13 WORST Motorcycles From The 1970s, Nobody Wants Back!

Welcome to 13 WORST Motorcycles From The 1970s, Nobody Wants Back!
For every great bike, there's always one that fails so badly you question how it was approved. These failures have been around since the early days of motorcycles, but they became more common in the 1970s.
It was a time of innovation with parallel twins and advanced triples, alongside the rise of sport bikes in America.
Join us as we delve into the world of the worst bikes ever made, where ambitious ideas often ended in disappointment and frustration.
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Copyright Disclaimer
We do not fully own the material compiled in this video. It belongs to individuals or organizations that deserve respect.
We use under: Copyright disclaimer section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. "fair use" is allowed for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching. scholarships and research.
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#musclecars
#fastestcars
#luxurycars
#vintagevehicles

[@davestambaugh7282]

A drop in torque caused unexpected wheelies. That is like saying that rising sea levels will cause more land mass.

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

Certainly a WTF moment. I'm interested in the explanation. Should be entertaining.

[@Greg-w6t]

He doesn't know anything about torque and what it does.

[@UguysRnuts]

Except for the fact sea levels haven't risen. Gore said NYC would be underwater by now yet Obama just spent millions for waterfront property on Martha's Vineyard. Maybe comparing wheelies to whoppers isn't a good idea.

[@For_What_It-s_Worth]

Of course, it was the jump in torque as the engine came on the pipe that was/is the issue.

[@davestambaugh7282]

@@For_What_It-s_Worth Of course if the torque increases, but he said the torque rapidly decreases, Not increases!!!

[@717rocket]

Z1 bad?...Crack is bad for you.

[@KO-pk7df]

You obviously have no real knowledge of these bike. I have owned and rode all the Kawasaki triples, respected them, worked on them and drove them within their limits and the only others who could keep up were others on 2-stroke bikes like mine. I was a mechanic at all the Japanese brands and everything you said in this video simply is distorted misinformation by someone who listens to myths, tall tales and outright lies by others who don't know what they are talking about. If you want the real information, ask the people who were there and experienced it as the greatest times of our lives. Back then if you were owner/riders of these machines you were also mechanic for your bike and YOU did all the riding and handling magic. today the bikes do almost everything for you.

[@dilwyn1]

@KO-pk7df wel said.. MC Mechanic on all makes for over 50 yrs too , Kwaka, Yam, etc, obviously this guy is clueless !!

[@KO-pk7df]

@@dilwyn1 A kind of clickbait to get all us real riders/mechs to rise up and respond I guess.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

Agreed..........mind you the first clue was the text to voice bot used to narrate the video.....sure sign of pure laziness......as for dumping on the Z1......next to the original CB750, she was the bike to have back in the day....

[@Philip-hv2kc]

And Allen Milyard has done some amazing engine transformations on the kwaka triples transforming them to four and six cylinder and producing a 1500 cc version H4. He's also produced a V twin Honda 90 meaning it's 180 cc . I think I've remembered the name correctly.

[@bossdog1480]

@@gumpyoldbugger6944 I had the Z650 which handled really well and never got into a tank slapper as compared to my CB750 which didn't like corners after 80MPH.

[@turboi6]

All BS...No credibilty at all. Obviously not a motorcycle rider!!!!!

[@waynerobertson511]

I think he let ChatGPT do all his research.

[@secularnevrosis]

Yeah. H2 more dangerous than the H1? Wtf? The H2 had a much longer swing and was way more controllable. And what did he say?.a significant drop in torque that results in a unintentional wheelie... Eh?

[@Terence-e5k]

Really,!!I Think he was right in sum bikes like the CB 500 T

[@roderernst9990]

EXcept for H4. Needed awhole 2lane road at hi speed,frame made from reject steel electrical conduit! Put the power on and it turns right get scared and shut it off and swerve left.Biggest laugh some Pom upgrade the handling with Upside down Forks, twin radial brembows and rear monoshock- just modified the stand 20mm conduit frame.!!

[@leekellerking]

@@secularnevrosis I had a H1 and got to ride an H2 and the second was much better. Still a beast! But as for the "nobody wants back" part of the headline, he should have checked the current prices for H1 and H2 two smokes! Lol And calling a Wankel engine COMPLEX??? I don't know about the RE-5's seal problems, but a Wankel engine basically has ONE moving part - the rotor. Compared to any multi-cylinder engine, the Wankel is simplicity itself. And the Kawasaki Z1 900? That was an awesome bike! So was the T160 Trident, which had no more problems than any other Brit bike of the era. Oy!

[@rwl8150]

You have no idea what was bad in the 70's.

[@davidrochow9382]

What a load of BS. From what I remember most Japanese bikes from the 70s had electric starters. That's one of the reasons they sold so well. If I was offered any of these bike I'd love it. He forgot the 70s US motorcycles made by the bowling ball company and how bad they were.

[@johnlennon8653]

Had an AMF 1975 Harley Sportster in the 90s . Was very reliable and I chopped the hell out of it. Very few issues with it , but I was a bike mechanic back in the 80s , so I could fix anything that went wrong.

[@Firewlkre]

Bought a brand new 79' harley lowrider "amf" that smoked excessively,dealer kept saying just wait for the rings to seat,after 3mo. of riding it they finally decided to take it apart under warranty and found the cylinders were bored wrong from the factory! They gave me a choice,wait 6mo. for back ordered factory pistons or pay for a set of aftermarket pistons and all the labor covered under warranty,I chose the latter.

[@Philip-hv2kc]

You either love or hate Harley Davidson.

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Yes, the American bikes were the pits, and as far as I'm concerned they still are, although I was please to see Indian back. I now ride a BMW R75/5 and I'll ride that for as long as I can get a leg over it. I've had Hondas, Kawasaki 4 strokes, Yamaha, Suzuki and 1 BSA that put me off British bikes forever! Never had a problem with any Japanese bikes.

[@belleriffraff]

Had a 1973 Suzuki 380cc 3 cylinder 2 stroke roadbike, it was a KICK START>

[@peterturnham5134]

Complete crap, I rode fast bikes in the 1970s, if nobody wants a H2, Z1, V7, T160, Laverda, give it to me, have a look at the second hand prices now. You cant even get the photos right. When talking about the Laverda 1000 triple you keep showing pictures of the 750 Twin, Can you not count from 2 to 3?

[@Expedient_Mensch]

"Can you not count from 2 to 3?" He ran out of fingers....

[@KPP365]

Well said 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@jefferywylie4456]

I made my H2 quicker than stock. Terrifying fun. That’s the one bike I wish I could have back.

[@GregDunne-zf2ep]

I agree I will go half in all the bikes I owned some of these bikes and I like most of them

[@ianjohnston2361]

I don't agree with 90% of this video..... Go back to school....

[@peterbunting4360]

Nobody wants a Z1 or a V7? Really?

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

Z1 was the shit back then. Super popular

[@danburque7555]

I've had a Z1 for 40 years 😊❤

[@gaitkleefman]

a Z1 or a V7 are now very expensive and popular in Europe

[@russellcaldarola9707]

I still ride my kz1000 and love it.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

The owner of this channel is a total wanker when it comes to bikes........there were some truely terrible bikes back then, just like any period of time, but the majority of the ones he listed weren't them. I'll grant him the Hondamatic, it must of seemed like a great idea from a marketing point of view, but apparently no one in the Honda marketing team thought to ask riders what they wanted. I think it was primary aimed at the North American market.

[@kjc1878]

Dudes a rookie get your shit straight before you make videos. Tell your probably like 20 something.

[@Arltratlo]

months??

[@CharlHolder-c3c]

Can you even ride a bike. The kawasaki 750 triple is one of the most expensive and sought after collectors bikes

[@TheWombat2012]

I love my ‘74 H2-750 Mach IV. It’s an awesome bike that’s still quick today.

[@secularnevrosis]

Yeah. They have things that you need to be aware of. Frames and brakes wasn't really up to the performance of the engine. But my 1972 CB750 had it's issues as well. Mainly front forks and original shocks. Got dual discs on the front. But driving it hard you will see the front fork flexing in turns and during aggressive braking. But no-one will tell me that the Honda CB750 was a bad bike.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

A lot of it was down to the tires. Some decent modern tires can make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

[@andystokes8702]

So nobody wants a Triumph Trident T160 or a Laverda Jota or a Kawasaki Z900? I can only assume that whoever put this list together knows less about motorcycles than I know about string theory.

[@Philip-hv2kc]

But the best part is reading these comments. All the real knowledge is in these comments.

[@brianwhite6616]

The blokes a complete twat bet he's never road a bike .

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Well, I wouldn't want a T160, but the Laverda, Motoguzzi or Ducati would be at the top of my wish list if I didn't have my current BMW R75. Hmmm... Laverda 750 twin would be very desirable too.

[@MrNorthstar50]

One thing he didn't say about the Trident was it had mid cylinder over heating issues, many of the cycle tests talked that issue.

[@andystokes8702]

@@MrNorthstar50 Same with several of the Kawasaki 3 cylinder 2 strokes.

[@melissahunt6125]

You have forgotten the 1975 Harley Davidson 1200 cc AMF ,,, the worst pice of crap ever put on the road ,,, crank shaft , Breaks that would fall off the motorcycle, starter , electrical fire , leaking oil , poor performance A real pice of crap , any of the motorcycle that you listed were 100 times better machine than the Harley 1200 ,,, I know I owned one ,,,,

[@doonhamer252]

Yep bought one and put just over 200 miles on it.. took it back to the Dealership .. No quibble return and got my old bike back ..

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

No maintenance mate. Shovels are heavily sought after today by people who look after their bikes.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

This guy has no idea of what he is talking about.

[@johnjacques5880]

I’d say that this guys two wheeled experience is limited to his electric scooter!

[@postersm7141]

More like his razor kick scooter!

[@johnwright9185]

Is this guy for real? So nobody wants a Z1, or a Laverda, a Guzzi V7. Really??Or are they being judged by today's standards??

[@RMartin631]

You call the Z1 one of the worst bikes of the '70s? You clearly were not alive in the '70s.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Everyone I knew that had one felt EXACTLY like you.

[@martinvanderwiele5464]

Btw,british bikes do not leak oil, they just mark there territory......😅

[@dilwyn1]

LOL!!

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

I had a Bonneville 750 and my wife had a Tiger 750. Neither leaked oil. The reputation of British bikes leaking oil is mostly down to incompetent DIY engine and gearbox rebuilds. With vertically split crank-cases they were less tolerant of incompetent mechanics than the horizontally split Japanese bikes.

[@simonkennedy4230]

They only leak oil if you don't look after them properly

[@itsmeagain1745]

@@TheRealWindlePoons Yep - I had a Bonne 750 as well. No problems (except the bike had a vicious streak sometimes ejecting you when kickstarting it!). Timing issue maybe. Rode one of the new T160s when they came out. Fantastic I seem to remember.

[@billygoatgruff2554]

I had a 750 Bonnie and it never leaked a drop of oil. However, the electrics were shit… but I loved that bike. I rode the f#*k out of it… Everywhere at top speed.

[@Texmotodad]

...so says a 20 yr old KZbin creator. The Guzzi Sport and Laverda twins & triples are cherished sought after bikes.

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Yup, absolutely legendary.

[@paulpaulsen7309]

... these Italian bikes, including MV Agusta, were almost too beautiful to ride...

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

@@paulpaulsen7309 Yup, have to agree with you there.

[@altoncrane9714]

This article is garbage, pure trash.

[@dr.detroit1514]

The high performance bikes from that era did just fine... if you knew how to wrench, and how to ride.

[@billmacfarlane4083]

No one wants a '72 Z1 back??! Do you have any experience with these machines? They command huge prices to collectors and restorers...because they want them back!

[@markmark2080]

Clueless on KZbin

[@gregkoe60]

Got to be kidding. Kawasaki H1and H2 We're 2 of the best.

[@pauloconnor7951]

The writer of this doesn't know what he's talking about. So many datums about Kawasaki H1 and H2 are inverted. Simply inaccurate ; terrible reporting. But don't let reality get in the way of click income huh. That all this is !.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Oh hell yes.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

Not to mention the Z1....its an icon of that period.

[@rustyturner431]

You really don't know what you're talking about. The Suzuki RE5 did NOT have an NSU engine; NSU licensed Suzuki to produce their version of the engine designed by Felix Wankel. The bikes were not very successful mostly because they were heavy and not very sporting, and many dealers simply never bothered to send technicians to the excellent Suzuki training program. FYI - Suzuki covered almost all engine problems far past the initial warranty period. The V7 Guzzi was a fine bike, the father of the Le Mans series, and was covetted by many. I know, as I had one and put about 40,000 miles on it with NO issues. Contrary to your statements, the bike was quite easy to maintain and was very low-maintenance by motorcycle standards. Reliable?? these things were BULLETPROOF!! It led me to buy a Le Mans 850, which I also loved; I still have a much-modified Le Mans and will never sell it. The Z1 Kwacker was an incredible bike, the first real superbike, and it handled VERY well for its time. FYI - Electric starting was standard on almost ALL Japanese streetbikes by the 1970s; only the smallest displacement bikes and big singles didn't have button starting. The big Maico was a bike for EXPERT riders, just like most 500cc MX bikes. It worked, had excellent power delivery and good suspension. If it was so lousy, how do you explain all those races it won?

[@malcolmgee6812]

Agree, if the V7 was such bad ride then why would Guzzi relaunch the model with the recent V7 series. This guy is a complete amateur and most like the nearest they have had to a 70's bike was the pushy they were given by grandad.

[@THEscatterbrainedberserker]

How does "loss of torque" cause unexpected wheelies???

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

That one left me a bit puzzled as well........I guess its a case of "tell me you are not a rider but don't say your are not a rider".

[@michelguevara151]

the same way open borders causes a communist utopia..

[@81Grimreaper]

Loss of brain cells resulting in idiots posting crap like this.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

Way off being remotely accurate! Most of us would happily own a Laverda Jota, Moto Guzzi, Ducati 860, Triumph T-160, Kawasaki Z1, or a Suzuki rotary. Triumph leaking oil? Call the cops! The T160 was a very nice machine and with some fettling and tuning became even better. You’re also showing entirely different motorcycles from those mentioned. These bikes were typical of the times and some were truly innovative. Can’t judge them by today’s standards.

[@michelguevara151]

JOTA for the win! now kicking myself for not having it and riding a XJR12 that I got for pennies, a bland and overweight piece of crap with a completely castrated FJ motor

[@brianbishop2235]

Nice seeing the best of the 70s bikes The title is a click bait it got me.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Video gets most things backwards... 14:37

[@phil955i]

What a load of bollocks, utterly clueless

[@bobmarlowe3390]

Oil leaks and electrical problems on a 1970s Triumph? Oh, the humanity! Everything out of England had electrical problems, thanks to Lord Lucas, the Prince of Darkness.

[@CHRnorton]

Luckily Norton Commandos had better results and life from the Lucas parts. My 1st year 1968 Commando has all the Lucas parts still in it even the condensers. The Condensers replacement involved removing the oil tank. But removing the oil tank after the 1st season and then every few years helped keep the oil cleaner until in 1972 Commando got a spin on oil filter.

[@mattivirta]

ALL english bike has lot lot elektric prblem alltime ewery bike or car because all has totally worst lucas elektric parts, all need change better if can if buy triumph or other english shit.

[@scottdavis1640]

That’s why the Brits drink warm beer: Lucas also made refrigerators.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Nope, they were just fine. I rebuilt BSAs and rode with other restorers of British bikes in the 2,000s. The problem was the vibration of the bikes, not the electrics. Once you secure connections a little better, NO PROBLEMS.

[@Mattes1750.]

71er Bonneville, Elektrik neu gemacht, keine Probleme. Best Bike ever!

[@roadracer517]

860 Ducati didn't have DESMO heads.

[@TheWombat40]

but I think this vid maker has a desmo head. An utter no nothing, but I guess he had to get rid of that hot air somehow

[@johnsadler9423]

I bought a 74 kz900 z1 in 1078. Keept that bike until 2003. I ported and polished the heads rj carbs, hooked headers. Loved that bike. Sold it with all the original parts that I had kept. Sold it to a collector out of Mexico for stupid amount.

[@bryanwhitton1784]

I worked at my uncle's Harley/Kawasaki shop during these years. I had the enviable job of assembling them from the crates and then riding them for 10-12 miles to check them out. I of course would ride over to my high school and pick up the girl I wanted as my GF to impress her. I can't tell you how many Z1's we sold. We couldn't get enough. Oh, and no matter if it was an H2, Z1, Harley 74 dresser or a Sportster she was never impressed. She never refused a ride though.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

If that had been me, I would be royally kicking myself for the past 21 years. :D

[@kennethdavis8851]

this guy is a writer not a rider!

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

He's a shit writer, so his riding must be even more atrocious.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

Bet you he isn't either a writer or a researcher, odds are the script was generated by an AI such as ChatGPT just like the narration was done by a text to voice AI.

[@Philip-hv2kc]

Damn I think you got it . And another video can be weaved from all the knowledgeable comments given here.

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

Is this some sort of AI crap? It's a joke.

[@waltpettis1480]

I always enjoyed my v7. I had the cylinders sleeves and bored to 850cc at about 35000 miles. I don't know what was so difficult about maintenance. It was like taking care of a Chevy six. I still ride Moto Guzzi and currently own three.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

A Moto Guzzi is hard to maintain? Who knew? A Z1 is a bad Bike? Maico Scrambler is shit?

[@malcolmgee6812]

yep my guzzi is so hard to maintain I can still ride it every day. Maybe he is still looking where to plug in the diagnostics unit .

[@gwaithwyr]

The pronunciation of Guzzi is not "Goozy"!

[@billfoster213]

This video is okay if you turn the sound off, because he doesn't know crap about 70s bikes.😂😂

[@ThomasBranson-yv5ub]

I miss my 750 Honda CB special K. One great bike.

[@Nick-rr5cy]

What a load of crap

[@pursang101]

If you ask me Z1s and H2s gave you more bang for the buck than anything built before or since,except maybe RD 350s. Unless of course youre the type that thinks BMWs were exciting bikes.

[@curtwuollet2912]

1 summer with a H2 was enough. I didn't think I'd survive another.

[@ktkt1825]

I had the 500 H1 and an R5 (orange and white)- both kept you busy, fun and fast. I survived!

[@bryanwhitton1784]

Ah, the RD350B, 1975. One of the most balanced motorcycles ever made. You could commute on it and race it. It could handle it all and do it well.

[@chadhaire1711]

@@curtwuollet2912 did you like the 25 mpg?

[@lesbratton]

​@chadhaire1711 You don't own an H2 for fuel mileage, better stick to your Plymouth Valient.

[@donchristie5536]

Think they are setting people up to sell these favored to them cheaply. These are some of the priciest, most revered everyday bikes that were great investments. They typically sell for many multiples of thier new price are still sought after and are regularly restored... most have dedicated forums. Hardly failures!!!

[@andyariel304]

What a load of rubbish

[@ktkt1825]

I rode a slightly used R5 (orange and white) and later an Orange 500 H1 disc on front (new)- both kept me busy, fun and fast. I survived with a few scrapes!

[@nottyash100]

Best Bike i ever owned an ran back and forth in all weathers was a an EX W.D Royal Enfield side vale 350. it had seen a lot of use in its time but was simple to maintain , and the only expense as a was few gallons of gas. Time has moved on and fancy gizmos may be every where but quality and reliability beat everything.

[@b87flst]

I had a 1973 Yamaha TX-750. It was a great bike. I rode from ILL to Fort Carson Co. first trip. Up Pikes Peak and home again. I had 36,000 plus miles when I traded it for a 1976 Z1 R Kawasaki.

[@lesbratton]

No such thing as a '76 Z1R, didn't make those until '78, then again in '80.

[@jefferywylie4456]

Still have my Yamaha TX 750 twin.

[@petersmart2894]

I had aCB500T. A rather bland bike, but I never noticed the alleged problematic vibration. A good commuter.

[@pablopons5648]

I had one too and it didn't vibrate any more than my 650 Triumph. I wish I'd find one in decent condition. I liked the bike.

[@grahamwalker5693]

I had one pillion could not keep their feet on the rear foot rests, cam wheel popped out between the exhaust pile of shite

[@oxfordgreenbus]

I rode one two up through Scandinavia and back, the cam chain may well have been made of elastic it needed replacing so often. Worst Honda I've ever owned.

[@shrewbina]

@@pablopons5648 I had both also. My Triumph 650 vibrated like a motorcycle but the Honda vibration was just annoying. Always liked the Triumph better.

[@TheWombat40]

if I recall that was the only criticism, it was functional but somewhat bland. Vibrations were never mentioned in any of the tests I read

[@catman4644]

Quote from the section on the 750 triple, "Above 3500 rpm it suffered a sudden DROP in torque resulting in unexpected wheelies", huh?? I would like to hear their explanation of how that one works!!!!!!!!!

[@fast_richard]

He must have meant surge. not drop. If you hit that power band in a low gear when you weren't ready for it, it could get exciting. Lots of fun, though!

[@Kneedragon1962]

Up to the honda twin that could have used a balance shaft, I could go along with you. From that point on ~ Nobody wants a Z1? Really? Your 'worst 3' are three of the most classic motorcycles of the last century. This is what it means to be "Artificially Intelligent."

[@thewatcher5271]

No Disrespect Intended As I May Not Know A-lot About Motorcycles But I Definitely Know A-lot More About Motorcycles Than This Video! Thank You.

[@rvdvogt]

What a load of crap. I love the bikes mentioned - all of them!

[@robertbruce1887]

Did l hear the guy or AI say that electric starters were UNcommon at the time?

[@andystokes8702]

Yes, you heard correctly., Apparently 4 speed transmission with chain final drive is an innovation too because obviously no bikes had these before the mid 70's.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

You did........along with dropping torque causes wheelies............

[@panjang4709]

This is nonsense. The Maico Alpha 1 had problems but the twin shock 490 that preceded it is regarded as one of the best motocrossers ever produced.

[@phillarsson8253]

Actually, it was the Maico Spider models that had the warranty issues. The Alpha 1 was a good bike (I rode one back in the day) but the rear end was too heavy.

[@panjang4709]

@@phillarsson8253 ah ok 👍

[@ludo9234]

Had a couple of the Ducati,s both reliable and decent on the road.

[@GPgundude]

This video is total nonsense 😂😂

[@JohannesC-c9k]

Have you ever owned a bike, seems if you have you have never ridden one.

[@bullettube9863]

I would not call any of these the worse motorcycles of the 1970s, some models disappointed, the Kawasakis two strokes were the fastest bikes on the road. They went through plugs, chains and tires faster then any bike made! Their electronic ignition was new and troublesome, just like the system used in Chrysler, GM, and Ford cars at the time. The big two stroke dirt bikes were a hand full to ride and novice riders really should have stayed off of them. The Honda 500T was a big disappointment, I owned several 450s and was never bothered by vibration, as I also owned a BSA 440 single which defined the word "vibration" perfectly! But worrying about gas mileage on a motorcycle was just plain stupid on Honda's part!

[@andystokes8702]

''13 WORST Motorcycles From The 1970s, Nobody Wants Back!'' is the title of this video. I wonder if whoever put it together has actually spoken to anybody who owned these bikes back in the 19070's - I imagine not. I'm sure if you spoke to those who actually rode them back in the day most riders would say they really regret having got rid of them and would have another in a heartbeat. I owned a Triumph back in 1975 and sold it when my kids came along. I would have another one tomorrow if it wasn't for the fact that you need a second mortgage to buy one now.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

I'm the same with my Kawasaki Arrest Me Red GPz 1000. (Can't remember which year it was, bought it used from someone who was scarred of it after one season of riding) Lovely bike, but a bit of biatch battery wise.....if she didn't start by the third try on a cold day, then the battery was done.

[@TheWolfsnack]

I had a buddy back in 79 who loved his BSA Rocket 3....which he replaced the overheated middle cylinder and piston on a regular basis....pretty much every Summer...

[@kurtosborne9888]

Are you ...🤣🤷‍♂️...The 750 triple was the most fun bike I ever owned Just try and buy one❗️

[@Philip-hv2kc]

Allen Milyard has several and he's mutilated them , converting to four and six cylinder 1000cc and 1500 cc . That's when I believe the frame might flex .

[@EvanWhite-nt2up]

My friend had one when he was still at high school. The motor detonated. The fuel consumption even on the 500 cc was horrendous.

[@papeep2694]

None of these bikes were built to be ridden by those who never took the training wheels off their bicycle.

[@johnlennon8653]

Had a 75 Triumph Tiger 750 that never gave me a minute of problems. Only once I it gave me a scare when a cat ran across the road. Stopped at a store, looking out of at the bike, I saw a black fuzzy mess at the rear axle. Thought I’d hit the cat, but turned out that the end of the muffler had blown off when I twisted the throttle.

[@robertwootton2161]

My cat knows more about the law of inverse squares than this person knows about 70's bikes

[@herbertwoodbury1958]

I had 2 of the bikes mentioned. The cb500 vibrated so bad that it destroyed the plastic electrical connections. I have no desire to ever get close to one again. However, the CB750A was a bike I rode from Portland Oregon to North Carolina. I stayed on secondary road for all but 300 miles of the trip. I only had 2 complaints with it. One was the 2 speed tranny, in the crooked mountainous roads in Wyoming I was constantly shifting gears. A 3 speed or a few more horses would have made all the difference in the world. The other complaint was that it was cold blooded and had to be well warmed up to keep it from dying at a stop. With a clutch the cold blooded issue is irrating with no clutch having to put it in neutral at a stop was a real PITA. I rode H1 and H2 bikes and they were not any worse handling than most of the other bikes of the time. A person did have to be careful of the power surge but it WAS NOT at different RPMS. It was pretty predictable and could be easily handled by keeping the bikes in the power band, never lug the engine. But then I grew up with 2 strokes and was used the that quirk. Whoever did this didn't have clue about most of the bikes and probably never rode them.

[@chrisward7085]

Not good. Plenty of factual inaccuracies: the Ducati 860GT/GTS was not a Desmo engine, for example, but had standard valve springs. Some of the bikes slated, are actually pretty iconic such as the Z1 and Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. Basically, uninformed BS.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

Sounds like someone who's barely ridden spewing a bunch of rumors and garbage. A Guzzi hard to maintain? Nobody wanted the H2 and H4? Kawasaki couldn't keep them in stock! The Hondamatic was crap, a lesson they still won't learn in that few if any want an automatic motorcycle to this day. The Z1 900 was no failure, they just upgraded it to the 1000, it wasn't taken from production at all. Just a bunch of the kind of crap i heard from people who knew nothing even years back when I started in the bike business.

[@inialoane]

The Ducati 860 GT didn 't have Desmo valve gear and the problem was reliability because the very expensive bigends were prone to fail just as the Ducati electronic ignition.

[@rocketman650]

Yikes... I'd take any bike anytime.

[@TaiChiGhost]

Of the 25 bikes I have had since the early 70's, the 1975 Laverda 3C is my unquestioned favorite. I only parted with it because parts were so hard to get, just regular maintenance stuff. The hand built quality was second to none. It was supremely comfortable on the freeway, and beautiful to behold. I spanked everyone who challenged me to a race. But it was just too exclusive for use as a daily ride, leading to the parts availability problem. Only 2 people worked in the engine department at the Breganze factory, Every engine case was individually sand cast. It was my best bike ever!

[@robbchastain3036]

O man, you must be kidding. Two bikes in and I'm thinking, for sure, it'd be great to have those bikes now, all you have to do is ride them within their limits and then there's always after-market parts for improvement. And I'm guessing you weren't there for motorcycling in the -70s. It was a glorious decade on the street and in the dirt.

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

I started riding in 1965, so I was around for all of these bikes when they first came out. This guy is just totally full of it.

[@seriously3130]

KH400, H1, H2, Z1, Z1-R. Love them all, miss them all.

[@pat2bornot2b]

Get the pictures right, on the Laverda, 😅, images are mixed in of the 750 twin,?

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Yeah, I noticed that right off. I'd actually like to have the 750 twin, it would suit my riding style now. Mind you, I'm 74 now too. Still riding, of course, but I'll will my R75/5 to my son. Never going to sell that one.

[@speedfreak8200]

Kawasaki mach 4 ? I'm gone

[@cbx6pak]

You need to learn about your subject, Laverda Jota did not hold the title of the fastest Production Motorcycle in 1978 -79, That was the Honda CBX1000

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Still got my CBX since new!

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

@@MM_in_Havasu You have no idea how much I hate and loath you.....😁😁😁

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Yeah, I remember when that came out! We were all gobsmacked.

[@cbx6pak]

@MM_in_Havasu I still have my 78 model, I have owned 18 CBXs over the past 35 years, I did have 6 at one time

[@fizzyridertoo]

It's very easy to sneer with the benefit of years of development, but these bikes were part of that development and deserve respect for that. Many of them were also fun, unlike this video.

[@craigpennington1251]

Seems like Vintage Vehicles are bashing everything that's a bit old. Now it's motorcycles.

[@hudsonhollow]

I've owned four of these "worst" 70s motorcycles and loved them all. I still own a 73 TX750 which is my favorite vintage bike to ride today. It is admittedly a POS, but it's a pleasure to ride. BTW the Honda CB750A is a two speed, not a five speed. ALL 70s Japanese bikes were built with wet spaghetti frames.

[@resin8n]

I have ro disagree, having owned the V7, Laverda 1000 3cl, and z9 in their day, I loved and rode them all every day without issue. Back then, regular maintenance was required by the owner/rider, though I never foudn this onerous

[@RobHermens-tp3dv]

De Ducati 860 gt en 860 gts met elektrische starter hadden geen desmodromische klepbediening, en letterlijk alles ging er aan kapot.

[@bobstupaksvegasworld4098]

Why would you put the one bike everyone wants back, first? I had an H1. It was fun. I also had a '74 Z1.

[@AllanOhare-wx3wr]

He has never ridden!!!!

[@riversong5323]

The slew of T-shirt no helmet riders tells me that this video lacks any credibility.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

Squids galour.

[@georgepeacock2837]

Yeah, I had a 500T. At 16 years old and my first street bike, I got along with it until 1983 and shaft driven 650 Nighthawk came home with me. Now that was great bike!

[@ianbooth4255]

The Ducati 860 GT didn't have desmo valve gear. It used conventional valve springs.

[@StuartBlake-iz6rf]

Sorry mate you blew it. probably 20 and totally green about motorcycles.

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

I'm left to conclude that this motorcycle "history" is created by AI. Wrong nearly as often as right, inconsistent, self-contradictory, narrator can't pronounce the names of either riders or motorcycles, ignorant of motorcycle engineering and motorcycle history both, mischaracterizes bikes (a Guzzi V7 Sport was difficult to maintain?!? WTF?), wrong photos and videos associated with the model being described (e.g., showing a Honda 500-4 when describing a CB500T, Laverda 750 twin when describing a Jota, etc.). Give it the thumbs down it deserves.

[@ianinholland8390]

Note to anyone thinking about watching this video: See the comments below first, and then save 22 minutes of your life for something more useful...

[@TheWombat40]

agreed

[@HenrikSchneevoigt]

Absolutely crap video , most of the bikes here were big succes and are now colectors items , fetching high prices . Yes , i worked as a motorcycle mechanic in those day

[@bobmeyer7009]

I bought a 1974 Kawasaki Z1 brand new, and loved every minute of ownership. I wish I had never sold it. Ride it like a race bike and the frame showed its weakness, but ride it in a normal manner and it was great. I can't agree that no one wants it back, because for one, I do.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

I learnt to ride in the early '70s. Kawasaki Z1, Guzzi 750, Laverda 1000 (Jota or 3CL) and Triumph Trident T160 were all highly regarded at the time and are now much sought-after classics. I don't know what you were smoking when you put this video together but I think I'd like a few grams of it myself.

[@pascalbondon2308]

The Cb750 four, is it a joke ? This is one of the most collectible bikes ever produced !

[@robertupchurch8088]

No hum….I wonder why several of these are sought after and sell for big money today?

[@52ponybike]

The bikes I've owned were/are '71 and '74 TM400s; first year 1975 RE5 in pristine condition; several CB500Ts & CB/CL450s; 3 SC500s; two CB750As (as well as dozens of standard CB750Ks); '73 and '74 TX750s as well as several TX and XS500s; '79 Maico 490 and the earlier gnarly 450. While I've never owned a Kawasaki H2, I've had the pleasure of owning all of the smaller displacement triples in multiples. IMHO, the S2 350 was by far the best and most fun... but only the 1972 model in red. Many, MANY of my beloved bikes ended up being sold to DK Spares in England. Just fond memories now, I very much miss my favorites... fifteen Suzuki T500s + 2 GT500s; two X6 250s + several newer T250s; '70 T350 w/dealer swapped on TC305 high pipes; several GT750s; the Kawasaki triples and the 1960 Triumph Bonneville pre-unit 650 in motocross fashion. I'm sure there are others of note that my old mind is forgetting. Currently, my 'riders' are... '70 CB350; '72 DS7 and R5; '75 RD125; '74 RD250; '73 & '74 RD350s; '76 highly modified RD400; three '84/85 RX50s; '75 RS100, again highly modified... for what that's worth, lol. '77 KZ400... wait, what?! Unless you recognize the engine, your guesses as to the brand would be and have been difficult. And a lonely '68 T200. Huh, only two 4-strokes. Yeah, I love 2-stroke street bikes. In my salvage yard it's mostly 1970s bikes, with Honda stealing first place as to the quantity. 2nd... Yamaha; third Kawasaki; 4th Suzuki as well as a scattering of odd brands... '58 Maico; '65 Lube-NSU Condor, etc. Anyone in the market for a '70/71 Kawasaki Centurion engine? Ride safely, everyone. BTW, I agree with many commenters that the narrator cannot be 'up' on the bikes mentioned. Z1 bad?!!! Geez.

[@stephenwilson3479]

Nobody wants these bikes?...I'd have them all...

[@RobertFly-b1n]

I actually rode a the Yamaha 500 in the day, I was a Yamaha 360 Mx racer at the time. I can tell you it was a beast to ride. I stuck with my 360. Looked hard a cz also.

[@bgreen8853]

If there's anyone wanting to get rid of any of these bikes I would gladly accept thanks😅

[@Greg-w6t]

In the 70s tgere was alot of compilation between motorcycle manufacturers. Those bikes were fast and built very good.

[@TheWombat40]

Here we have a contender for a new series "Worst KZbin videos from the 2020s that Nobody wants to ever watch a second time (except if they are severely constipated)"

[@maretranquillity]

I must take issue with your denigration of the Suzuki TM-400 since I owned and raced them for years. I personally never knew anyone who had a problem with the ignition system. I always hogged out the transfer ports, changed the intake/exhaust port timing, modified the expansion chamber, replaced the forks with long Travelers, forward mounted the shocks, and lightened up the bike any way I could. It was extremely powerful and I was usually into the first turn of a motocross track in the lead. I won more races on my TM's than all the other bikes I raced. They weren't perfect from the factory but they had outstanding potential if one was willing and able to do the mods.

[@phillarsson8253]

The Maico's didn't handle well??? Ever went to see an MX-race with vintage machines? It's the 1981 490 Maico's that dominate the scene there and it's one of the most wanted MX-bikes of all time. It's not only about the Maico's you don't seem to know the first thing about: apart from a few true facts, this whole video is a joke...

[@maico4903]

I've owned 7 Maicos ('75-'83) & with proper maintenance never had an issue. This video maker is a clown.

[@MonochromaticLightsource]

I own a Trident T160, an H1, H2, V7, CL450, amongst others, so I'm looking forward to finding out what were the best bikes of the 70's.