78 Kawasaki KZ1000 "Black Gold" Complete

Our customer from Massachusetts bought this bike in Iowa and had it delivered to our shop in Ohio for a run-through before having it delivered to him. Fortunately, one thing led to another and we uncovered a couple of things that needed attention. This is a beautiful bike. (As you can see from John’s very candid commentary at the very end of the video, he didn’t realize he was being recorded. His enthusiasm is sincere! -Ed) This is yet another favorite. My wife delivered the bike to our customer meeting part-way, and we figured the best way to unload it from our van to his truck would be to do the transfer at an experienced motorcycle shop. Thanks to the fine folks at New England Cycle Works in Groton, CT who graciously let us use their loading dock and helped get the bike transferred safely.

[@Logan-or5qw]

I can remember when I was about 12. My cousin had a KZ 750 orange metallic. He was going to the store 1 day & asked me if I wanted to ride along with him. I said sure! So as we were coming back He gassed it wide open down a long straight stretch. As the rpm's reached the max I got curious & peeked over his shoulder. The speedo max was 130 & he was at top speed! He claimed we were at around 140 mph because when he let off the throttle, it took several seconds before the needle started to decelerate. I'll always remember that ride! That was the fastest I'd ever been on a motorcycle. He's not with us anymore. He passed away many years ago from cancer. That sure was a fun & memorable ride. Thanks for bringing back these vintage motorcycles John.

[@Johnnysvintage]

5150 Logan, thanks for sharing that story. That stuff really sticks with us, doesn't it? I bet you didn't run home and share with your mom!

[@kotokoto9472]

Vintage motorcycles are simply gorgeous, they are practically the most beautiful

[@analogman1496]

A classic for sure. Very powerful and smooth as butter. Me and a riding buddy in college both bought ours in Barre, VT in '79 as new leftovers. His was red and mine was black as in this video. Great job of wrenching to get it back on the road safely. Those were the days. Ride Safe!

[@harp440]

The Kawasaki klunk into gear....love it....brought back memories

[@User-mb6kj]

The depth of your knowledge is amazing and the passionate you have for these vintage motorcycles

[@davejolink2254]

I'm so happy I found this channel. My first bike was a 1978 kz650. I love the work you guys do. When I come into a little xtra cash, I'm going to get in touch. Would love a z1 900 or a kz1000.

[@Sabinodad]

I am impressed there are guys somewhere in this world who can take care of this jewel bike , i had this model for a few years and have never driven something like that again.I wish this man a long life with his technicians . This is by far one of the most reliable ergonomic, and beautiful bikes that have ever been built .

[@anthonyjennings8108]

great vidio my dad still has his kz 1000 ltd he brought new ,love these old kz

[@fiveowaf454]

I have exactly the same bike, but with a couple of subtle modifications, when I got it painted I used the 77 year tank decals as I preferred those, more Z1 reminiscent. They are fantastic bikes, with the twin drilled discs and modern tires it's hard to believe they could have been built all those years ago.

[@handgunner1911]

nice job you guys i love the fact you guys found those other problems before a catastrophic failure

[@clembuck6006]

Johnny i really appreciate your videos..watch them all the time.

[@YTjndallas]

This one is really nice. I’m glad it wound up in Johnny’s for its renovation because there’s no telling how the stripped plug-hole might’ve been mishandled elsewhere. If this bike were mine, I think I would nickname it “Girlfriend.” Just “Girlfriend.” The one that will always be true. Like my great dog I just buried this last weekend...

[@kawythowy867]

I know someone who had one of these exactly. Just ride w him a few weeks ago. Same color. Same everything. Love the KZ’s. If I didn’t have mine I wouldn’t have a bike.

[@waynegto1484]

I like the way Johnny gives the bikes or the customer a 'nickname'......this bike is Black Gold and some of the others Ol Skool, Mud Dawber, Z Man Restoration and so on.....

[@perfectfan2006]

bike is so cool ..my father in law had one just like it... rip pops

[@joelbrittenour8197]

This one sounds wonderful. I've learned watching these videos when Jonny is talking as he's going over the bike he's in deep thought as he's analyzing every part as what to do or can be done. I listen closely, much respect sir. Live on kawasaki.

[@tonya4157]

Man that's beautiful! Y'all did some nice work. Love those KZs. Finally let go of my 77 LTD 1000 last year. I've owned several over the last 30 years but none as nice as this one. Black and gold on that KZ tank is so damn sexy. Lol. Keep the faith!

[@leskahoe5222]

Great bike.. luv to have one...had a 76 back in the day..

[@bobbymckinney1264]

Very very nice bike,I would diffently purchase a bike from this man,thanks for showing us a awesome bike!!

[@yamrz500]

Had one just like it in 1980 still miss it today best bike! Just bought the same kind again yesterday after 38 years since I sold it!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

This KZ1000 is absolutely gorgeous! I owned a '77 dark green one with chrome wire spokes and I would buy another one if they were produced today. Another vintage model I had was an '81 (?) Yamaha 850 Midnight Special and this beautiful KZ1000 reminds me of it with the black and gold paint. I miss those days, the bikes and the muscle cars.

[@YTjndallas]

Wow, what a growly purr! Or maybe it’s a purry growl! Sounds great!!!!!!!!!

[@josephwinkler4863]

This is a cool channel it’s nice to see shops that thoroughly go over everything especially now days

[@krystalstarrett6760]

Wonderful motorcycles, I love my 82 LTD 1000. Thanks again Johnny for these great videos.

[@dalesharpy9197]

I appreciate your eye for detail, an eye for finding potential problems and giving the owner the chance to make it right! You are my type of mechanic! Wish you lived closer though! I had the KZ900 with two into one Jardini headers.... so much fun to ride as a teenager of the 70’s. Cheers!

[@philipstubbs2432]

Snap ! I had one imported to Australia! My next addition will be a yoshimura 4 into 4. Again fantastic work johnny 😊

[@donaldwainwright]

Best bike I ever owned z1000 in UK 1977

[@northerniltree]

It's one thing to be an ordinary mechanic. Johnny has upped the game and now has entered into the threshold of quantum mechanics. This bike now runs on quarks and leptons.

[@petevicente9236]

Another awesome job. I really appreciate your attention to detail.

[@bigpapa8152]

Beauty! Great work. As a die hard Kawi man, you have a new follower. Keep up the great work!

[@polidiotpatriot3966]

That was one great vid. Thanks so much. I have a 650 kz 78 it in great condition but needs a little love and this is the kind of content that grows enthusiasm for these older beautiful bikes. Thanks. Keep up the great work.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Another great video nice to see someone else who likes the hot rod version 👍🍀there all good when you're finished with the bikes they turn out great cheers form northern Ireland 🍀🍀🍀

[@oldguyBMX]

Your work is stellar. I only wish I could afford to bring you my 1980 ltd1000 to get running for me. But I'm a single dad of 2 and covid really ruined work for me, but I managed to keep my bike and not sell it! But my dream is to get her up and running. You are definitely the guys to do that for me. Hopefully one day before you retire or close up the shop.

[@gregmccarter5386]

My naibor back in 76 or 77 bought a kz,900 two tone green...hooker headers,that bike sounded great,and would out run any Harley on the road..i was always a big Harley guy....but now that I'm older,i know that the nap bikes were and still are the best motor cycles ever made..

[@boxwoodgreen]

A trio of friends just post high school bought '78 Kawasaki's new. One the KZ1000, myself and the third guy got KZ650 Customs. The KZ1000 wasn't black like this one but a dark metal flake green.

[@larrys.3992]

Good job! Love the work you do.

[@roguewarr4662]

Wish i was peter ..learning more and more every video of my old Z1 .

[@buddhastaxi666]

I remember test riding the 1000 in 1978. It went beautifully. I was hitch hiking at the time , with a dog! So I didnt buy it. My VW had died . I had had a WLA Harley and some dirt bikes. But there I was , in Shepperton Victoria Australia, test riding a bike, when I needed a car to get back to Albany West Australia at least eventually as I explored the continent. Eventually got home. Put a new motor in my VW and bought a Holden ute. Tried to buy a 1100 Yamaha but could not afford the repayments due to paying off my Ute Now I have 2 bikes, a zx14r and a Nomad.

[@adelbiljeek168]

A great job done by great men, god bless you 👍

[@LesWG5]

Another beauty😎

[@barronvonpitbull4544]

Beautiful bike!👍👍👍💥😎

[@dustynbustos5983]

Yikes, on that plug hole. I remember when my dad's 900 got old before the rebuild, that happened to his. It shot the spark plug across the neighborhood when we where pulling up home from a trip. It has a built 1000 motor now. Funny memories.

[@Grasshoppa65]

I actually feel tears forming.

[@spaceshuttle1]

Damn that bike came out awesome. Wow.

[@bradleyfly2421]

Haha no smoke thats funny when he started it tons of smoke thought it was a 2 stroke at first lol

[@Lumberjack_0187]

My father has the same bike in his garage, it's all apart at the moment but we're gonna rebuild the whole thing soon, repaint the gas tank, order a Vance&Hines exhaust and rewire everything. Hopefully it will be a lot of fun and a learning experience!

[@Johnnysvintage]

If we can help you out, let us know. Sounds like a great project

[@Lumberjack_0187]

@@Johnnysvintage thanks! If we run into an unresolvable problem i'll be sure to let you know!

[@Richard-dn6vp]

Sweetest machine nice sound

[@waynepatrick17]

Mint .brand new looking. Love these bikes CBx or this very hard choice

[@rocket2811]

wayne Patrick haha Noway not to compare CBX to these.. Honda’s the make quality vs second quality kawasakis Just like Honda’s vs Nissans Acura’s vs Nissans Kawasakis are like Nissans in car industry They rust easily and not quality as Honda

[@dooku65]

This is the motorcycle that made me want to ride motorcycles!!

[@joegravel2488]

GREAT GUY LIKE THIS MECANICK

[@sonicgauge1]

Nice bike

[@bluehazeboy]

Top notch

[@KICKSTARTMotorcycleSquad]

Hi Johnny, love your videos on the Z Bikes!! Interesting how many of those still exist in the US and in which kind of condition they are today... Thx for sharing & keep up the good work!! Videos like yours inspired me to start my own KZbin channel and produce videos about the legendary Kawasaki & Honda models from past days myself... If you ever travel to Europe / Germany, feel free to hit me up as well as visit us and our collection... Greetings, Hannes

[@indysandmanas]

Thank you for showing us how start a bike & all the "idiot lights" Dad... Dot, Dot, Dot.

[@Johnnysvintage]

Thanks for your patience. This vid is also supplied to the new owner ahead of time so they get to know the bike better. It's all good.

[@VincentComet]

Thanks nice video This will help me with my Z1000. 1977. What did you do with the brake calliper’s to achieve the nice black finish

[@MegaCountach]

Nice bike Johhny! I don't think the right switch pod is correct on this bike as they had a delete plate installed for the headlight on/off switch on the 1977 KZ1000A1 & 1978 KZ1000A2 here in Canada. Maybe the US models still had the on/off switch right up to 1978? Cheers, Doug

[@findvoltage]

Bloody beauty

[@cranky1812]

Perfect Motorcycle for a cafe racer with FCR carbs, K&N, 4 into 2 free flow exhaust, 17 inch rims, USD forks, rear mono shock, bigger brakes and few other upgrades.

[@voornaam3191]

Perfect bike just the way it is! You got to be kidding, spoiling it is such a waste... you'll never get it original again. What were you thinking? Spending a fortune, ruining another nice bike. Why? No!

[@alm4625]

Restoration? The bike looks brand new> What exactly do you mean by restoration?

[@robertbrandywine]

I think he means a "frame-off" restoration which would include taking everything off the frame and having it powder-coated. The engine would be removed and vapor-blasted, the front and rear wheel bearings and the upper and lower steering bearings all replaced. Clutch plates replaced. All brake lines replaced. New coils. Electronic ignition. That seat pan would be stripped and powder coated. Carburetor rebuilt. Forks overhauled. Plus possibly the instruments redone.

[@peterhoulis1184]

The Australian z1000 came with twin discs up front

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

As did the U.K. models.

[@luiscardozo0000]

i dont know what is the difference between the kz and the z1000 but for some reason z1000looks a lot better than the kz ...you just put a 4to 1 pipe and it becames the most iconic bike of all times

[@jameswhitt1615]

I love it

[@nathanielwaters6730]

I wanna restore my '76 Kawasaki KZ 900 LTD back to original, it use to be an old street racer, a friend of mine gave it to me!!!

[@johnnybova4302]

good idea

[@nathanielwaters6730]

@@johnnybova4302 This was like a dream come true, the bike is all there, a few mismatched items, but nuthin' scary, I'm a big fanatic of the Z-1, KZ900, 1000, I cannot turn these bikes away!!! I have a Helluva parts stash also!!!

[@Johnnysvintage]

sounds like a great idea

[@williamrobarge3111]

Love that bike very interested in a purchase.

[@Johnnysvintage]

William, we have a 76 KZ900 LTD with less than 3,000 miles available: www.johnnysvintagemotorcycle.com/product/76-kawasaki-kz900-ltd/

[@renegade44040]

I like it.

[@robertdennis2904]

That thing started on 3 cylinders because #1 cylinder was flooded, hence the smoke on start up. Could have put an insert in the head without removal.

[@philipstubbs2432]

Out of curiosity when did they change from single disk to duel disks?

[@Johnnysvintage]

79 on the kz1000a

[@BugsWisely]

i was born in Groton, CT.. What are the odds? Noank.

[@brianjacobsen5762]

What's nice about the old school liter bikes. You don't have to unfold yourself. After the ride. I have a 94 GSXR 750. After a 50 - 75 mile ride. hole crap.

[@Johnnysvintage]

We definitely like the old bikes.

[@mcfuller5020]

I still want to see you work on a Kawasaki 1300 six cylinder, are they just that rare?

[@stevenherd9799]

My buddy had a kz900 first and second gear you were over a hundred miles an hour

[@perfectfan2006]

dads would do 110 in second gear his was the older one called a z1 900

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

@Justice Boofer , 135 - 137.

[@scottwheaton9689]

@@perfectfan2006 not so! I owned 2 900’s (1 was new!) & a kz1000 new and none of them would break 100mph in 2nd gear with stock gearing & tires running the motor a bit past redline. But all of them would in fact hit 100-105mph(indicated!) in 3rd gear at approx 9,500-10k rpm.

[@perfectfan2006]

@@scottwheaton9689 he used to shift his bike at 10.5 when he raced have no idea if it had stock gearing or not he convert it from the old points set up to run electric ignition module that's about as much as i know about his set up..he is dead now so i can't ask him

[@perfectfan2006]

@@scottwheaton9689 just thought of something else that might be a bit interesting.. dads bike was the first year out the very next year his brother got one and for some reason dad's was listed with like 5 more horse power that the bike his brother got 1 year newer.. and even back then the bikes sent to california had emission stuff on them that dads bike and even my brothers kz 650 did not have they bought their bikes in another state from a dealer that dad knew his whole life i think it was in nevada but we seen same bikes sent to california that were set up different than my dads and brothers were stock

[@edisonchristovam4260]

Very good .I am owner tô KZ 1000 fron Brasil. Tank you

[@wesleyhenderson5958]

I owned the same bike. I can take it apart and put it together no problems.

[@bikerjon153]

Anything left original??

[@kawasakirule3707]

really sad when you pay only a couple grand for a brand new bike and to have them do all that work cost you way more than what it was worth but I still have my classic St shaft 79. I am sure glad I did my ground up myself. I saved thousands of BUCKS.

[@WhiteLakerrt16]

I had a 79 and wish I never sold it!

[@cuzuza22]

How much it's a motorcycle like this?

[@renegade44040]

I like it.

[@kerrywebb5917]

Very nice

[@motomark9736]

First time I went over 130 mph was on my 78 kz1000 had it back in the late 80s it would spin the tire in every gear I use to go down the road side ways just smoking the tire

[@Johnnysvintage]

Right on

[@yokosomike]

Growing up in Southern California in the 70s, my neighbor Brad, who lived across the street from me purchased a brand new Kawasaki 1000 in light blue, it was the most beautiful bike I had ever seen. One day all us kids on the block are playing football in my yard after school and Brad comes around the corner on his bike and decides to give it full throttle and rides a wheelie down the street for about 1/8 of a mile. As if it happened yesterday, I can still see the front tire rise in the air and the sound of that engine while riding that wheelie and actually hear him shifting gears at the same time was the most awesome yet horrifying thing I’ve ever seen. About half a dozen of us kids were frozen in fear and awe on my front lawn watching him start to ride his wheelie a couple houses down in front of us, blow right by us and then disappear as our street had a slight left curve but we could still see him riding his wheelie around that bend. I also remember clear as day the Z1000 type on the side of his bike, those four beautiful chrome mufflers thinking they were going to throw sparks but they never did. The end of the street was actually a dead end and we could hear him turn around and come back our way and when he drove back and into his driveway across the street from us we all cheered him on and remembered Brad as a total lunatic badass with balls of steel. Brad, the 30 year old guy who lived with his parents, had the coolest cars, motorcycles, girlfriends and worked with my dad at the Southern California gas company, wonder if he survived the 70s.

[@plymouth58convert]

Never seen a '77-'78 Z1000 with a single disc brake in front.. ??

[@orbarends]

Me neither. Wouldn't want to ride that too fast. Even the double disks were hardly sufficient.

[@anthonycrook-rumsey6189]

mine does

[@plymouth58convert]

@@orbarends I know..! When I sold mine in 1980 the next owner got an accident with it due to lack of brake capacity so instead of gloryfying the bike in this vid, think of how inresponsible this 'expert' is, putting any customer on this death trap

[@supertrucker1356]

Im looking for a restoration job on my 82 kz1100. Any reputable guy in northern Illinois?

[@Johnnysvintage]

Super Trucker, I'm sorry I don't know of anyone up that way. If you need parts, let us know

[@supertrucker1356]

@@Johnnysvintage Well what about the Knoxville/Johnson city area then?

[@Johnnysvintage]

@@supertrucker1356 How about Ohio? ;) If I knew I would certainly point you that way.

[@jimmypopp2695]

Johny, I am looking for a Kz750b twin roller. essentially a roller but anything will do as long as it is a frame and swingarm. Anything else would be a bonus. I would like to have one with a title but I might be negotiable on that because of the age. I will see if I can find you on facebook. Thank you for your time my friend.

[@Johnnysvintage]

Hello Jimmy Popp. We might be able to help you out. Give us a call at the shop 330-335-7365. Our Facebook link is: business.facebook.com/Johnnysvintage/?ref=your_pages

[@stevet9487]

It has the wrong front brake Master cylinder. But it does look great

[@disyokerr]

That's the one.....

[@anxietydude1044]

Hello Sir.. I just bought kawasaki.. And the VIN Number on engine is KZ100AE059051.. Can you identify what model and year? Thanks in advance.. Really appreciate with your help. I watched almost your video about kawasaki kz/z need more information about my bike.

[@Johnnysvintage]

Hello Judin. Look closer, the engine number should be KZT00AE059051. If this is correct, it should be a 1977. Not sure of the model whether or not it is an LTD.

[@anxietydude1044]

@@Johnnysvintage yes correct. It is KZT00AE059051

[@anxietydude1044]

I can show yoy the pict of my bike.. Where can i send it sir?

[@anxietydude1044]

Thanks

[@ratuadilFF]

💖💖💖💖💖🥳

[@deborahchesser7375]

Where in Ohio?

[@Johnnysvintage]

Deborah chesser we are in Wadsworth Ohio, just West of Akron

[@deborahchesser7375]

Johnny if ya ever need a hand around the shop I’m a 40 year tech on all brands

[@Johnnysvintage]

give us a call

[@jimclarke1108]

Rebuild from pistons up

[@momz6569]

Oy vhey..........the Gold with the black looks expensive

[@scottmiller3025]

I had a 750ltd.....

[@anthonycrook-rumsey6189]

pity it has not got 4 into 2 oem pipes mine has i also have a spare set

[@voornaam3191]

Pity he hasn't 4 seperate exhaust pipes. Those 4 into X just get you into pressure wave problems...

[@Johnnysvintage]

are you looking to sell them? I need a set for a 77 and 78 KZ1000a

[@anthonycrook-rumsey6189]

@@Johnnysvintage only if i ever sell my bike

[@mikem3929]

really like your video's but i can hardly hear you when you stand away from the camera like in the beginning of this video

[@waynepatrick17]

Headphones for motor sounds brilliant miss nothing mate

[@Johnnysvintage]

Yah we struggle with that sometimes. John doesn't like the wireless mic, so we tend to shoot however we can. This time of year it's especially tricky with the cicada bugs in full swing. In the fall it will be the wind. Always something!

[@robertbrandywine]

@@Johnnysvintage The closed-captioning usually translates the motor noise as "applause", sometimes "laughter".

[@Johnnysvintage]

@@robertbrandywine That's kind of cool to know! Could be worse I suppose!

[@roverwaters3875]

what about Suzuki?

[@Johnnysvintage]

Hi Rover. We specialize in Kawasaki and have room for only NOS Kawasaki parts, by the thousands, in our warehouse. We sometimes get the occasional other brands and we do have our history in vintage Harley otherwise. Thanks for your interest!

[@donatchinson8438]

Flexi Flyers.

[@shawnosenbaugh4295]

I have a twin to this no where near as pretty anymore ....all my buddies get pissed when I pass there harleys lol

[@1957kwick]

Those mirrors gotta go😱

[@bwholz]

What's with Grand Dad flogging the guts out of someone elses bike up and down the driveway????

[@simonstillborn4951]

That's the best part of Johnny's videos. Cold start. Take off up the driveway, banging up through the gears. Flying back down and jump on the brakes. Gotta check these things before you give it back to the customer.

[@robertbrandywine]

"Grand Dad", LOL. He's a young whipper snapper. I doubt he is even 60.

[@jamesbrooks9567]

He likes it. He said he already put 49 miles on it earlier That mechanic has a nice place