74 Kawasaki Z1900 "Mud Dawber" Surprise

A family from Indiana brought us this bike, which was originally purchased by their grandfather then handed down to their father. It had been sitting in the barn since their childhood, and they wanted to surprise their father on his birthday by getting the bike cleaned up and back on the road. Our objective was to do just that, without going into a full restoration job, replacing the necessary parts with re-plated parts or NOS parts that we had in stock. Nice, every day rider is my favorite kind of bike. We needed a name, so it was aptly named it "Mud Dawber" as the insects took up residence in many of the bike's nooks and crannies.

[@xxM5xx]

Johnny, you are doing God's work resurrecting these motorcycles from the grave.

[@Johnnysvintage]

I don't know if I'd go that far...

[@kaveebee]

Well said. All these bikes are worth saving and Johnny is doing the good work. The bikes shop near where I live in Melbourne in Oz , ex Kawasaki dealer does a nice restoration too, even gets some of his parts from Johnny. I've got a Z1 and Z650 and they will be looked after don't worry.

[@lukesims6636]

Yes I love these videos I’m in the uk currently trying to restore a 76 KZ400 which is hard to find parts for as it was imported from the USA, I’m getting inspiration and good tips for my bike thanks johnnys vintage 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@chrisriddfiord2013]

@@Johnnysvintage Chris Riddiford ☺

[@thomasschreiber9559]

I remember back in 70's the Kowasaki 900's had reputation for being a badass bike.

[@donatchinson8438]

Thomas Schreiber In a straight line, my Norton would smoke them in the canyons.

[@martind349]

@@donatchinson8438 Aim down the middle

[@DeereX748]

@@donatchinson8438 Yeah, the early 900's especially were a bit wobbly in the twisty stuff, any good Brit bike would leave it behind on a curvy road. I owned Triumphs before the Kawasakis. For everyday riding, though, I'd take Japanese reliability over good cornering.

[@kaveebee]

Changed the game by a mile.

[@chrisriddiford6216]

Johnny S Vintage Motorcycle Company

[@martinstevenson7462]

Hi Johnny you and your team are doing a fantastic job doing all these bikes up thank you all and keep up the fantastic work regards from England.

[@ClutchNixon]

Nothing muddy about it any more. Nice bike. Great work as always.

[@zrkn1]

Goodness those side pipes sound wicked!!! Bada** motor scooter ! GrandPa is a fortunate man. That there is a classic muscle bike. Thanks JVM Have a Great Week

[@korzbro35]

Almost hard to believe this rumble comes from inline four, damn. Probably the (relatively) big displacement helps. Sounds sweeeeeet.

[@unclequack5445]

I wager there's no one that knows these bikes better than Johnny in the world save the factory that made them, he's a book of Kawasaki knowledge.

[@arabakjejian3509]

Wow nice job there.i had the same bike in 1978 when i was 18 i still hear the exhaust sound and the feeling of that bike.all those memories came back just watching your video.respect man ...

[@davetenney5800]

Awesome Job! I used to work up the road from your shop at Boyd's back in the 90's. I really enjoy these videos...

[@mikem3929]

wider rear tire, heavy duty chain, and heavier clutch springs. sounds like dad was a hot rodder on that thing lol wouldn't be surprised if it had a small cam in it.

[@korzbro35]

Surely it looks good now, but sounds FKIN WICKED. Especially being inline 4 that probably isn't the nicest setup for great sound. But this one here sounds badass, that growl made my hair stand, literally. This is old school, my kids :-) I really hope it will be ridden often and not put in the shed again, this machine will probably outlive today's manufactured bikes.

[@lukesims6636]

Thanks for doing these videos I’m in the uk doing a 76 KZ400 imported from the USA these give me inspiration and tips with my own restoration keep up the good work Johnny’s vintage !!!! 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@LesWG5]

Another classy bike from Johnny😎

[@TheDavey333]

Good job Johnny, love those pipes.

[@MBIKES21]

I’d buy any bike from these guys. Experts.

[@geofftheriddler]

I trust the 'friends' living in the bike there are more hospitable than the ones you'd find here in Australia... I'd love a project Z1.

[@DeereX748]

Another nice save of a gorgeous motorcycle. The single best thing you can do to these early 900's is get rid of the points; put a good Hall-effect ignition in them, and never have to gap points or set timing again.

[@eatmelily]

That exhaust sounds GOOD!!!!!!!!....Great Job, someone is going to be really Happy...

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

OMG that bike sounds awesome!!!!!!!

[@g0fvt]

Looks great, watching the video just makes me want a Z1 in those colours...

[@robertbrandywine]

I really like the blue and light brown tempering of the exhaust as it comes from the engine. I know some people consider that undesirable but for me it is a plus. I agree, this is one of the nicer ones you've done.

[@patrickloughridge2420]

So cool!!! Love the video restos Johnny, wether full or partial :-) Keep em' coming!

[@Francey4782]

Looks wicked now ! Like the exhaust pipes and it sounds sweet!

[@johncavar2914]

Talk about it Johnny How cool 😎 Nice 👍🏼

[@michaelvanvleet998]

Just nice!

[@mohawkdriver4155]

I absolutely love these restoration vids, and how you guys approach these projects. I wish I had the skillz... Question: What are the best products to use to restore that windscreen?

[@amyjohopkins31]

Nice Work !

[@keithclark486]

Mr Haney of motor cycle repairs. But in a good way.

[@Lucfunky]

Hello, your vids are awesome and very addictive too I must admit.I love your passion and would only dream to think what a day would be like to be in your garage fixing these beauties.

[@Lucfunky]

By the way, how much on average on of these vintage bike cost all fixed and beautiful?

[@Wootangtw]

Nice job buddy..

[@troycrowder9942]

great work i like your style you don't always go all the way with some of the issues because it's not necessary that's the way to be i can tell a genuine person and you fit that profile i love motorcycles and i know you have that if i ever run into anybody that needs some fixing up on their bikes you can bet i will send them your way a buddy of mine just got a 900 last fall its sweet i remember back in the 70s they were the boss in the 14th mile fastest production bikes on the street good luck with business i enjoy your videos and will subscribe

[@Johnnysvintage]

Welcome to the channel!

[@troycrowder9942]

@@Johnnysvintage thank youths is the stuff i love happy holidays keep up the nice work you're team have been doing its on the spot

[@mikebtrfld1705]

My 1978 KZ650SR was awesome!

[@sandycampos127]

Well Johnny, so much for a set of skins to push it around. Nice vid buddy

[@kalaharimine]

Nice for sure.

[@zrkn1]

Get the kids off the street Daddy's coming home. Damn I have to come back to hear it again and again.

[@richie9777]

Johnny God of the Z1s

[@briggsfartblender788]

What a difference!

[@mikew9893]

nice!

[@gorflunk]

The Closed Caption translates the engine sound as [Music].

[@johncavar2914]

Beautiful!! I wonder what total make over cost was To bring it to finished condition. Kawasaki beauty 👍🏼

[@jojodiver8706]

Loving your vids Johnny. Question: I have a 1980LTD B4. It's one of the ones that ended up with a MKII engine. It has the automatic timing chain tensioner. Is there a way to tell how much the chain has stretched, and do they eventually fail or even break?

[@jackmcnellis8025]

I have a earlier 74 not as rough I want to keep it rider/unrestored with some repo parts already got some from your website. What would you roughly value mud Dunbar at before and after. Thanks for the great videos and tips. Cheers from California.

[@Johnnysvintage]

I tried to buy the bike when they brought it to me. They had no interest in selling. This bike has some nice qualities. I would say 10-15 thousand as it sits now. I put some miles on it and it was all good. I miss it

[@jackmcnellis8025]

Fantastic just wondering im just glad I own a 74 z1 now had a z1b and had to sell when I bought house had kids etc. went 10 years without had a bunch of other bikes and always missed the z1 my wife got me a rough 74 for my 50th birthday last year now I'm about 75 percent done.your videos are a great help. Cheers to you and yours.

[@Donvonn71]

Johnny how do you get the tank coater out of the tank ....I'm picking up a z1000 A1 & it has the coater in the tank.....this coater is fairly solid in the tank......

[@Johnnysvintage]

Look for our Metal Rescue video and see if this might be worth a try....

[@Francey4782]

Was that plastic oil tank specifically for the chain oiler then?

[@Johnnysvintage]

Yes, it was used on 73 and 74

[@gimmecom]

A lot of TLC went into this restoration...about 2 inches of beard worth.

[@rongates7766]

Brother had one I love the paint he changed seat and painted it dark blue not as nice need one

[@samriley7621]

What's the price for that engine KZ1000

[@johncavar2914]

How much would you sell it for ?

[@thurstonhowelliii9501]

Pipes don't do the bike justice!

[@billmcginnis740]

Where is your shop located?

[@Johnnysvintage]

We are in Wadsworth, Ohio about 10 miles West of Akron

[@fernandor1474]

where can I have one?

[@marieswork6924]

What exactly are you looking for?

[@joseluisrodriguez5302]

46:49 I don´t see the green light of the NEUTRAL position.

[@Johnnysvintage]

It was on, but not very bright

[@joseluisrodriguez5302]

Should use a different wattage bulb maybe. Thanks for the time you took to gave an answer, appreciate it. NICE job (miracles) you do.

[@Johnnysvintage]

Thank you for tuning in

[@joebagley190]

Geez, this guy drives me nuts! Repeats him self s0o much, we`re going to put tires on it 8 times

[@Johnnysvintage]

I do not have much experience in acting, but we do try to shoot from the hip. The customer seemed to like the bike

[@rvdvogt]

Have you any idea how many times you say "NICE" in your videos? It sucks. Otherwise the resto's are really okay. But, hey if you just replace worn parts and re-chrome or polish the other bits it is very easy to create an as new bike, isn't it?

[@Johnnysvintage]

I am sorry, we try. I guess I get too involved with the projects. It is just our passion getting in the way

[@rvdvogt]

@@Johnnysvintage Well, as said the results are stunning. Hats off, no discussion. Never owned a Z1 or Z1000 of any kind but I really liked the looks of the bikes - even the later ones (my favorite would be an 1100 EL replica).

[@toddclendenin5469]

Umh