1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Maintenance / Ride - NNKH

[@braddokken9191]

Late 70's and 80's were an amazing time to be into motorcycles. They got better each year. Your 78 is a beautiful bike and I hope you can ride it more often!

[@st-qd8wg]

The best and Legend CB Honda and KZ are the top elite super bikes in the world

[@B-Rad-Ry]

Showing the mistakes really makes your videos so great. Seeing issues come up and watching you handle them is encouraging.

[@myVZyoot]

Love it mate, Here in Australia those old "KZ" bikes were just "Z" I bought my maroon 1978 Z1000 in 1980, sadly, I traded it, not sadly on a brand new Z1R MK11, both bikes I wish I still own. I still have my 1984 GPz1100a, which is not for the purist. That bike is stabled with my ZX14r, my 1400GTR (pronounced Concours in the USA) and my 1981 KE175 dirt bike. You mentioned your bikes' appearance a few times, it looks outstanding for a 45 year old bike. You ride it like it was built to be ridden, have fun mate, and stay safe. On a side note, there is another Aussie movie that features the old Z1 bikes...lots of them, it's called, "STONE", directed by Sandy Harbutt, it's probably a little corny for todays audience, but us crusty Australian bikers love it, you might enjoy it too, if you get time. Love ya work mate.

[@michaelweilmuenster5754]

I remember seeing that bike in one of your videos a long time ago. So glad you finally brought it out. I had a 78 KZ1000 Ltd with a factory Kerker header. One if the coolest bikes I've ever had and yes I miss it. Been keeping my eyes open for another one to restore. One of the best sounding motorcycles ever. Reminds me of mad max!

[@fredsimmons2793]

Changing that oil showed me you don't ride them hard and put them up wet.This was honest and down to earth.

[@dave-uf8ir]

1982 I had the pleasure of a summer afternoon on a buddy's kz 1000 o my God wildest bike I ever rode nice peace new shop killer cheers 🥂 guys 😊

[@flyingmachinecustomparts8227]

My favorite bike of all time !!!

[@bradley7723]

The KZ1000 along with the CBX1000, XS1100 ,GS1000 of th late 70s were the birth of the superbikes of the modern era. The OGs if you will. I remember when they all started hitting show rooms. Great time in motorcycle history. And the quality of the bikes were amazing. Love your video's and your new shop, keep on having fun. 😊

[@bigjohnson7415]

The Yammy XS 650 parallel twin was pretty iconic for the day!

[@davids1702]

not to mention the gsmodels rembering I was sporting a triple500 racing my buddy on his 78gs550 we were doing 90 and his helmet was on top of his sissy bar flewoff and bounced offmy front wheel of my h2 off course gs couldn't hold a candle off the line to a triple but. higher topend now I am saddling up on a 2012 ninja 1k love that bike but still have a collection of old Hondas and kawasaki from63to78 and a Daytona 400too many projects but you. Thema keep posting love the clip with kyou cruising in the river inthe ice I had a similar experience my girl friend needed a idiot to ride her 800 yamaha jet skiing to the boat launch. her e I go out in the middle of the Columbia River 4ft chop it was. totally stupid but made it recently was laid up in the hospitol for7months so really enjoy watching you knock out projects have learned alot thx Chris and Jen you 2 are awesome ty dave

[@pedrolsantiagosr5092]

Love the old vintage bikes…That KZ sound incredible:)

[@nickyduhr8355]

I love the way they sound!

[@michaeljones0007]

No other sound is like that sound the Kawis make.

[@GearHeadGeeks]

Let me give you a tiny bit of advice when changing tube tires (having been a motorcycle mechanic throughout the 70s and literally changed hundreds of tires by hand). First do yourself a favor and heat up that tire and make it more pliable. Also slightly inflate the tube, that helps keep it out of the way of the iron. Leave the nut on, some tubes rely on that to hold in the stem on the tube. Yes, yours didn't come with one but that is usually a sign of someone robbing it from the package, better safe than sorry. Also the rim locks go into the holes 180 apart and the stem goes into the other hole. The 180s are to keep the tire in somewhat of a balance. To avoid pinching, never bring the tire iron beyond "0" degrees(ish), moving it beyond "0" is where you pinch it. Just lube up the iron so the tire slides on. Also, if you don't want it restored, just clean it up, remove the rust so it doesn't get any worse, fix the starter, they are super simple (on the Z1s and KZs, make sure the wires seal in the rubber). Nothing wrong with a clean bike, leave the patina if that floats your boat. But you are a really good mechanic, one of the best on KZbin, so you know to treat the machine with a little respect. Just saying....

[@paullavergne2477]

Definitely. A work. Of. Art. Miss. Mine

[@freezerburn04]

Folks still put 1500 kits in these kz1000’s and they are still competitive. Awesome engines, thanks for the vid👍🙏👋

[@BrianLarson1326]

First motorcycle I ever rode was a 76 KZ900 with green paint. Last bike I ever rode was a KZ750 LTD shafty. Thank you for sharing your ride with us. As a disabled former rider, it's soul food for me.

[@hervewasson5173]

Nice old bike Chris. Just some routine maintenance and a light cleaning and this bike deserves to live its own life on the roads. Nothing superficial, just ride freely. (2 wheels and an engine). Thank you for the ride in your countryside and cities in this area of USA. Hope to go back on the US soil someday. 😃

[@Wootangtw]

Those Kawasaki kZ and z1 are awesome bikes…I had several back in the 70’s… thanks for the video buddy…

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

🤛🏾😎 totally agree with you. Ride that bad boy. I have an 81kz1000 and 82 shaft driven kz1100 that I just want running again. Great seeing these bikes on the road in their vintage glory.👍🏽😎🏁🏁🏁

[@bennyrobles9194]

Beautiful bike.! I had a 650 in the late 70s. Reminds me of the movie Mad Max. ToeCutter,Bubba, Goose, Johnny the boy.

[@marcofreddi4831]

Il morore migliore della storia del motociclismo,semplice,robusto,affidabile,potente e con scarico quattro in uno ha una voce ineguagliabile... bellissimo!

[@TylerBurns-sb1kv]

for almost a 50 year old bike, that thing sounds like a beast

[@bettycollins3914]

Such a cool video Chris, I had a 1974 Z1 900. They have that old mad max sound. 😂 The ride thru the fall colors and then the passenger train. Makes everything seem normal for a while. Thanks again. ❤

[@richcxx]

Man that sound….. Music!

[@jstar1000]

Pro tip, take the old tube press it flat and cut of each edge (right inside, left side) then the center section is now rubber rim tape.

[@ericcowan7759]

Those Vance & Hines pipes have always sounded the best! Sweet ride, Chris!

[@Barracuda-r7s]

Hey Chris I’m with you on keeping the bike as is, as far as maintenance that goes without saying it’s a must. Actually it was just another learning experience for me at least that you had to patch the tube… & of course Gus making his entrance always makes it even better. Appreciate the effort you make to show & explain things. Thanks

[@carlbernard4197]

Funny when Gus's ear went inside out 😂😂😂

[@richardmcdonel9669]

Man what I would give for one of those bikes,,friend of mine had one of those years ago,,damn good bikes

[@rogjackson]

She's a runner. I agree with your philosophy. Keep going!!

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

Wow, such a sweet sounding bike.

[@aronhoward919]

You have the identical big brother of mine, I have a 78 kz 650 in black. Fantastic bikes!!!!! Wish I had the 1000 though😊 Be nice to see them side to side and ride but I live in SW Florida. and yes they love 10,000 + and beg for more!!!. Nice video Chris 👍

[@frfrpr]

Gawd! That thing sounds good. Brings back some great memories!

[@KenMrKLC]

Man, so many years later and that style just ages better with age. Still a sharp mean looking bike and has plenty of power. What a great design bike

[@bacolrsv]

That's a lovely bike and all the better for showing it's age. I totally agree about keeping it running and riding.

[@buildingsalvage]

A million subs between this and main channel. Man that’s pretty cool. Congrats! Love the maintenance videos. Not enough people know how to do it and that probably kills a lot of beautiful machines

[@TXH1138]

why have 3 channels? Why not just post all videos on the same channel? Extra money for having the same 200-300K subscribers on the different channels? Seems the views would be the same. Just curious.

[@p9raceway759]

@@TXH1138tell me how KZbin works. If based on watched minutes diversifying makes sense. Algorithm wants to see video watched beginning to end therefore 2 channels cover fan base. KZbinrs have successfully operated 2 channels so main channel income is optimized

[@itsmephil2255]

Viewers can comment all they want Chris, at the end of the day you do what you want with the bike You can get out whenever and enjoy

[@junglejones]

You need to keep that bike clean...More drag bikes have been made out of the KZ1000 than any other motorcycle in modern history. It's a piece of motorcycle history.

[@everready19373]

I'm 61 and had a CB750F SS back in the day. Man I'd love to have that KZ.

[@yaboysamshep1470]

Man I’m glad you said that about motorcycle batteries , I can’t make one last more than 3 years , I don’t keep them on tender 24/7 but when I’m out in shop I put them on it and they just don’t seem to last , I’ve also seen a lot of decline in automotive batteries recently

[@stevehowarth5792]

Having started my biking life on a different UJM (Honda CB900F) it was great to relive the experience through the 'clocks'. There is something comforting about the old-school speedo and tacho and the glow through the tunnels and at night. Todays digital instruments are cool but there is something special about the analogue world.

[@dave1135]

14:31 I always partially inflate the tube just enough to make it round before I try putting the bead in, it gets rid of the loose flaps that can get pinched

[@seansysig]

I had a 78 Z1-R I bought brand new when I was 19 and when I sold it 40 years later the odometer showed 96585.8. It was best carving up from Albany thru the Adirondacks up to Lake Placid. I easily hit 100mph on I-87 above Lake George Village. I blew a speed trap at over 90 and luckily hoped off a ramp and never got caught stupid luck.

[@nightstorm9128]

Lovely growl off of the quakker...

[@mpp31387]

The burnout at the end *chefs kiss*. The hero we need, but don't deserve.

[@nicklopez3580]

That bike sounds amazing

[@NoCoastGolf]

Chris on a motorcycle with a train going by is peak NNKH. I love it. Chris, you're the man.

[@nickyduhr8355]

The KZ1000 is an iconic bike for sure! Most of the bikes used in the og Mad Max movie were Kz's. I had a 78 with an extended swing arm and a 100 shot of nitrous. Killer scary!!

[@derekdavis6508]

That's the reason I want one like toecutters.

[@carlbernard4197]

That would be one hell of a ride especially the roads NNKH was on 😮😂😂😂

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

That is a great bike! My friend Mark had one back in the early 80's. It was fast and fun. Better to ride it and do the maintenance on it than shine it up and never use it. I would probably give it a bath and polish it up a bit just to help it last longer and look good. But, it's your bike and it's your call.

[@srtautoworkz]

Absolutely love those ole KZs, my dad had one, loved hearing that thing shreik through the gears as he left for work, dream bike for sure

[@johnkendrick7304]

Don't listen to those weird people. You use your bike with the way it's supposed to be. You enjoy it! Keep up the good work always enjoy the videos man take care

[@AnthonyAntTony]

That exhaust note is fantastic. KZs will forever be cool.

[@markhobby7481]

When I started as a motor officer (2000), the department I worked with was using the KZ1000's. I only got to ride them for about a year before going to the BMW R1150rtp's, but I remember how much faster the KZ was on take off compared to the BMW. The beemers were great on the highway and would do 100mph all day long, but the Kawasaki would beat the BMW to 100 by far. KZ's didn't do well in high temp's though, I remember at slow speeds, mine would tend to over heat if it was above 100 degrees.

[@Zburnett94]

Awesome bike and awesome video, helps give me the motivation to keep moving with my 79 gs750 project! Can’t help but to appreciate these early manufacturer battle bikes that are so well engineered and are virtually impossible to kill.

[@sinjin90ful]

Yep need so work on 1980 Gs750

[@willemp6432]

Those bikes are wonderful.

[@davemorris8365]

Those old kawasakis are worth a fair bit today ,nice to see it restored

[@mark98070]

KZ1000 was an awesome bike back in the day. My dad had a Z900, the predecessor to that bike. If memory serves it was a 1974. I was barely a teen not licensed yet but would cruise it when he wasn't home.

[@Rick-4552]

The kz 1000 episodes are some of the best!

[@BigIronTexas]

Just one man's opinion but I like that round 70s looking side mirror. Everything modern just looks like melted plastic with no character to it.

[@davidwhiten3742]

It’s your bike treat it how you like. My friends lil brother had one just like it back in the 80’s he rode it hard and fast all the time and had a blast.

[@larrys4227]

Awesome bike! When i wasxa kid, my dads friend had a brand new kz900 ... i believe it was the fastest production bike at the time. I was in love with it. Yours is fantastic ... love the sound of that Vance and Hines. Have a blast ... im jealous ❤😊

[@Darryl603]

Nope, sorry. It was the KZ750 2 stroke, triple cylinder. I had one : )

[@wesdauer158]

78 z1 900

[@patrickbrennan2346]

“Over” means continued convo/waiting on response “Out” means end convo Never “Over & Out” We can’t know everything but I learn from ur vids & u can learn from comments (sorry it’s Veterans Day almost, bringing up the past memories) Throughly enjoy all ur content & Jen’s stuff & especially “GUS” love watching & supporting the “local guys” Great job Chris !!

[@michaelovitch]

New brake hoses are a necessity,don't neglect brakes. Nice work, nice video.

[@hardtail-gy8dk]

This video had it all classic bike, covered bridges, steam train and phenomenal roads and scenery, bike sounds great

[@craigjohnson3603]

Thats a cool old Kawasaki, my buddy let me ride his back yrs. ago I gave it back soon after it scared me I had not ridden anything that fast before 😂.but then I got a mint V65 Magna and learned to respect fast bikes. I still have it tucked away downstairs. Good video!

[@Rob-Müller]

Hey Chris, I like the sound of this bike better than your Kawasaki Mach 3 (just watched last night). Just not a big fan of 2-strokes. You need a battery station for those seldom used batteries. Keep the "intelligent charger" on them. I took my motorcycle battery out each fall, put in the basement. Only used the intelligent charger on it. Got 6 years out of that battery. Bike also has an adapter that hangs out so I can hook the charger up even during the summer when I am not using the bike. Funny you mentioned the carbon monoxide issue. I worry about that on all the channels I watch. I find myself yelling at the screen "open the door if your going to run that". I agree with you about not restoring. Bike is not old enough yet anyway. Drive it another ten years then sell it to someone who wants to do a restoration. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@stevencherry3545]

Nice Kawasaki. I was a RD in high school and after college I got a 1982 GPZ-1100.My friend from work totaled that bike and I'm glad he didn't get hurt.Then I got a ZX-11 and then a ZX-14 which i still have. I really enjoy your videos.

[@Clearanceman2]

I've loved motorcycles since I first sat on one at age 12. I own an old Ninja zx6 with mods and an older vulcan 500. Just love riding. I know it's not the safest thing. I gave it up for 35 years because people said you will die and I hear on the radio all the time. But at age 50 I couldn't stand it anymore. I bought the one bike for $650 from a buddy in 2017. Vulcan 500 1997 with 1950 miles original tires. Bought the ninja with 8600 miles in 2019 for $1250. I've done my own work and the ninja has required quite a bit but. The vulcan 500 is at 20000 miles now and the ninja at 22000 miles. Again, I know it's not safe but nothing I can afford really feels like riding.

[@SuperfloDee]

How could you not ride this beauty every single day it sounds and looks glorious …such a lovely machine…would be my pride and glory if I had it😁🦾🔥🔥🔥

[@fishypictures]

Love the KZs….. that’s what we rode back in the day.

[@mrshaneyt43]

I built a couple of different bead breakers years back out of scrap when I was a welder/fabricator and lived in my workshop . Used an old scissor Jack to help break the beads on the car one I made . Worked pretty good . I’m living in a 1 bed first floor flat now so no workshop . Really do miss being able to work on stuff under a roof (especially this time of year) so get my fix from watching here . Love both the channels 👍

[@fishrider62]

favorite motto, It's done right cause it's done twice! Glad to see the pro's do stuff too!

[@williamfoster4268]

I've been waiting so long for this video, Saturday just got better! That specialty tire lube is just vegetable oil based grease, no negative reaction with rubber. It's the same red rubber grease without the dye.

[@garyh7949]

I love the 1970s styling.

[@ghostrider729]

Man!!! That reminds me of my 550 Maxim days in the 80's in northern Virginia!!!! Good times!!!

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

This is the kind of weather Chris, jump on the bike get on 32 ride it up to Bowman's Tower, find that old covered bridge road, head up into the hills and take all the winding roads back down the and around the West side around.. Man this is the time of year. Well, it's almost over now!!

[@josephperry6822]

Beats the shit out of another ebike video! That bike is a sweet cruiser! Just like it is. Nice power and a cool sound. Great vid! Love the shop..

[@Scotts23]

That bike sounds awesome old is gold they just don't make things like they used to ❤

[@doggonedk]

I survived a KZ 900. Very lightly modded with a KerKer pipe balanced bigger carbs. Scariest thing I ever threw a leg over. Skinny little friend of mine could run that thing in the high-9s. Not me I didn't have the nerve to get it out of the hole. These were the OG's of the super bikes of today. To go 9's on a street bike in the '70s was crazy. Love your channel Chris Don't change a thing.

[@tomdegoede7565]

There's nothing that beats a 70's bike, I have a 1977 Honda CB750 K7, all original and in mint condition. But you must like talking to other people, because everywhere I go people rush up to me and share old memories about them having a CB750 or relatives that had one. This KZ1000 I would take it apart and restore it like mine because it's worth it , the bike's from the first superbikes era are worth more by the day and most important, they are so much fun to drive, because it takes working to drive it and you have more feeling with the bike then modern bike's. Keep the bike and enjoy it because the change to find another one is getting pretty slim today. I love all your vids by the way, seen them all, keep up the good work man.

[@catfisher420]

I love the sound of a KZ. I've had 2 KZ 750 4cyl's and a ZR7-S which also used the KZ engine. Great bikes. Sounds even better with the baffles taken out of the pipes. Also sets off every car alarm!

[@bigjohnson7415]

Yes, great bikes! I had a 78 KZ 750 Standard in 1980. Kerker 4 into one header, that thing would sing!👍

[@charlieg2839]

I had the same bike, bought it brand new. It was a great bike

[@winnerscreed6767]

Awesome bike Chris, please don't get too cuaght up in replying to comments on utube. I have a very strong belief that you know more than most people in your chosen field. Rarely do i find someone i am impressed with. You are one of the few. You do what you know how to your way. We're just here to watch and enjoy what you choose to share with us. We don't have any call to tell you how to do what you do. Thank you for all the great content.

[@thekevorlando]

I love KZ1000 my first one was the 79 I turned it into a cafe I love that bike I got my 900 ninja about 6 months later I kept that KZ1000 till like 98 on the subject of mirrors you can get the lower handlebar ones that come with mounting bracket JC Whitney that is where I got my Cafe fairing I ran the same exhaust as you but I had a set of 42 mm Mikuni flat slides on it she was a blast and also as far as the crunchy stuff on the engine you can spray it with Easy-Off oven cleaner let it sit on their pressure spray it off and then spray it down with aluminum brake I would let it sit there a day hose it off and then hit it with aluminum bright again once you've warmed it up it's not like you pulled the pieces and Polished it but it has a more natural looking finish and as far as the people that says it should be restored all they got to do is buy it from you I guess although I would take the gold pinstripe off and probably maybe wash it but I'm silly like that by the way JC Whitney you can get a really comfortable aftermarket seat for it looks kind of like a an old Corbin like you would have gotten for a early Ninja

[@marcosdominguez4537]

I agree with u brother. Alot of guys build trailer queens and never enjoy them. I built my c10 to drive it. She looks pretty but on my budget. Something I could afford 2 build while still paying the bills and taking care of my family 1st. I'd like 2 run through again now that the kids are grown and possibly take a drive with my wife though our beautiful country

[@samfeldman1508]

I ride a 20 year old Yamaha VStar. Watching you reminded me why I take my tires to the shop. I guarantee I’d pinch the tube.

[@freezerburn04]

A little hint- inflate the tube until it just barely holds its shape before putting it in the tire. That way it’s pushing out against the inside of the tread of the tire and not near where you are using your tire tools and not near the bead:) Presto, no pinched tubes👋

[@DG-mi7yf]

Sweet vid. Just picked up an 82 kz1000 Ltd. Got her road worthy. Just gotta tighten the chain a bit tomorrow

[@madsnoball2709]

I had a Z1-R, that sound almost makes me cry. Thank you!

[@TheTruckdriver999]

Definitely cannot beat the sound of a kwaka with 4into 1s grouse bike fella 👍👍

[@SlwRpr]

Your dirt dauber nest under seat just reminded me. I sat on my back steps one summer several years ago and watched a dirt dauber building on a mud tube that ended up being about 5 inches long. Absolutely fascinating!!

[@jamesenderby5114]

I just love all your video's on both of your channels, they are a combination of repairs (and what not to do), ideas, creativity, enthusiasm, (and not losing your rag, f'in and j'fin, and throwing tools around the workshop when things go wrong like the rest of us) part travel tourist views, and of course, they have to have Gus ! I'm still on my original bike battery that is over 5 years old, but then I use it at least twice a week commuting 60 miles a day. Keep it up !

[@jcoul1sc]

couple of psi in the tube can help against pinching

[@ginamiller6015]

Grew up with Japanese bikes from this vintage. We enjoyed them but never really appreciate how good they were. In hindsight these were very well engineered machines! Thanks for keeping another classic one on the road. Nice video!

[@andrewmelalueca4881]

Good to see someone from a much younger generation interested in these bikes.

[@tomandzack]

The train was so cool to see! Love seeing the area you live in on your ride.

[@NNKH2]

Yeah definitely I really neat train! Especially in the winter. Thank you for tuning in

[@alansmollen]

I had the Suzuki GS1000E, adjustable front forks, repainted blacked out chrome and corvette yellow. same black V&H pipe, very similar performance and sound. Respect the bike,like a lady and she will thrill you to no end - rule number 1. A joy for years. Looking for a GSXR 1100 here in japan.

[@jimconnelly816]

You got the perfect attitude, ride it and enjoy it.

[@georgekouremenos596]

Chris, very nice. On top of seeing the bike run, i saw what beautiful long roads and country you have. Gongrats.

[@jdedmnds1]

I rode a 78 LTD 1000 for 15 years or so. I put a big bore kit in it some andrews x2 cams a header and I had it up to 160 several times. I couldn't keep a back tire on it. I have a 77 1000 LTD now but it needs some work. My brother in law had a 1000 kaw drag bike and I rode it at the drag strip and ran a 6.19 in the 1/8 mile with a 1250 bore nitrous and a 6 inch slick. What a ride.

[@donmears4090]

Fall colors, Trains and a vintage unrestored rider motorcycle. It dosen't get any better.🏍😃

[@richlocker1458]

I like your philosophy, keep ‘‘em running & riding! What a great old bike, love the kick-start only! Keep the ignition system up to snuff.☮️