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +1

      That is one of the better retro reissues, agreed. Especially around the rear end, you'd be forgiven for squinting and thinking it was a Z1 :-)

  • @blipco5
    @blipco5 6 років тому +11

    Kawasaki was late to the party. The same is true of the 2017 z900. But as was true of the Z1 and the new z900...they were worth the wait.

    • @samrit123in
      @samrit123in 5 років тому

      *Z900rs

    • @winkeemanley1820
      @winkeemanley1820 5 років тому

      For the Z900RS to be a true retro like the Z1, it must have a 4 into 4 exhaust system.

  • @cynthiaayers7696
    @cynthiaayers7696 2 роки тому +1

    My husband had his 1971 750e model built to an 836cc with a three-quarter race cam. These could be built to a 1000cc. He had it on a Denver chopper frame. Could do 135 mph. You could only do it to the 750e because the cases & cylinders walls were thicker. Later models could not be bored out.

  • @100inthewind
    @100inthewind 4 роки тому +1

    I had that Z1. Great bike. Fun and fast. But handling was dangerous. It would wobble and do scary things. People tried changing swing arm bushings and things like that. But it went straight pretty good. So I did 4 into 1 exhaust and rejetting carbs. Ended up going to Harley. Still ride my Harleys but have Busa too!

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому +1

      It does go straight well, that's for sure. Handling isn't as bad as it's made out to be, but obviously can't be compared with more modern machinery.

  • @scottmatzeder9162
    @scottmatzeder9162 4 роки тому

    in december of 18 i inherited a 76 kz900, a survivor of the ef5 tornado that tore up OKC. in the process of a partial restoration. Cant wait till its done. engine has been fired(1st attempt after fuel system cleaning and conversion to electronic ignition)...anxiety is tough. I love my 09 Concours 14, but the KZ is my lifelong dream.

  • @billh4301
    @billh4301 4 роки тому +6

    Both great motorcycles! As a mechanic back in the day and working on both the Kaw was much easier for major work, but Honda easier to tune. Even though the Honda was smaller engine and one cam you had to pull the motor to do top end work/gasket leaks etc. Top end can be pulled in frame on the Z1. When Honda went to twin cam 750 it still required engine pull for top end.

  • @geodez2959
    @geodez2959 4 роки тому +4

    I have an 82 1100 Kawasaki kz. And it's a rocket!!!

  • @Bellathebear777
    @Bellathebear777 3 роки тому +2

    I ride that Honda 750 four alonnng time....I agree the Kawasaki was & Still is Beautiful"""💕☮️⚠️🌎

  • @ewoe21
    @ewoe21 4 роки тому +1

    Let The Good Time’s Roll

  • @thejerseyj9422
    @thejerseyj9422 4 роки тому

    Oh how I remember these two !
    There was an M C clubhouse down the street from where I worked and these guys were into mainly Japanese bikes.
    Jones street (where the clubhouse was situated) was in an industrial area of Newark and was about a half a mile long straightaway stoplight to stoplight. Needless to say, perfect for drag racing.
    I'll never forget sitting behind a Honda 750 and a Kawasaki 900 at a stoplight on Jones st. And when it turned green, BAM they were gone !
    PS, I miss the 70's and the bikes then.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому

      Great story! I reckon the Z1 might have had the CB in that race, but who knows for sure? ;-)

  • @blackz9058
    @blackz9058 4 роки тому +4

    KAWASAKI RULEZ!

  • @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN
    @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN 3 роки тому +1

    Excellent vid. Now subed

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much!

    • @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN
      @Bo_Bo_the_KLoWN 3 роки тому

      You have a peaceful calm voice and the music and audio were excellent. Good information is hard to find these days. Great story telling of these two grandfathers of the greatest bikes ever made.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words :-) Really happy you liked it. We put a lot of time and effort into our films and positive feedback keeps us going!

  • @michaelroussetos6123
    @michaelroussetos6123 4 роки тому +1

    Well done.

  • @alexnano4146
    @alexnano4146 5 років тому +1

    That z1 looks sexy for such an old bike. I will get em in my 93 750 nighthawk 😇 but that z1 sounds great.

  • @javiertorres9525
    @javiertorres9525 4 роки тому

    Que bellas

  • @NaiChannel
    @NaiChannel 3 роки тому +1

    かっこいいなぁ
    2台とも名車中の名車だよ。

  • @dr.detroit1514
    @dr.detroit1514 4 роки тому

    The '91 Honda 750 Nighthawk was the best all purpose motorcycle I ever owned. 100% reliable until I sold it in 2016 with 50K miles. Comfortable for longer rides with a change to better rear shocks, a plexifairing, and velour covering on the seat. Most powerful bike I owned was an '85 Suz 1200 Madura. I was no racer, but I read a story once of a guy who tuned his up, some minor mods, and would park it outside of Yamaha shops looking for V-Max's to race, with a $100 bill taped to the handlebar. Most fun bike I had was a '74 Kaw H2. After my brother got it, he tuned it up, did some other minor mods to the exhaust and such, and could ride it much better than I could. A screaming, smoking, raging, radical handful, it could beat most other relatively stock bikes of the time. A heavily modified Triumph Trident beat it. It would take a stock Z1 off the line and through the gears, but the Z would slowly catch up and walk away. He beat me on my next bike, a '75 Suz GT750, no sweat at all. My best trail bike, a Yamaha '90 TW200 Trailway. No speed demon, but dead reliable, comfortable, and would go through anything. My best touring bike, an '83 Honda Aspencade. Magnificent on the highway, ponderous off the freeway.

  • @salvatorelodico5956
    @salvatorelodico5956 4 роки тому +1

    Moto bellissime piene di fascino cromature , moto che negli anni 70 anno fatto sognare ed impazzire i giovani di allora e che comunque anche oggi vedendo qualche esemplare da subito all'occhio x la sua particolarità estetica

  • @dancooper3806
    @dancooper3806 4 роки тому +1

    Kawasaki's engineering department was having a picnic on the side of the road when a CB750 blew by them.
    Holy sh!t Ralph, did you see that ?
    Those basdirds, were gonna get em for this.
    Both bikes are great.

    • @BrightsideMedia
      @BrightsideMedia  4 роки тому

      Hahaha, that's probably what happened :-D

    • @Reduxalicious
      @Reduxalicious 4 роки тому +1

      That's actually not far from the Truth, Kawasaki was weeks away from releasing their own 750 when Honda beat them to the punch, Thus back to the drawing board and the start of New York Steak Project for the Z1.

  • @rob.1963
    @rob.1963 5 років тому +25

    I still think that the Z1 is the best looking bike ever made.

    • @BlownHeadGasket
      @BlownHeadGasket 5 років тому +2

      Oh definitely, the new one is nice but the liquid cooled engine just ruins it a bit for me, has to be the classic air cooled

    • @herigokil
      @herigokil 4 роки тому +2

      Agree

  • @alanarmstrong2323
    @alanarmstrong2323 3 роки тому

    The H2 750 what a beast and so light!

  • @80srocksounds
    @80srocksounds 3 роки тому +1

    Watching this because of gto