I had a 74 for MANY years, had Akront wheels w stainless steel spokes, bored to 1015 CC, Megacycle 417 cams, 29 smooth bores, head ported, Manley SS oversized valves, head and cylinder decked at least .030, undercut trans. electronic ignition, etccccc Cams gave full power to just over 10 grand but had to wait until about 5500 to get the power, bike now is a toy compared to new bikes. I had a 2005 ZX 10 and that bike would walk on the old Z-1, I lowered mine too about an inch, fork tubes bottomed against the handle bars and rear I moved the shock mounts, also had the frame gusseted, lowering really improved the handling- in its day it was a fast and sharp looking machine.
And by the way, thanks to your videos my wife is letting me start building my kz 1000 but only if we use you guy's for the restoration. She said and I quote " You can turn a heap of junk into a prized possession that turns heads" And I to like the sound of this bike. Great job. Scott and Michelle Harrington.
You guys are good, love watching you work. had a '76 900 I wanted to build up, already had my 650 which was my a.k.a work and transportation ride. Love Kawasaki's.
I purchased a brand new Kawasaki Z1 900 back in the Spring of 1975 from Ricks Cycle Center in Bound Brook.NJ. It was the fastest and best Motor Cycle I owned to date. I don’t ride anymore. Back in 1975 I was 24 years old. Before then I owned a Triumph 650 Bonneville with the 750 kit on it and a couple of Honda’s before that. In 1975 you only had 2 choices of colors on the Z1 either Dark Blue or Dark Maroon. I chose the dark blue. I put a Black Yoshimura Header on it right away and what a bike. To this day when I speak about my old Z1 I tell people when they asked what it was like and I tell them that driving it and nailing the throttle it gave you the feeling like you were being shot out of a Canon it was so fast. What a rush and you better hold on because the factory seat they gave you back then in 1975 did not hold you in place.
@@mikekennedy5470 At 70 years old today I stay on 4 wheels these days happy to still drive one of my Muscle Cars. I could never handle today what I did back in the day on a Motorcycle during the Mid to late 60’s through the 70’s. I gave it all up in 1981. Too many nuts on the road. There wasn’t a day on the road where some nut almost took me out while driving my bike.
I have 1975 z 1 that has been siting for some time was thinking of getting it running , would i be able to get certain parts if needed from you thank you.
Absolutely. If you don't see what you need on our new webpage, www.johnnysvintagemotorcycle.com, then give us a call. 330-335-7365 or contact us via our website contact form.
hey let us make motorcycles great again every day in every way thanks johnny you do a fine bitt of work in that direction you are in my motorcycle world haul of fame right next to the Kaplan family dam strait
In regards to the header... if the head pipes are all equal length, it is probably a Bill Wirges made header. The gear in the megaphone is someone's afterthought. Bill was more famous for is expansion chambers. The collector design for that header was better suited for a lowered bike. It also compared well to a Kerker or Hooker. His dyno proved it...
I have 2 79's one is original the other has an open 4 into 1 with 99' zrx 1100 carbs with accel coils. The one tinkered on one produces instant tire smoke from a roll and the engine has never been apart except for stronger clutch springs.
I HOPE YOU CAN REPLY TO MY COMMENT. I’ve got a REALLY nice 75’ Z1b. I’d grade it an 8/10. Unfortunately not original paint, but nothing is missing. Besides that, it has a 4/1 header which is what I would want anyway. Would love to have your shop go thru the bike and sort out the few blemishes it has like a few slightly pitted chrome pieces, but still shiny bits and fasteners. Could you give me a wild guess how much it would cost to get it up to snuff.
It's best if you can send us some pictures. Our shop rate is $60 an hour. Every bike is different. The more pictures the better. Send them to number35@johnnysvintagemotorcycle.com
The price initially asked for is an indication of how much they have gone up, obviously what you paid for it doesn't matter as the resurrection of these timeless classics outweighs that. But they are getting harder to find. There are many overseas buyers that go to the US so slowly opportunities will dry up sadly
I bought this bike with two different rims installed. It has an Akron rim on the front and a Boriani on the rear, so neither of these were stock. We can do a wheel build video, thanks for the suggestion.
That exhaust sound takes me back. I love it. I want my xj650 to have that sound or at least close to it. It will never sound like a Z1. What header is that?
Not knocking the meticulous detailed work that goes on in your shop by any means ! My question is why put those k&n air filters on ! Had a 78 Z1R the guy I bought it from had laid it down somehow the air box got busted ! So he put the k&n filters on it ! The guy said that the bike ran a lot better with the stock air box ! Stock jet like 1.07 and with the k&n filters was like 1.21s get the right air fuel mixture ! Not 100% on the numbers but close i think ,been 20 some years ago !
I know this has nothing to do with this video.. I'm kinda lookin for carb part's kz 750 1983 at the top you know yeppers there made of rubber single Cable ,?
I think around $5300 which is half of what the new retro copies of this bike are. I would much rather have an original like this one. She is a beauty don't you think.
We put a different body set on it that we had in stock. Our procedure for restoring the inside of a rusty tank is shown in our "Metal Rescue" demo: ua-cam.com/video/fBQX5v4FmzI/v-deo.html
@@Johnnysvintage Oh yes, I watched that video. I just don't see how you can keep the tank from rusting after using any rust remover if you don't line it (which has its own problems.) I've read that the tanks were (are?) plated with a lead/zinc/tin mixture at the factory. Too bad nobody can do that here.
i love this guys dedicated enthusiasm , he really enjoys his thing and is always a great pleasure to watch..
One of the fastest and badass motorcycles ever built back in the day.and still is
I loved this video. Just to watch this transformation was amazing. Thanks so much.
I have watched this video several times. I really like the Yoshimera pipe and the overall personality of this machine. Super nice hot rod.
I had a 74 for MANY years, had Akront wheels w stainless steel spokes, bored to 1015 CC, Megacycle 417 cams, 29 smooth bores, head ported, Manley SS oversized valves, head and cylinder decked at least .030, undercut trans. electronic ignition, etccccc Cams gave full power to just over 10 grand but had to wait until about 5500 to get the power, bike now is a toy compared to new bikes. I had a 2005 ZX 10 and that bike would walk on the old Z-1, I lowered mine too about an inch, fork tubes bottomed against the handle bars and rear I moved the shock mounts, also had the frame gusseted, lowering really improved the handling- in its day it was a fast and sharp looking machine.
And by the way, thanks to your videos my wife is letting me start building my kz 1000 but only if we use you guy's for the restoration. She said and I quote " You can turn a heap of junk into a prized possession that turns heads" And I to like the sound of this bike. Great job. Scott and Michelle Harrington.
That's how and old Kawasaki Z1 900 should sound like.......great build
You guys are good, love watching you work. had a '76 900 I wanted to build up, already had my 650 which was my a.k.a work and transportation ride. Love Kawasaki's.
I purchased a brand new Kawasaki Z1 900 back in the Spring of 1975 from Ricks Cycle Center in Bound Brook.NJ. It was the fastest and best Motor Cycle I owned to date. I don’t ride anymore. Back in 1975 I was 24 years old. Before then I owned a Triumph 650 Bonneville with the 750 kit on it and a couple of Honda’s before that. In 1975 you only had 2 choices of colors on the Z1 either Dark Blue or Dark Maroon. I chose the dark blue. I put a Black Yoshimura Header on it right away and what a bike. To this day when I speak about my old Z1 I tell people when they asked what it was like and I tell them that driving it and nailing the throttle it gave you the feeling like you were being shot out of a Canon it was so fast. What a rush and you better hold on because the factory seat they gave you back then in 1975 did not hold you in place.
If you thought it shot you outta a canon you need to try a 2007 zrx 1200.
@@mikekennedy5470 At 70 years old today I stay on 4 wheels these days happy to still drive one of my Muscle Cars. I could never handle today what I did back in the day on a Motorcycle during the Mid to late 60’s through the 70’s. I gave it all up in 1981. Too many nuts on the road. There wasn’t a day on the road where some nut almost took me out while driving my bike.
Bike looks good, thanks for keeping these great bikes going....
Good find ! I always loved the bikes from that era And into the 80s
Je l'ai vendu et je les racheter 30 ans plus tard sa a était plus fort que moi fabuleuse bécane
the Z1 and the 71. 750 two stroke H2 are real hearbeat machines!
i ride the Hyper modern stuff but the old bikes are the next step for me
💚
Like a boss man!
Great job rebuilding it!
Your wife is a fantastic videographer.
I now want a kz! Thanks for the great vids
Not crazy about the fat short back wheel or pipe, but once again, great job and thanks for the document video. Keep going guys. Loving your work!
I would love to buy a fairly stock one of these. I wanted one of these so badly when I was in college.
AWESOME you do such nice work!!👍🏻
Just beautiful! Great work!
Love that sound!
Another great build!
I have 1975 z 1 that has been siting for some time was thinking of getting it running , would i be able to get certain parts if needed from you thank you.
We will certainly look them up to see what we have in stock. Give us a call when you're ready.
thank you very much will make up a list and give you a call,enjoy watching your videos.
Absolutely. If you don't see what you need on our new webpage, www.johnnysvintagemotorcycle.com, then give us a call. 330-335-7365 or contact us via our website contact form.
Robert Parkhurst are you willing to sale ?
wow looks great i love the old kawis my fav is the KZ1000 yea thats a bad machine
Johnny I love your channel I wish I lived near you Id like to come to your shop.
hey let us make motorcycles great again every day in every way thanks johnny you do a fine bitt of work in that direction you are in my motorcycle world haul of fame right next to the Kaplan family dam strait
Great Job great sound allways a Kawasaki :-) thanks for sharing
In regards to the header... if the head pipes are all equal length, it is probably a Bill Wirges made header.
The gear in the megaphone is someone's afterthought. Bill was more famous for is expansion chambers.
The collector design for that header was better suited for a lowered bike. It also compared well to a Kerker or Hooker. His dyno proved it...
nice vid , have you any video of kz 750 twin 1976 ? i would love to see that beauty again. thanks.
I have a 1976 KZ900LTD, ride it often. Great bike!!!!
Are the jet sizes I mentioned cost to get air fuel mixture correct !
I have 2 79's one is original the other has an open 4 into 1 with 99' zrx 1100 carbs with accel coils. The one tinkered on one produces instant tire smoke from a roll and the engine has never been apart except for stronger clutch springs.
great vid Johnny. I would have split the case. I love the shaft drives bikes came of age inthe 80s, Thanks.
I HOPE YOU CAN REPLY TO MY COMMENT. I’ve got a REALLY nice 75’ Z1b. I’d grade it an 8/10. Unfortunately not original paint, but nothing is missing. Besides that, it has a 4/1 header which is what I would want anyway. Would love to have your shop go thru the bike and sort out the few blemishes it has like a few slightly pitted chrome pieces, but still shiny bits and fasteners. Could you give me a wild guess how much it would cost to get it up to snuff.
It's best if you can send us some pictures. Our shop rate is $60 an hour. Every bike is different. The more pictures the better. Send them to number35@johnnysvintagemotorcycle.com
The price initially asked for is an indication of how much they have gone up, obviously what you paid for it doesn't matter as the resurrection of these timeless classics outweighs that. But they are getting harder to find. There are many overseas buyers that go to the US so slowly opportunities will dry up sadly
Can you please post a Video of the Wheelbuilding. You have different Rims on this Bike? Excellent Work as always!
I bought this bike with two different rims installed. It has an Akron rim on the front and a Boriani on the rear, so neither of these were stock. We can do a wheel build video, thanks for the suggestion.
**I love the roar of the engine. I love the Kawasaki motorcycle, I love its restoration** 🥇🥇🥇💪💪💪💪💉💉solo músculo **Muscle only **
Really nice cept for that black exhaust....
I love the saddle on this bike at the beginning.
Looks and sounds Awesome
grate job, and inprest with you nolegal.
Awesome ... love your channel
You have a lot of re-plated parts on there, can I ask who you recommend for getting hardware re-plated?
We have a company that does it in bulk. We do offer an exchange or we can sell you the parts outright.
@@Johnnysvintage So it's "Top Secret" then?
:-/
I didn't realize you tube had become eBay !
That exhaust sound takes me back. I love it. I want my xj650 to have that sound or at least close to it. It will never sound like a Z1. What header is that?
I'm not sure of the brand; it's just something we had laying around
It's awesome.
We're not sure what this header is. It's something we had on our shelves. See comment below from Robbert Allyn: "BILL WIRGES SYSTEM"
That exhaust pipe is homemade 4 into 1 prob some exhaust shop put it together
Not knocking the meticulous detailed work that goes on in your shop by any means ! My question is why put those k&n air filters on ! Had a 78 Z1R the guy I bought it from had laid it down somehow the air box got busted ! So he put the k&n filters on it ! The guy said that the bike ran a lot better with the stock air box ! Stock jet like 1.07 and with the k&n filters was like 1.21s get the right air fuel mixture ! Not 100% on the numbers but close i think ,been 20 some years ago !
Wee built this bike mainly from parts and I thought I would try to save a oem box for a restoration
10-4 true ! Are those jet sizes close ?
@@jackmyers6040 usually
I know this has nothing to do with this video.. I'm kinda lookin for carb part's kz 750 1983 at the top you know yeppers there made of rubber single Cable ,?
What a mess :'(
What did the $4400 sticker on the headlamp refer to?
That was the asking price at the swapmeet
Does anyone know what this "Kaw" sold for on Ebay? I've got to know.
I think around $5300 which is half of what the new retro copies of this bike are. I would much rather have an original like this one. She is a beauty don't you think.
looks good, looks right..
If you had to go 10000 miles and outrun police from time to time would you take a z1 900 or a xs 1100?
WeberBuilt Weber my completely stock 75’ Z1b. Probably runs about 130-135 mph. Indicated speed I’ve had it to 145.
Probably the Z1.
I assume you had a donor frame for the rear brackets?
I love it but the grab bar and rear fender need to be removed to really bring the look and sound together IMO.
Wow just wow! What u do..
Very good!
I prefer an air box to pods but to each his own
i love these vlogs
Did you leave the original tank in it? What is your procedure for restoring the inside of a tank that is rusted?
We put a different body set on it that we had in stock. Our procedure for restoring the inside of a rusty tank is shown in our "Metal Rescue" demo: ua-cam.com/video/fBQX5v4FmzI/v-deo.html
@@Johnnysvintage Oh yes, I watched that video. I just don't see how you can keep the tank from rusting after using any rust remover if you don't line it (which has its own problems.) I've read that the tanks were (are?) plated with a lead/zinc/tin mixture at the factory. Too bad nobody can do that here.
Do you have bikes for sale?
What state are you located
sounds great !!
If the carbs are 26's they are KZ 900, 28's KZ 1000.
Thanks for the input. I didn't measure them when we cleaned them.
You are the best
ID like to see regional pipes on it
Is this bike for sale?
my dad owns a 1978 Kawisaki LTD1000
Amps & Ramps keep it, in good shape it’s worth $6000-$8000
Front fender is on correctly!
He loves those foot peg's ...L.O.L...
Replated everything 😂🤦♂️ must make that a high $$$ Bike!!!
Yeah well they're not laughing now sweet
Diafrim with stock needle. ., yikes glasses 😎
79 on the xs
They are SADDLES not seats!!!!
I think that's still out for debate and a matter of preference. But thanks for the input.
YTjndallas I wish you would find one and ride away! Yes we heard you 😂
Fabulous efforts. PLEASE stop doing "RRRRRRR" at every other word, once will do. RRRRRR.
บูชาทางเลียบมาแล้ว บนสนามละบายในมาก.
คู่ใจก็อธิบายใด้เมืองเรามีทางแยกหลายนะท่าน
This might sell for 59g after 20 years
นับถือ.
THE BIKE IS pos
The pipe is a "Piece of Garbage"...
:-/
There are better pipes out there. We just wanted to build a nice restorable bike. The bike did come a long way from what it was