Is the Kawasaki Z1 still a good bike?

The Kawasaki Z1 is a bike that I have long admired. It is what a motorbike should look like. I've ridden and reviewed Kawasaki's modern offering, the Z900RS. It is a fantastic motorcycle that very much pays homage to the Kawasaki's from the 1970s. But, I've always wanted to have a go on the original or as close to the original as I could get my hands on, in this case one of my very good mate's 1976 KZ900, that's like a Z1 only better.
The KZ900 quickly gained popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts due to its powerful engine, sleek design, and smooth handling.
In this KZbin review, I will take a closer look at the Kawasaki KZ900 and explore its key features and capabilities. Starting with the design, highlighting its classic lines and timeless styling. I look at how the engine delivers impressive acceleration and top-end speed, making the KZ900 a thrilling ride and a bike worth considering if you are looking at buying a classic machine.
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[@rv16ad]

they are only called KZ if it is an american bike ,as they were the only country to call them KZ in australia they were always called Z900 A4 4 is because it was the 4th model of Z900's. i have owned a 76 Z900 for about 5years now it has doubled in value ,but will never be 4sale i love riding the bike too much .thanks for this great video and review of this iconic masterpiece.

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks for watching, I know how you feel, I loved riding it also, great bike. We’ve got a few more classic bike reviews coming up

[@billbalyx8799]

they were called KZ'S in Canada also...i bought one brand new out of the box, was the first year of the KZ and the last year of the 900

[@colinhall8998]

It’s the Holy Grail. There will never will be a better range of bikes than the 70’s Z’s. They were designed for one thing, speed!

[@BikerTorque]

Couldn't agree more

[@165alice1002]

I bought one new in 77 , loved that bike.

[@BikerTorque]

I’m guessing you don’t have it anymore? Great bike, thanks for watching

[@billbalyx8799]

Had the brown 1976 KZ900, best looking Japanese bike ever made, put 44,000 miles on it in 2 summers, wish I still had it

[@BikerTorque]

They are a great looking bike. Thanks for watching

[@Alexie3333]

That's a lot of milage in two summers!

[@billbalyx8799]

yes it was.@@Alexie3333

[@joehooyen725]

I traded a CB 750 on a new Green Z900 in 1976, used it to commute to work ,toured on it & also drag raced it . Only negatives i remember were tubed tyres & points ignition.Handling was ok for those times. Ended up trading it on a new 1st model CB900 in late 1979. Nice on the eyes video mate!

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks mate, glad you liked the video and thanks for sharing your experience with the Z900. We have plenty more new bike, classic bike and rider stories videos on the channel if you are interested.

[@PetesClassicCycle]

AWESOME VIDEO!! Very informative and well put together

[@BikerTorque]

Glad you liked it!

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

One thing I love is how Kawasaki spent more time in the styling, instead of being about basic functionality. Even coming towards the late 80‘s they were pricey which made me opt back then for a more affordable Suzuki Gs1000s. Thanks for taking us pillion down memory lane, Best wishes from Germany

[@BikerTorque]

Couldn't agree more! Glad you enjoyed it

[@JimmyMacTavish]

Been waiting for this one 👍🏻 Nice work!

[@BikerTorque]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for checking it out

[@baumie4618]

Great review and history lesson mate.👍

[@BikerTorque]

Glad you liked it, we’ve got a few more on these classic bike reviews in the works

[@ozyrob1]

Nice review. As someone has alreay pointed ot KZs were the North American bikes. Our last z900 was the A4. An incredible bike. I owned one myself.

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BigBert]

Love those old classic bikes. That is a well looked after unit 😎👊🏻

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, they are great to ride. It is well looked after, needs a couple of things but nothing major. You may see it next year in Tassie Big Bert

[@user-sf7jo7yv4s]

Awesome review as always Rosco and a good looking looking bike as well .😉

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks T, wait a minute, what’s going on here😂😂😂

[@teneretraveller8980]

Nice one. The original King. I remember them being released. Gawd, I'm old. Nice review, mate. Safe, happy travels 👍 .

[@BikerTorque]

Cheers glad you enjoyed it

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

Wow that's really cool classic 900cc bro. Keep it up and more vidz to come brother.

[@BikerTorque]

It certainly is. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@faystanford2367]

Another good review Ross.

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks, thinking of buying one?

[@winkydinkandyou]

In America we all got a Kerner header and upgraded to dual disk in the front. Never paid attention to how many miles on it only that it was well taken care of in good running condition. Nobody had a leaky bike that's not true. The brakes and everything about the bike wreck just fine back then they were as good as it gets. Today people totally describe the bikes half correct and half wrong. Super easy to work on. I owned 4 and a 1980 z1r 1000. I'm 64 I'd say I have enough experience back in the day to say today I'd rather have a newer bike.

[@BikerTorque]

I hear you about newer bikes, but I do still love the older ones for a lazy weekend ride

[@garyspracticalworkshop357]

Great work, I need to learn how to put it over as good as you , Nice one, Gary UK

[@BikerTorque]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@andrewwitts1389]

Beautiful bike - love the colour!

[@BikerTorque]

Sure is, thanks for watching

[@davidmccall4776]

I had a 1976 KZ900, a brown one, which was the only color other than green available that year, and it was a beast! The only complaint was with the frame's tendency to flex and get "squirrelly at high speeds (105mph and above). I still have the sales receipt, $2609.00 US. Be careful out there. Seeya! ☮✌

[@BikerTorque]

Awesome bike, how long did you have it for?

[@davidmccall4776]

@@BikerTorque I totalled it in 1981,sadly. It took a little while to get back on the bronc again, but I did, on 77 Harley Lowrider. I've owned several bikes since, but none as quick as the 900!

[@BikerTorque]

@@davidmccall4776 on no, hope you were OK. Big change riding a Lowrider. What are you riding now?

[@davidmccall4776]

@@BikerTorque A black 97 Heritage softail.

[@BikerTorque]

@@davidmccall4776 nice one

[@BDHO73]

What an awesome bike. Love it.

[@BikerTorque]

It certainly is. You might get a chance to take it for a blast one day.

[@JC-vw9qz]

Awesome bike and review. I’ve heard about Tim that owns this bike and he is a bloody legend!! Keep up the good work Ross.

[@BikerTorque]

Tim is a legend, proud to call him my mate. Plus he lends me his bikes when I get bored riding my own. Now @jc-vw9qz just trying to work out who you are…

[@JC-vw9qz]

@@BikerTorque Hah!!! speak to the man himself. He will tell you. Safe riding mate.

[@BikerTorque]

@@JC-vw9qz lol, pretty sure I’ve got it, how’s the GS?

[@JC-vw9qz]

@@BikerTorque 👊GS Going well…would have been great to join you for Tassie but not to be unfortunately. Look forward to hearing about that adventure and many others in between. Love the channel and looking forward to the next installment. Look after yourself.

[@BikerTorque]

@@JC-vw9qz I’m heading to Walcha in August if you are keen to do a long ride. Might give the Laverda a test run.

[@kawasaki900guy]

Great review mate! I remember drooling over these in centerfold ads in Cycle magazines in the mid-70's when I wasn't even old enough to drive yet. I finally bought a '74 Z-1A in my graduation year of 1979, and I still have it to this very day. IMO, there has never been a nicer, better built motorcycle ever conceived. Mine has been upgraded with disc brakes front and back from a '78 KZ 1000, and it has an engine from a 1980 KZ 1000 that has NEVER ever been rebuilt, with electronic ign, a Kerker pipe, and 29mm smoothbores. However this winter it's getting a piston kit, and only because the valve seals are causing the engine to smoke a bit, so why not do a total top end rebuild? . The bike is green with gold stripes and I can't go anywhere with it that people aren't turning their heads, or yelling out open windows or from sidewalks, or walking up on me when I stop just about anywhere. Owning and riding it never gets old, even though I'm a 62yo man on a 50yo motorcycle. It's simply heaven in motorcycle form & a real-life time machine!. Btw, many of my buddies who also had them in the old days still have them. Kawasaki Lets The Good Times Roll!

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks, glad you like the video and thanks for the info on your bike. Definitely up there with my favouite bikes of the 1970s, although if Im honest the bike I really lust after from the 1970s is a Daytona Orange BMW R90S, one day I'll get one, but would love a Kwaka in the garage also.

[@RWilko221]

Make sure your mate takes it to Tassie, you will have a blast and exactly the roads and distances for the classics, do it in style!!

[@BikerTorque]

That’s what we are planning to do at this stage

[@iancrombie8862]

Beautiful bike!😍😍🏍

[@BikerTorque]

It sure is!

[@williamchristie7365]

I would love to see you review the 1983 CB1000 Custom if you have not already done so. Cheers!

[@BikerTorque]

Would love to do a video with the CB1000 Custom, the issue is getting my hands on one for a few days to ride and get enough footage for a video

[@hachewie]

Awesome classic bikes. I think my next bike might be something older.

[@BikerTorque]

Good idea Chewie, cheap rego to if you put it on historic rego

[@davidhayter8516]

Is the K9 still a good bike…when was it ever a bad bike. Along side the 750/4 they are a magnificent machine. love ‘em.

[@BikerTorque]

Agree, it’s a wonderful machine, but to be e honest not really a fan of the Honda Four

[@julianalderson3938]

Thanks buetiful bike'

[@BikerTorque]

Thank you

[@RoadsOfOz]

Kawasaki made some quick bikes in the 70’s and 80’s. Also it is easier to get parts for the 70’s models as they are well supported. You looked like you had a ball on the big zed.

[@BikerTorque]

Absolutely loved it Matt. Thanks for watching

[@wilharnecker2575]

Do the Tasmania trip!!!

[@BikerTorque]

We are heading down there next month, but not on the old bikes unfortunately. The Laverda is having a few engine issues, and the Z1 has a few issues that need sorting with the carbs, so it’s modern bikes for the trip this time.

[@email4664]

@@BikerTorque This is the best review of this type of bike yet. Thank you for being a fellow gearhead and getting all of the points. Love it that you gave us all the first gear thunk. I adore that about my other 4 cyl bikes of this era. Lovely bike

[@BikerTorque]

@@email4664 thanks, glad you liked it.

[@peterhoulis1184]

Personally as a rider whos owned a z1a , z1b 3x z1000a and z1R and i prefer the z1000a to the 900 bigger motor ,better brakes and stiffer frame

[@BikerTorque]

haven't ridden the Z1000, but imagine it's a step up.

[@TheTestride]

Yes agree . Owned 2 Z9s and my Z1000A was my favourite by far. 👍

[@richardmikesell1335]

I have a 1976 kz900 z1 frame code. I rode 200 miles on it today!!!!! No fucking shit great bike, she is my blue bitch. I've had her of 20,30 years. I cant get over how smooooooth that air cooled motor runs. Don't forget Marvel Mystery oil for air cooled motors. Thanks for the video.😆

[@BikerTorque]

Glad you enjoyed the video and great to hear you are still racking up the miles on this classic. Thanks for watching

[@queenslander954]

Z1 , Z1A & Z1B .. were the good mail, the cheap paint-jobs on the Z900 killed the vibe .

[@BikerTorque]

I do love a Jaffa.

[@ekspatriat]

When you say renamed KZ I don't think they came to the UK ever. I thought they were all still just Z. (Even in Aussie)

[@BikerTorque]

Definitely KZ for the 1976 model in the US, but may have been a plain old zed in Australia

[@stevbrkr]

@@BikerTorque KZ900 was for the North American market only and had a single front disc brake. In Australia and the UK, they are called Z900 and have twin front discs as standard. The UK version had a longer rear mudguard. The Australian Z900 had the same short mudguard as the US version.

[@johncunningham4820]

Funny Opener . Over-estimate Brakes . Yes . Can be VERY " thrilling " indeed . 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 . Been there.............. Back when Kawasaki was definitely the Performance King . Mechanically pretty well Bulletproof and reasonable Frames . PS : Also a Sydney dweller . Always have been .

[@BikerTorque]

Hey John, thanks for checking out the video. Yes 1970s brakes aren’t a match for the modern stuff, but agree it’s a bullet proof engine. Good to hear from another Sydney-sider. Might see you on the road some time.

[@gregspice5916]

"Excellent handling", your kidding! They were / are terrible handling in stock form. I was there when they were released. I followed a mate up the Beach Forest road with this girl on the back, watching the bike flexing all over the place.

[@BikerTorque]

I have to say one I had handled pretty well, might have have a suspension upgrade, can’t confirm.l but most press for back in the 70s seemed to have a pretty high opinion of the bike, from what I found. I can’t confirm, as I was only 3 in 1976 and therefor didn’t have a full licence. Thanks for wTchingy

[@letssee5213]

I have a diamond brown 76 KZ900 and it handles just fine.

[@anthonynicholich9654]

Superior to a Honda that being said the best bike of the 1970s

[@BikerTorque]

We agree

[@neilharrison1203]

Definitely a lovely bike ….

[@BikerTorque]

It’s was absolute pleasure to ride. Thanks for watching

[@ianbonnick7640]

As soon as I heard it I thought the carbs are out

[@BikerTorque]

It’s had a tune and carb’s looked at since we filmed this, running beautifully now

[@trevorlock642]

One of the rear spokes is bent...

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, it might be getting re-spoked soon

[@brianazmy3156]

"It's like a zed-1 only better". Obviously they know nothing about performance. Go to any drag strip and look at how many z-1 engines are still being used. This will easily tell you which is better. For decades it was what every other manufacturer attempted to compare to.

[@BikerTorque]

I think you’ll find it’s the same engine.

[@monkmoto1887]

Dude it’s the same engine. And there wasn’t that much difference between any of them. Have a z1 and want a bigger motor? Put a 1015 or 1165 head on it. Carbs cams clutches cranks. It was like legos for bikes, parts everywhere and basically all interchangeable. But as far as the z1 vs kz900 it’s the same exact motor except maybe a couple of tuning differences

[@ambmainman]

But wait a minute.... the handle bars on that bike are truly atrocious looking!

[@BikerTorque]

Lol…harsh

[@ambmainman]

@@BikerTorque But true!

[@BikerTorque]

@@ambmainmancan’t agree with that assessment, but each to their own

[@ambmainman]

@@BikerTorque There's a reason they were not put on as standard..... because they are hideous..... and totally spoil the look of an otherwise great motorcycle!

[@colinhall8998]

Spot on. He looks like he’s scared of going fast with those bars on, what a shame 🤣🤣🤣