73 Kawasaki Z1900 "Mad Money" Restoration by Johnny's Vintage Motorcycle Co.

Tom bought this bike in 1976 from his little brother for $500 before he went into the navy. Rode it off and on, and finally parked it in 91. He brought it to us for a full restoration. The seat had the foam cut away in order to accommodate an inner tube with access to the valve to air it up to the degree the rider needed for comfort. That was a first for us. We brought this bike back to 1973 original with the exception of a Ricks Electric rectifier regulator, Dyna ignition and Pingel Fuel valve. After the rebuild, we noticed the bike was making noise, as you will hear in the video. We ended up replacing a couple of bearings and a clutch basket. After which, it seemed perfect. Music by Tency Music.

[@Vizual_Racing]

Awesome video, I have a 1973 Z1, it was passed down to me by my dad. I also have a 2018 z900 RS with the same orange and brown paint, and in 2022 I purchased the 50 year Z900 RS SE. Needless to say I'm obsessed with this motorcycle, and to see somebody do it justice in a rebuild is awesome.

[@simon2knine]

Back in the 70s these bikes would make me green with envy.... 40 years on and still feeling green with envy at the sight of these fantastic looking motorcycles.

[@TedSwerve]

Anyone else get chills when Johnny revs that Z1. Totally amazing job wow!

[@johndunstan7003]

Music 😍

[@YTjndallas]

Sounded GREAT!!!

[@raybrensike42]

These are classic bikes. Kaw did good in making these. Very much worth restoring.

[@francoisjohannes3648]

Amazing resto job. God bless and ride save

[@nathanielwaters6730]

I would love to see Kawasaki make the 1973 Z-1 900 again for the 50th anniversary of that BADASS Bike, even in every original detail!!! This was the best motorcycle to ever come from Kawasaki!!!

[@techo61]

@GUNNER GUNNAR How so?

[@colt2206]

I would definitely say it’s very nice. Good job

[@brucelee3835]

yes everything is looking good. I love the gastank.

[@peterb3473]

Nice bike johnny says, that’s a understatement.😂😂

[@LesWG5]

Johnny just re-created the best looking motorcycle ever. Good Job 👍😎

[@gixxerboy555]

Kawasaki Z's from the 70's..best bikes ever made..

[@shaunholbrook2288]

johnnys"nice"vintagemotorcycles, an absolute stunner, again.

[@chrisriddiford6216]

Johnny s Vintage Motorcycle Company Chris riddiford

[@ee232jensen]

When I was a young boy, it was the most beutyful MC in my wold. 🥰🇩🇰👍

[@alisterkelly4052]

Love the fact that he checked every step of the way if it had to be the original parts or could use an aftermarket option

[@toddjohnson3792]

Love the Pink Floyd " Money" as the soundtrack......What an investment. I can only dream about such an Iconic Cycle !!

[@pascalleblond5623]

Perfect!

[@trfmcdeathwish4312]

Always a pleasure to watch you guys fix the kawasaki's man

[@martinstevenson7462]

Hi Johnny your craftsmanship is out of this world the bike speaks for itself you and your team take a lot of pride in their work well done for keeping these bikes alive .

[@hkworld7926]

L

[@hkworld7926]

Ll

[@hkworld7926]

Lll

[@buntybhinder]

@@hkworld7926 gv bb v. 📸b. 📸Bb. V v 📸Bb 📸.

[@buntybhinder]

@@hkworld7926 gv bb v. 📸b. 📸Bb. V v 📸Bb 📸.

[@spotsterjon74cu]

I say it every time, I wish this bike was in my garage. This time i really do mean I wish this bike was in my garage. Second to none.👍

[@deepsouthNZ]

This is nice❤

[@gelfyd1]

Wow! You hit it out of the ball park! Sorry you had to take the motor apart twice, but your integrity is unmatched! Well done JVMC! Great filming Robin!

[@stanley2004]

Integrity is the word here.

[@NPMCaptain]

Awesome, that’s fantastic. I had one at 70’s and a brand new Z900RS today

[@keithdaniels5918]

Same here

[@NPMCaptain]

@@keithdaniels5918 🏍 👍🏻

[@jimclarke1108]

I bought the same bike in 1973 new, your mechanic have to be one of the best, and your standard of workmanship oi oi oi

[@reginaldmccutcheon6770]

ok iam going to make another bucket list # 1 go see johnnys #2 bring my bike to johnny #3 ride off into the sunset holy wow bro this would be a dream to own someting this nice

[@ramishrambarran3998]

Excellent. From Trinidad & Tobago.

[@jimfrozen521]

sweet brings back some of my 18 year old activity's thanks.

[@davefeeney4576]

Speechless...absolutely stunning

[@chrismoody1342]

I’m about to submit my 75’ Z1b to Johnny’s. I think he will be thrilled to work on my bike. Though it’s not factory mint condition as this bike, it is 95+% there. All the parts are there, it just needs a freshening up with new jewelry. And yes it not going to a museum, it’s going to get ridden and shown to the public.

[@davidjohnleavesley4549]

Fantastic job,best one yet, my favourite bike of all time. Takes me back to when I was a teenager in 1973. Keep up the good work.

[@charlesbunting1790]

From what I always heard that 900 kawasaki was th bad boy of its day.

[@carldagfinn]

Beautiful. GREAT JOB

[@stanleyernest7109]

Very very nice. Very nice. Stop smashing your fingers up Johnny. 👍🏻

[@Johnnysvintage]

Haha you caught that, huh? The story behind it was pretty dumb. It happens!

[@chrisriddiford6216]

@@Johnnysvintage Call Chris riddiford

[@timselbie3419]

Beautiful timeless machine.

[@suzintru1]

Speaking as a retired mechanic of 27 years (Cars, not bikes), I have to commend you for your quest for perfection on your resto builds. That clutch pack noise was common on those old kaws, and most shops would have given it to the owner as is. But not you. If I had an old Kaw. or Honda or Suzuki, I would definitely bring it to you. Great job. Love your vids.

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

I did many H2 750 and H1 500 clutch repairs as there were similar problems to the Z1 900. Were those clutch bearings really faulty and causing the noise? I would have changed the 6 clutch springs first as that's an easy job before pulling the engine apart. Maybe Johnny did try that first and it didn't work? Surely it could also have been a worn clutch basket and worn out clutch plates which once again are easy and fast to replace. One tell tale sign is the clutch getting stiff to use from the handlebar - which can be push rod and mechanism issues etc.

[@ianbendall3116]

Johnny, I love your passion you have for these Kwaks and your knowledge is second to none 👌 I am born & bread in the UK and if I ever come into money I’m coming State side looking for ya, I want me one of them zed’s 👌👍

[@josephberte6814]

Awesome mine needs that!

[@stormytempest6521]

DOUBLE WOW!

[@darrenstephens4412]

I wish I still had mine, 35 years ago. you have done a stella job

[@tedecker3792]

So many memories, I bought the first one in South Dakota while working at a Honda shop. The boss made me park it across the street! I remember a sheet metal dish mounted by the rear sprocket to keep the chain from locking the wheel in case it jumped the sprocket. I learned not to speed shift with a slack chain. Pretzeled one of the small thread adjusters.6 years and 70k trouble free miles. 200miles from home to college, two hour trip (frequently).

[@aryaamit]

Another lovely restoration. His work has the most personal touch anyone can give. Love the fact he got the gas tank and side covers he was saving up for himself. Awesome 👍👍👍

[@hammer44time27]

Buddy of mine just restored 2 of these....1 European model, and one American. Can't wait to go and look them over and check some of what I learned here. He restored one for himself, and one for a client. The European version is number 0148.

[@lynnhoskins5286]

all i can say johnny is great bikes restored by great people thanks for sharing the video take care

[@adrianpancaldi8646]

It’s nice, this is nice, that’s gorgeous, it’s nice!

[@jonathankynaston1079]

Great to see a perfectionist in anything

[@paulhewson4600]

Rick electrics rock,,,,,Good Job Mr. John

[@paulmessenger1006]

Nice, nice, nice nice,nice,nice bike. Bloody lovely!

[@billyparrott1995]

What a beaut of a bike. Awesome restoration done.

[@joytube01]

Georgeous! Hilo is an absolute master craftsman. Such attention to detail. You should do a segment on him and introduce us to the man behind these beautiful builds.

[@andikarkalake3750]

Sehr schönes Bike

[@petevicente9236]

What a fantastic job Johnny’s did! Congratulations on a classic beauty!

[@MBIKES21]

Superb job.

[@benben8785]

Nice baby👍👍

[@thecman26]

Thats one NICE bike!

[@troycrowder9942]

great stuff Johnny i found that motor i was looking for i just wanted to thank you for getting back with me i think you are a stand-up guy a plus to the motorcycle world that's for sure

[@Speedytrip]

Damn thats a sweet looking bike.

[@cornuclaude1646]

magnifique . good job messieurs .

[@bielbills]

Outstanding!

[@rod4721]

Yep. Sweet ride.

[@spookydog6959]

wow out of the park

[@bluehazeboy]

Another great restoration guys,top job 👍

[@carlospuckett3161]

Nicest bike Ive ever seen.

[@chrisriddiford6216]

@@carlospuckett3161 Chris riddiford Call

[@adrianbegbie1556]

Stunning job.. that was really incredible to watch..thanks for sharing.. 👌

[@garykeenan3724]

Wow that’s a beautiful motorcycle, wish I had that one!!!👍✌️

[@ArmandoAbisai]

well I love this is sample of dedication and good work nice and swet ending so cool

[@manstersr]

Schweet bike. Nice build job.

[@MegaCountach]

Sweet work guys! Cheers, Doug

[@idan1242]

beautiful job

[@jamesdamrom751]

Beautiful!!👍👍😀😀

[@mimiporsche]

I work as a true professional !! I have seen your other videos and for how you work you are also the top in the explanations

[@MrPalfab]

splendida.. ottimo lavoro.

[@techo61]

I pick up my '73 Z1 in the same colour this weekend.

[@user-qc9kz9pt4e]

its just amazing..

[@aaronward4467]

Man have i been waiting for another build video lol

[@johnowen9299]

That hammer noise. The only way to customise a Harley Davidson x

[@user-glennbob]

Nice job

[@spaceshuttle1]

Damn I love this video!

[@68AMW]

Great job, well done guys! Brings back memories as I had a friend who bought one of them beauties when they were new, and was the loudest bike in the village - HA!! Just spend 3 month restoring my '89 FXSTC, job worth doing! Keep up the good work

[@markdelichte5401]

Well if I could just come across one of those Would enjoy redoing it keeping it as original as possible. Hopefully one day I'll get lucky.

[@kevedwards8974]

Lovely job, I have a kz1000 b2 came from the states to the uk, its my third and i love them.

[@mimiporsche]

I work as a true professional !! I have seen your other videos and for how you work you are also the top in the explanations!! PIty not to have studied English I lost all your technical talks!

[@paulhewson4600]

Sounds better than The Kerkers everyone puts on those KZ's

[@douglastougmoore1679]

‘Money’ indeed

[@jimbilton1956]

Astoundingly detailed restoration. Great workmanship. I admire your enthusiasm. and your style of presentation on the video. That fuel tank must surely be one of the all-time great tank shapes. Maybe they are not to your liking, but I'd love to see your skills applied to restoring a KZ1300 six.

[@charleschampion4682]

Bad Azz 900's. My RD 350 Blew em away light to light.

[@YTjndallas]

I would call that noise a “clatter” sound.

[@seanmckinnon6649]

Wow

[@troycrowder9942]

all balls i think make the best wheel bearings that i have found good choice

[@jjrobinson7680]

Bikes made now want last this long / z1 is one awesome machine and yea I have a 75 that has a complete rebuild , 400 miles so far 1075 - smoothbores reworked gauges powder coated frame & motor/ racer not stock looking

[@douglastougmoore1679]

Hilo is a super hero

[@lloydfranks1357]

Now if they would get rid of those F-ugly Handlebars!! Why do people powder coat? Powder coat looks great for the first 1000 miles then it looks like shite! This is why the paint industry invented Polyurethane. Anyway the bike looks great! My thanks for everyone involved for keeping Great bikes like this one out of the scrappers crusher. You all did a great thing!!! Thank You! I know how much work blood and skin and sweat this much work is. But it is all worth it in the end when it is time for that first ride!

[@davefeeney4576]

How did the owner react when he saw it....we need to see that Jonny

[@Johnnysvintage]

He loved it

[@yves3560]

For god´s sake, who lets a beauty like this detoriate ??

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

I did many H2 750 and H1 500 clutch repairs as there were similar problems to the Z1 900. Were those clutch bearings really faulty and causing the noise? I would have changed the 6 clutch springs first as that's an easy job before pulling the engine apart. Maybe Johnny did try that first and it didn't work? Surely it could also have been a worn clutch basket and worn out clutch plates which once again are easy and fast to replace. One tell tale sign is the clutch getting stiff to use from the handlebar - which can be push rod and mechanism issues etc.

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

Nice job, I would have liked to have seen even more especially the valve grinding and the other work on the head. Was there any way to leave it at 900cc ? Were the bores so bad that it needed such large oversize pistons to make it 1000cc ?

[@scottjones5455]

Does Kawasaki make a great motorcycle or what? I have 2 1986 Concours, one for parts and one that just turned 20K MILES that runs perfectly, is no beauty queen but I would trust it to Alaska and back, from Texas.

[@roberthocking9138]

Great, job, good to see another one saved and restored. What type and brand of chain lube do you use.?

[@johnowen9299]

Keep the miles on the speedo. Ya not be scared of riding if you do x

[@barryjames544]

Love to know what the final bill for this was. Big job, but basically a new bike, probably better than new.

[@theoriginalmungaman]

More than its worth!

[@anthonyfunderburk7871]

😎👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@kawasakirule3707]

Re-work is a bitch for sure. when I rebuilt my kz1000 st I changed the clutch basket I made sure cuz I read up on those springs come loose and would make noise. Which my bike was at 45k on the clock.

[@georgevprochazka5316]

Very nice bike ! Love it. One question: why do you like the plastic on the levers ? If it were me I would take it off. I like it naked ;)

[@Johnnysvintage]

They had plastic coating from the factory

[@georgevprochazka5316]

@@Johnnysvintage Yes I know Johnny, but it looks to me like the "plastic wrapped" sofa.

[@hankjones2975]

beautiful but should of caught bearing when you was looking right at it first time.