First start in 40 years - Kawasaki Z1B 900 engine

I this video I start a 1974 Kawasaki Z1B 900 out of the bike and for the first time in over 40 years. I go through some basic checks and rig up the engine for starting out of the bike. There was no evidence that this engine had ever been apart since assembled in Japan at the Kawasaki factory in 1974. I take it over to my mate Henrys farm to run it up and give it a proper rev up.

[@StonyRC]

Thank GOD that the UK can still produce eccentric genius engineers like Allen Millyard. Individuals like you have been the backbone of British invention since ... for ever! Many Thanks.

[@mgqfashion]

Incredible ! Jesus man, you're fantastic !

[@saltysealion]

God bless

[@antonvrb1510]

This kind of genius is so utterly rare, i dare say its almost extinct. What a privilege just to witness Alan's work.

[@feolender2938]

We can't. Unless you noticed, Alan is approaching being an old man. There are no apprenticeships doing what he's doing (he was a toolmaker I believe) We thought financial services (servicing small hat banks) was the way. We were wrong and we'll never get it back

[@davidelliott5843]

Absolutely right. I did an apprenticeship that gave me skills available nowhere else. I can’t claim be an Allen Millyard but without that background, I wouldn’t even understand just how good he is.

[@TheHkluivert]

This channel has become my place to relax during a busy work-at-home day. Allen is good in everything I am not good at!

[@classicraceruk1337]

Allen and Henry together what a pair of wonderful loonies.

[@davidharris5736]

The quiet ones are always the worst.

[@goodvibesglobal8453]

Looking forward to Ep. 3 Good ol' Japanese engineering this reminds me of finding a 1960s Suzuki 125 in a rental property's chook shed asked the owner about it he said it was there when he had bought it 25 years earlier didn't know how long it had been there The tank was bone dry, petcock seized with varnish, we put penetrine down the bore and some x55 solvent from work through the carb, had a spark so kicked it over and it fired after about five attempts on the solvent, I was really impressed with the Japanese after that😁

[@antonietilanus3395]

I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@Sam_Green____4114]

Has Henry Cole got a YT channel?

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@Sam_Green____4114 Yes

[@higgydufrane]

I can smell the exhaust. I remember when these things came out and it was 900cc, then 1000cc and 1100cc and we were all in heaven with such large, high horsepower engines. Thanks for the video Allen, it brought back a lot of memories. Edit: Love the uncontrollable smile when you were revving it up....

[@43mackmobile]

My dad bought a new KZ900 out of Memphis in 1973 and that was the first time I got to drive a car there and took it home to Mississippi.

[@tombailey6342]

As time passes, those older Japonese engines just look even better, authentic, beautiful and yet simple robust engines, that were designed to run and run. Long before the days that vehicle manufacturers sought to ensure after sales from inbuilt defects, or extreme crippling revenue from dealership franchise. Good honest engineering, from a dedicated, and proud nation. Thanks Allen x

[@keithwaite5026]

Yes , those z’s . My z1000 did 86,000 miles, bomb proof if looked after and stunning looking👍

[@bruces3613]

It's the air cooling that gives the classic, robust design. I had a FJ1100 in the 90's with a 1300 resleeve and other mods. Conventional wisdom said it wouldn't last at that bore. Rubbish, I put hard miles on it over deserts, up mountain ranges, and on the daily freeway grind for 30k miles. Never seized, never failed, and would roll past the ZX11 up to the 150 mph mark.

[@Bellathebear777]

Made in Japan = ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@graxav]

Having been in engineering since 72 - I always wondered why (considering a 64 1500 Ford uniflow engine) car engines where not made like bike engines?! Well - now they are.

[@routmaster38]

@@bruces3613 I had an FJ 1100 about three years ago but because I moved into a flat had no where to store and finish a minor refurb had to literally sell it for scrap. Previously running well with a new MOT wouldnt fetch £700.

[@zivgolubovic803]

I bought my 1974 900 Z1B new in Adelaide South Australia. The 900 is a beautiful machine, still turning heads today. Styling far ahead of its time. I wish I had kept it. ❤️

[@jayr6666]

The man is a genius, plain and simple.

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

Yes. The definition of 'Genius' is origin or original, and he has done LOTS of that. .

[@michaelhayward7572]

I concur, but there is a sad, bitter, rude, obviously envious little man with his own YT channel who takes umbrage with the word genius. He did a whole 20 minute monologue on it.

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

@@michaelhayward7572 The question now is should he be identified so we may take the piss out of him, or would we be doing him a service to even acknowledge his existence ? I DO love a good YT street fight ! .

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23 the workshop. Run by a guy with a big mouth, decent with a whiteboard and theory, never shown any remote talent with a set of spanners. Ever.

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

@@michaelhayward7572 Mmmm . . . . . . Sounds like FUN ! I LOVE demolishing those guys. .

[@chipperunder6887]

I’ve been doing mechanical work for 40 years I know I will never reach the level of my father who back in the day before he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident was putting VW valves in his Harley Davison to Trick it out. When I look at Allen and his genius I am in awe.. when you’re around innovators and fabricators all your life like I had the wonderful opportunity of growing up in it really gives me another level of appreciation for Mr. millyard

[@sidewaysPT]

"The madness of Millyard" needs to be on a T-shirt.

[@AllenMillyard]

Yes :)

[@brianmurphy8790]

I concur. Mad Millyard needs merch.

[@brittenv1000]

I'd buy one

[@danweyant707]

Available via mail order, only.

[@bitzannbobz]

i dont buy merch but i would buy that... edit: done tastefully of course in a small neat logo no bigger than the size of a tax disc.

[@harleyshrewful]

Made me chuckle after a long day of home working behind a screen, what an engineer, a legend. Im off to my shed now to break something probably

[@onecookieboy]

Nice to see a genuine smile of happiness on Allen's face, that engine sounds mint, it must have been stored very carefully for the last 40 years.

[@Bellathebear777]

Carefully = keep it inside 👍

[@trentmunn9486]

A comment from China by a Canadian. This video is what I needed today. My first bike was a 1973 S2 350. The 73 Z1 was king. I cannot thank you enough for the pure joy of watching this video.

[@hotelcharlie-six5408]

This guy’s knowledge and skill is incredible!

[@racekar80]

One of the best bike mechanic and fabricators washes engines on his back patio!

[@stevensapyak7971]

2.21.21. I remember these when they came out late 1972.......🏁. The two-stroke Mach III in 500 & 750cc were wickedly quick! The transition to the Kawasaki 903 engine, was breathtaking in a few short years.......quite the learning curve for Kawasaki heavy industries™️

[@roeng1368]

The big two strokes with the bendy frames, specifically designed to keep your bowels moving !

[@andyb7963]

They made a 900cc also but it was banned

[@bushratbeachbum]

@Andy b, did they?!

[@davidsimpson105dB]

Brilliant ! Takes me back to the Z days of the 70s and 80s. Ive had 3 of these beasties...wish I still had them !!

[@briangriffin928]

I'm really pleased with how it runs, now I'm going to take it back home and cut it up with a hacksaw! Lol

[@fidelcatsro6948]

and add another 3 cylinder to it!

[@GB-vn1tf]

@@fidelcatsro6948 only 3???? It looks perfect to make a V8 from to me.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

@@GB-vn1tf but 7 is unique!!

[@darrenmcwhiney3220]

Probably turn it into a five cylinder! LOL! 😂😎👏did you see the Kawi. H2 he turned into a five cylinder? It was hard enough to keep the frontend on the pavement with just three on those things, I can't imagine trying to ride it with five! I took a ride on someone's H2 back in 77 I simply changed from second to third topping a hill, wasn't even on it hard but the frontend didn't touch the pavement until the bottom, almost pooped my pants! LOL! Wasn't expecting that at all!😎👏

[@darrenmcwhiney3220]

@@fidelcatsro6948 he all ready did that! You didn't see his Z1 six cylinder? The blue one with the gold stripes? Beautiful motorcycle!👏

[@rb3166]

Gotta love the headless burbles! When the point cover was off, that was a really good sign.

[@glencasson9046]

40 YEARS, most people would suck air through there teeth and say it needs a full strip down mate, not Allen, four carb rubbers, check the points bung some fuel in it, away you go, magic! The eccentric genius is alive and well in Britain, he can be found wandering the lanes of the Cotswolds! Thank goodness for original people! He should get a knighthood for making people smile!

[@Sam_Green____4114]

Depends on the condition surely ? And whether it's been stored outside or inside !

[@glencasson9046]

@@Sam_Green____4114 Come on, just smile.

[@jonnycando]

@@glencasson9046 I’ve got an 89 Harley FLTCU……new carb, new ignition module…..she runs…..

[@ChrisP978]

Looked like it had been decently stored, no corrosion to speak of. Still, a guy that can tune carbs to near perfection by blowing through them is pretty special.

[@danweyant707]

Gave the carbs a quick wipe...( the thing a couple thousand guys get wrong )

[@danb.3397]

That is the most emotion I've seen out of dozens of his videos

[@markhensley9378]

What a beautiful sounding engine! She's completely ready to be back on the road. Just need to find the right chassis for it. I'm well pleased with the way you made this video and can't wait to see the next one. Thanks again for your time today.

[@Kingwoodish]

I'm still riding my 1975 Kawasaki Z1 900 with 140,000 miles. It has had maintenance and rebuilds as needed.

[@alextripp1230]

Hi Allen, as always your sense of humour just makes me chuckle. Mmmm, gonna upset the neighbours, I know I'll chuck it in the pickup and shoot over to Henry's where I can rev and rev it to my hearts content. Priceless.! Started and sounded fantastic BTW. Thanks for brightening our Sunday up as always mate. Cheers, Alex.

[@nickwhitney1534]

I live in Northamptonshire. This engine starting woke me up one Sunday morning.

[@AllenMillyard]

Ha ha

[@brianpaige4884]

Nice to see my second hero Henry.... what a pair of stars.

[@mark109s]

You sir are a Guru of old school motorcycles. Awesome video too!

[@howder1951]

I used to have a 1975 Z1B, and it always started nice. One of the few bikes that would actually start, and run without a battery, one of the best engines around in my humble opinion, cheers. Enjoyed seeing this immensely, great find Allen!

[@richardfryer1279]

Just watched this one again Allen love watching you work makes me smile.

[@scottw550]

That motor will make a great addition to a stock Z1B 900 collector bike. The Kawasaki Z1B 900 are like gold in Japan

[@derekcollins1972]

Any classics are like gold in Japan.They pay big money to get them.Good and bad thing since it drives the prices up for the normal local people.

[@scottw550]

@@derekcollins1972 Yup, the dealers here used to buy them and ship them back to Japan.

[@derekcollins1972]

@@scottw550 Yes.Its a shame really but I get it.

[@boatlover2296]

I love that smile you get from the satisfaction of your love of motorcycles

[@nealeburgess6756]

Reminds me of when I first started my 1936 Austin Ruby engine after it had been standing for 35 years. It was still in the car, and we actually drove it a few yards. Mine took maybe 5 minutes to settle on to all 4 cylinders though. Looking forward to getting her on the road again when restrictions ease. Glad you replaced the rubber carb mounts. People don't realise how important that is for the engine to run well.

[@garywinkworth3380]

your an absolute genius allen. . incredilble stuff you do. a pleasure to watch thankyou

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

One of the most beautiful engines ever produced...

[@keithwaite5026]

The built proof 70’s Z series ... plus the legend Alan❤️👍👊

[@gsmecanica]

I can't explain how much I love your videos mate, thanks!

[@ianp3876]

That's just made my morning here in Thailand😃 Thank you Sir 🙏✌❤

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

You wouldn't have thought this engine had not been run for 40 years. Whoever owned this really did take care of it :)

[@afenijmeijer9027]

I own a 1976 Z900. Bought it new and have ridden ever since. So mine has been running for 46 years and 164000km. The cylinder head is going to require major work now as the valve clearances are currently set with the thinnest shims. My bike has a number of upgrades necessitated by it's age. Electronic ignition , voltage regulator and rectifier, Hagon rear shocks, Akront alloy rims and a Kerker stainless exhaust . Still has the original paint. I have most of the original parts. What a bike.

[@ovenking4481]

You can tell this man found his calling. That engine was like a little hungry orphan before.

[@fomavictorevitch]

An absolute delight, thank you very much Mr. Millyard.

[@markchenvoiceover9689]

Makes a call on a rotary dial phone. Classic!

[@numbersix100]

The z1B is probably one best engines made by Kawasaki

[@aldntn]

Allen touches it, and it runs "Perfect".

[@cramersclassics]

The "boy at Christmas" grin when it fires up is priceless. Anyone who has stared an old engine knows this feeling. Us mortals have to do a lot more kicking though. Wonderful as Always Sir Millyard!

[@splodge5714]

Loved it. Japanese engineering at its best. Thanks Allen and Henry.

[@skf957]

'74 was the year I got my first bike - a Honda CB200. I thought it was great, but realised pretty quickly that it wasn't and replaced it with a KH250. Love this video, the engine, and Mr Cole's appearance. Thank you.

[@daveshaw9310]

Allen, it really says something when Henry Cole thinks you're mad. Don't let that ever stop you though.

[@TheBoely]

I bought one Kawa 900 that was standing outside for 15 year doing nothing. I put gas in the tank and put a battery in, and it run olmoost instantly. Those engines are rock sollid.

[@malcolmtill]

I received my "It fit's perfect" tee shirt this week.

[@Doubledge]

Now I need “it fits perfect “ t shirt. Lol

[@sheerluckholmes5468]

I imagine that you were well pleased with that.

[@fishyfool]

I got my Flyng Millyard shirt the other day, it's perfect!

[@markfox1545]

*It fits perfectly.

[@Rob-fc9wg]

7:21. I want a " The madness of Millyard" tee shirt.

[@PaulsMotoZen]

Allen, you are a Mr. Rodgers of motorcycles. Just great!

[@facilis]

11:32 - Ichiban Moto sticker spotted! I'm pretty sure there should be 5/5 of them 😎

[@JamesChurchill3]

Badass!

[@billmoran3219]

Wish he was doing more content... badass indeed!

[@facilis]

@@billmoran3219 Rumor has it, that he will soon™ 🤘

[@IchibanMoto]

Allen gets ten out of five !

[@IchibanMoto]

i heard that too

[@JackF99]

Just love this channel. Not surprised Allen got it running. A bit surprised he did not first change out the 40 year old oil though!

[@michaelpercival7981]

I am sure he did, and a few hours cleaning up the Carbs. Cheers.

[@72polara]

The points and condenser looked like new, everything was so clean. I wonder if it is very low miles from a bike that got wrecked. Now the fun of building up something around it.

[@grahamtapper3383]

Genius, artist, teacher, entertainer, talented engineer, film maker, world famous British Bloke and so likeable. Thanks Allen for sharing the magic that happens in your shed. Ever made a gasket from a cup cake paper !

[@mark.e.p]

Set the carbs up with wires and blowing through them listening to the hiss? The man is a genius!

[@David_Owsnett]

Awesome!! I'd like a friend like Henry.

[@tedcorey3054]

I had 74 Z1B back in the late 70's ,never tried to cut the engine in half. I just rode and enjoyed it. Your's sounds nice.

[@bikersreview383]

I don’t want to be the lockdown police or criticise others. Once you had explained that this is the way you put a meal on the table I touch my comment down. Please explain to people in your videos that you’re not popping round to your friend for some motorcycle fun, but this is the way you are paying the bills. You are one of the most original and interesting KZbinrs; your quality of production, detail and fun are recognised and appreciated. Like many others I look forward to each new video. I'm praying that God blesses you and your family during this difficult time.

[@georgemcmillan9172]

Wow! That motor sounds incredible, for sitting unloved for49+ years! I have a 1975 Z1B 900 that I have owned since 1999. The motor has never been opened up, and it has approximately 15000 miles on it. No smoke, no noises, and I could go out in the shop and in 1 or 2 kicks, she'll fire right up after sitting for a year! The only modifications that have been done, are a full chrome kit, chrome Kerker 4-1 header, an oil pressure gauge, and a Dyna 2000 electronic ignition circuit. I have always ridden Kawasakis, since I was about 6 years old. I have owned other makes such as Honda, my first street bike, a 1972 350, a Honda CB 650, a 1968 Harley Davidson Iron head Sportster hard tail with 18" over springer. Sold the Harley after high school before leaving for the Army. I always had a Kawasaki too, usually a 900 or 1000. Also, I have the same Dodge quad cab in the same color! After watching this video, I am now a subscriber!

[@AllenMillyard]

Brilliant

[@rootboycooks]

"Allen, what's this in the garden?" " Oh, that's just my Kawasaki Z1 drying in the sunshine." " that's nice, try not to kill anything dear."

[@geneharrogate6911]

Allens videos fill me with urge to go out and pull bits off my motorcycle and replace them again for no apparent reason..

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Allen is missing a trick here, ASMR, the snap of those carb rubbers.

[@exupakias]

You are the most crazy guy in planet, i am also crazy playing with engines but not exactly like you i mean in your level, Uk must be proud for people like you.Well done Allen.

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

Life is When 50+ year Old guys looks like 12 year Old boys because of an engine makes fantastic NOISE😂

[@mikefarge3543]

Obviously one of the best engine designed in are times

[@philiplee7604]

Allen’s SMILE 😄 SAYS IT ALL !!!!

[@Recklesshade]

Henry seems like a proper chap..I love his little commentary sprinkled in.

[@AllenMillyard]

he is :)

[@tonyonemontana]

Hello Allen! Your videos are wonderful, thank you for making them. You've asked for some suggestions and I do have one: Could you please make a video about the tools you have modified? I have heard in several videos that you modify spanners and I'm sure there is more. That would be perfect, thanks so much!

[@ericgabriel4190]

Mr. Millyard, you have made my day with this video. I haven't even watched it yet!

[@ericgabriel4190]

Even more so now that I have seen it!

[@roeng1368]

Beautiful engineering in those 70's, 80's air cooled Japanese fours. I wonder would it fit in a featherbed frame !

[@ianthomas739]

Allen could fit this engine to any frame -including your bed frame.

[@SvenTviking]

You want a Harris Magnum.

[@michaelcorder8561]

Great video. Really pleasing. The delight on your face said it all. Keep safe.

[@apacherider7110]

The smile of a naughty school boy...priceless

[@din51gle]

Reminds me of the time I rebuilt my Z650 engine, as a young lad. Didn't finish getting it together until 2:30 in the morning minus the headers, and knew I wouldn't sleep until I had heard heard it running. Fired it up and it worked perfect. I slept well, unlike my neighbors. That sound just took me back to that moment in 1982.

[@abfal2003]

the green in his face, priceless

[@perrycalabrese3475]

Getting that engine running, outstanding. Two old guys giddy and grinning, priceless. Stay young 4 ever.

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

Did I hear him say it New/Old stock, a Crate Engine? You rarely ever see points in that condition, like new, even with a hundred miles on it.I would say First Run Ever. A wonderful example of the technology of the times, Alan is right in step with that time. That engine deserves a cycle to run with!!!

[@richardtodd3710]

Always a joy to see and hear Millyard at his best. I could watch your videos all day long.. I hope my 23 year old Kawasaki GT550 starts as easy as this one..

[@jayc1116]

One of the strongest engines ever.Great stuff Alan. I once did similar with a 1300 mini engine in an old builders wheelbarrow.

[@AllenMillyard]

ive also done that with a 850 A series engine :)

[@C0zyDunt]

Always a treat, a vid from Allen, but Henry as well. Excellent.

[@williammitchell1785]

One word GENIUS love watching his step by step videos and his out of nowhere wit and humor

[@alternatemusicaddict5226]

That’s the cleanest dirty engine I’ve ever seen😂

[@derekholme6922]

Infectious pleasure having an engine come to life after40 years🍻

[@sw8398]

Allen on his wedding night, "and it fits perfect"

[@AllenMillyard]

🙈

[@democratsaretheDEVIL]

I was well please. Love this channel

[@markpercy4277]

Hahahahahaha brilliant

[@blackmountainboar]

love those Kaw’s engines 1973-1980 sound of music from you breathing life back into it 🙂

[@catbreath007]

Your mate Henry ought to have a show of his own really 🤪

[@katoosh1]

He does Henry Cole is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and adventurer. He is on television most days of the year as the presenter of shows like Shed and Buried, Find It, Fix It, Flog It!, The World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides and The Motorbike Show.

[@chrisprobert6]

@@katoosh1 you missed the emoji and the sarcasm

[@catbreath007]

@@katoosh1 ... Doh !!! 😳

[@larrygreen8912]

I worked for Kawasaki in 74 . The 900 was advertised to top out at 154 mph and it would do that and more !

[@dilwyn1]

@Larry .. Brave man !! I to worked for Kawasaki in the same era as you. Rode many Z900 but never hung on long enough to prove their top speed, as I recall, after 130mph or so most of them wanted to through you off !!

[@iancharlton678]

Bloody marvellous as always.... takes me back to my Rickman CR1000 at age 19... Reynolds 531 frame, Betor forks(?), Lester wheels and Lockheed cast iron discs/callipers... MK 2 engine with a J top end and a left hand 4 into 1 from a Canadian proddy race bike... What doesn’t kill you.... 🙂🇬🇧

[@georgeknapp271]

1.3K likes in an hour, and 1 dislike, the only explanation is Greta must have subbed this channel.....

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

And her mom too

[@neodutch]

@Jesse Link 3 While the 2nd crew to sail it back flew.

[@mattrooke3210]

Allen would be be my perfect neighbour, Tools in the BBQ, wonderful cupcakes and engines with no exhausts and of course a man with a genius mind for loud petrol products.

[@paulhall170]

Welcome to Millyard-land, where nothing is impossible, and everything fits just perfect!!! Thanks for another morning treat, Allen!

[@thetribble]

Alan is a genius. He welded another cylinder onto a Suzuki GT750 to make it a GT1000, all from his head. Great to see him with Henry who recently did a piece on the GT750. A great pair of petrol heads. Thanks for the entertainment Alan.

[@dominickesposito5048]

Allen is very amusing. Thank you for these phenomenal videos!

[@100Jeanluc]

Well chuffed, love the Kawasaki Z's, they are legendary. Who'd have thought that that engine would start so easily and sound so good after so many years. Love your stuff Mr Millyard.

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

I did a very similar thing on a Honda 750 4 , it hadn't been started for many years, set up the points and topped up the oil, set the Carbs as close as possible to all opening the same throttle, it started first time, only thing was fuel was spewing out of 2 of the carbs, they caught alight because I had the battery next to them, the positive wire came lose and arced, of course I had no water or fire extinguisher near, I tore my shirt off and threw it over the engine, lucky for me it extinguished the flames, apart from that the engine ran great.

[@SubTroppo]

40 years: how come? I scrolled down quite a long way in the comment to see if anyone had got an answer. If only you could search the comments in KZbin.

[@mainiac4pats]

Allen you make me smile too mate, cheers from Atlanta Georgia!

[@GB-vn1tf]

The smile says all you need to know, Allen has a serious petroleum addiction! I hope the ecomenralists don't take Allen's toys away from him as I'm not sure an electric motor will ever make him, or I, smile like that!

[@paulcuthbert8353]

One word, Allen! Genius! With the added input of the legend that is Henry Cole! 👍

[@Sun-ut9gr]

Cheshire Cat has nothing on that grin

[@Dutchie74flh]

Simply excellent. Can do, will do Simple! Alan is peerless.

[@malcellison8831]

Fantastic result. Tremendous to hear the engine running so well 👍