It Took Me 35 Years To Achieve This Goal - Maverick’s Top Gun Bike

A 35 year goal, to own the GPZ900R from Top Gun, has been achieved...with some lessons on targets and habits thrown in.
To support the channel: / marklewisfitness
For details of the gear I use, races I'm in, or to contact me:
💻 www.marklewis.co.uk
Follow me and Nixon the dog here:
🎥 kzbin.info/door/6dr...
📖 / marklewisyou...​
📸 INSTAGRAM MARK (me): / marklewispics
🐶 INSTAGRAM NIXON (the dog): / nixonruns
#TopGun #gpz900r #marklewis

[@christopherhenze5794]

Just wondering how long before you realize that you may be an above average athlete, but you're an elite storyteller. Just spent 20 minutes listening to some guy talk about a 40 year old motorcycle and felt motivated to take the incremental steps to make my next movie. I have spent my whole life as a storyteller and now work with the best in the world, so I may be qualified to know. Keep up the great work.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks. The story telling is my favourite bit. To be honest, I only do the fitness stuff so I have something to tell a story about 😂 and it is awesome for the brain - starting every Monday thinking “shit…..I need to come up with a new story” keeps the grey matter ticking over 😁

[@christopherhenze5794]

@@MarkLewisfitness My friends and I have a saying, there’s glory in a story. We did the most outrageous stuff just so we could tell the story.

[@YammiePro]

Bought one brand new in 1986, loved that bike for many many years.

[@tbaker294]

Started watching your videos a week back; seems like you are a younger version of myself in many respects. This video was entertaining. I retired from the US Navy a couple decades back; worked in the aviation field (avionics); started on F-14s and moved over to helicopters. Loved Top Gun (as all us Navy guys did). I'm also an avid biker since childhood; and on road bikes since '80. Had wanted the 900; but never bought it. Owned several Kawasaki's including a KZ750 (1st road bike), KZ1100, 1000 Concours, and a 1400 Concours. A few Hondas including the V65 Magna and 1800 Goldwing. A few Yamahas including the Vmax from the 80's. Fastest bike was a Suzi Hyabusa. Currently on my 13th bike; a BMW K1600GT; 130K miles on it; and will probably revert back to a new Goldwing in a year or two (was considering the BMW 1250 Adventure bike). At 6'4", I tend to look large on bikes; the BMW and 'wing fit good. Have fun on the 900; thankfully you are going to keep the colors. TG2 was amazing; already seen it twice on the Imax screen. I'll assume, that like myself, you might be a Moto GP fan (and F1 fan).

[@brent_f]

Mark, I have to say, “you’re an above average story teller.” Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@stopstalkingyouspookybastard]

this channel is slowly becoming my all time favourite. i loved fitness content and your deadpan humor, now on top of it comes motorcycles.

[@stueypooy22]

Honestly, if I can have even an ounce of Mark's discipline and self-respect I'll be content with myself. Watching this along with knowing your journey to being an above average athlete is truly inspiring. You make any goal appear achievable.

[@vicomteturenne]

Congratulations! What a fantastic story. When I was 18 in '96, I saw a new C5 Corvette and fell in love with it. I vowed I would own one someday. Four years later, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and found myself in Korea for my first duty station. I saved half my paychecks for that year so I could afford the down payment when I got home, and bought a used '01 model in the late autumn of 2002. It's sitting in my garage now, almost 20 years later. My wife doesn't understand why I spend the money to keep it insured and maintained even though I only drive it a couple of thousand miles per year. It's so much more than a car to me. It represents goal setting and self-discipline. When my buddies were hailing cabs in Korea, I was walking home; when they were eating out, I was cooking back at my hooch; when they were going out drinking every weekend, I was only going out drinking every other weekend (admittedly less of a sacrifice in that area)--all so I could save money to achieve that goal. Hearing your story brought back all of those feelings for me. Keep telling great stories. Thanks for what you do.

[@saimittapalli9668]

Damn man respect

[@saimittapalli9668]

Thank you for your service sir

[@roadgent7921]

Can't say I approve of this actually. The way you were describing things, your heart wasn't ever really into motorbikes. The bike, especially one as iconic as this, deserves a better fate. 😮

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Then you should have bought it 😂 Because now it's my fancy paperweight!

[@htownblue11]

Mark you’re a gem my man. Always a great point and perspective in your videos, and never a lack of great humor to accompany said lessons.

[@chriscampana89]

Just ran my first 5k because of you and your videos. Finished slightly above average. I did a sprint finish and felt so good. My first race ever. 60 pounds down so far this year; still have a long way to go.

[@davidhaythornthwaite692]

Another fab video Mark, I love your channel. I am 60 years old on Thursday, and I still, work hard training as a triathlete 6 days a week! I have done ironman half ironman and countless other shorter distance races, never as you say winning, but always striving to be above average. I guess for my age alone now I am above the average 60-year-old, my doctors say my fitness is astounding for an older man. I still dream of maybe one day going to Kona a day but I think in reality it is a long shot, but if you don't have dreams and goals then what is life for? As for Top Gunn loved it as I did like you the first one. Tom Cruise is also 60 in July this year another man with outstanding fitness for what used to be called the golden age. People say I am an inspiration, not because I am any good, but because I just keep showing up and delivering the very best I can. Thank you for your content I am a big fan of your attitude and sentiment., Cheers David.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It's an interesting point about Cruise - the guy is in amazing condition and, by all accounts, does a huge variety of sports and activities to stay that way - he climbs, runs, hikes, etc, etc ....... yet the internet is full of talk about movie stars that do nothing but lift weights all day! Where's the "I trained like Tom" videos!!! No one would watch them because going for jog or a hike or a bike ride is "boring" - yet it's kept him a GIANT star at an age when most people are falling apart!

[@wexwuthor1776]

@@MarkLewisfitness Sounds like an idea for a British fitness youtuber's content.

[@thetemplar8695]

Awesome story brother and we have so much in common. I was 18 in 1988 and had the same “fighter pilot” dream, as well as was a avid sport bike rider. My dream bike however (that I said I’d one day own) was the 1985 Honda VF1000R. Saw a buddy pull up on it at a party once and I was like….I’ll own that bike one day. Today, I have two of them….and a 85 Kawasaki ZX900 A (your GPZ 900R)….except mine is the rare blue and gray color scheme! Awesome hearing your story though and I’m sure you will have many a person telling you “their story” at gas stations and group rides! Good on ya mate! Cheers! 🤙

[@dobsy13]

Just awesome and love the good habits message. Well done, Mark!

[@woffindin187809]

Phenomenal. Just watched your video and it brought a tear to my eye - literally even though I am "roughty toughty! I have the GPZ900R (A2) as well as a H2 SX SE+ so the very first Ninja and the very latest Ninja. All you need now is a two stroke, and that is not a play on words! Love your videos as they inspire my wife to run and me to ride my bicycle. Pinarello F (12 speed) on order! It is safe to say, we are now, well and truly "above average" and its all down to you. Enough blowing smoke. Safe travels young man and keep up the sterling work!

[@fluppir]

Excellent as always Mark, thank you!!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

If you just want the bike, jump here 13:00 😎

[@rogermoore9795]

I bought a GPz 900R A1 (same colours) second hand in1988 and it was amazing. Previous to that I'd owned a Z1R, and a GPZ 1100 B2 but this bike, though a smaller cc, was in a different league. I know that it doesn't stand up to modern bikes but at the time there was nothing out there to touch it. I wish I could afford one now but at the moment it's just not affordable but like you, I dream of owning that bike in those colours, once again.

[@You-Tuber2024]

Congratulations Mark, really pleased for you

[@rudedog3529]

FWIW: My small shop in San Diego sold the 2 1984 Ninja 900 s to Paramount. They had us pull the body work so they could re-paint. Color switch, the red went where the gray was and black went where the red was. The movie bike was then thrashed to make the bike look beat. We could have put their paint back together quicker if we knew they were going to do that. The first i saw of that is when they brou7ght one on the bikes back to our shop with a small hole in the left side motor cover that we welded back up.

[@user-lh8yn6wx1r]

Absolutely cracking video

[@R2Magnum]

So happy for you!!

[@neildxb]

Fantastic! That’s one of the best stories I’ve listened to on the channel, with a good message built in around it. Thanks for making it

[@Bluxet]

I own same modell but a 1988 black and red. It is a monster to ride and still compare well to bikes nowadays in my opinion. It is an icon :)

[@craigmarson6917]

Nice Mark.😃 That’s very cool and we can see just how much it means to you from the constant grin on your face. I’m lucky enough to to say I road one in 1988. Enjoy.

[@davidtimbro3677]

Outstanding Mark. The habits so important, “the goal is good to know but the habits make it a go”. Recently I decided gonna buy that Corvette in the next few years always wanted one since I was 12, (many decades ago). Keep inspiring Mark.

[@chrismadden9126]

Fantastic video and story telling. Loving it

[@TWROC96]

Congrats on the bike Mark. I bet your grin was a mile wide when riding this "dream bike" of yours. Cool idea to put it in your room of accomplishments of personal goals.

[@mazda3guy]

Good for you Mark, absolutely brilliant. I look forward to seeing it in the background of future videos 😎🏍️

[@sjbgilmore]

Good for you Mark! Really moving story. Thank you.

[@_s_p_a_r_k_e_s_7615]

This is a great video. Love your attitude towards life and goals! Getting better each day, even if its only a small amount at something is definitely top advice. And, nice one on getting the bike!

[@chickenrnli]

Mark, wow. For some reason I had a tear in my eye at the end of this video! I'm 28 years old and have just started a fitness journey after too many bad health descisions since I left school and have been finding your videos inspirational. But this one hit in a different way.. I loved the new TopGun too, one of the best films i've seen. I have achieved more than I thought I would work wise but fitness and most importantly weightloss has always been the thing that defeats me! Your videos prove I just need to keep moving forward

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Little steps add up real fast…..or get missed real easy! Easy to wake up in 5 years and think “wow…. Just missed 5 x 365 steps!”

[@wreython]

Good, solid, hard won, real, grounded, life advice. Thanks. My "one day...." bike was a grey import CBR 400RR Gull Arm in black silver and green. I'd first seen it as a centre spread in Performance Bikes magazine. It was beautiful. I waited for years saving up and eventually bought one at B and M Imports, Preston. It was amazing. Enjoy your bike Mark.

[@mhinks]

Love your Videos Mark, recently discovered your channel, and now a big fan! Keep it up

[@andrewknapton8121]

Lovely bike Mark. Just agreed to buy one today the same as yours an '84 GPZ900R-A1 which was at Stafford Classic bike show last weekend. I believe this particular one was featured for the Top Gun remake in Leicester Square Premiere.

[@hudsonrea1218]

Congratulations! I was watching Top Gun yesterday and was talking about the bike more than the movie itself, awesome. 🤣👍

[@wimjilson9867]

What a bike! Well done Mark 👏

[@nikp.7823]

Lovely story, Mark! And as usual, a great finish :-)

[@cincicycles]

Those last 20 seconds Mark. Love it. Happy for you sir!

[@Stratulax]

Totally nice bike man, and a nice reminder that everything can happen in good time, if it's meant to happen. Oh and the tag as the end....Proper!

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Dang Mark, this was as motivating as it gets! Great video

[@4578simonhi]

Grinning from ear to ear … amazing, although being slightly younger by only a few years my bike crush was a ZXR-750 with vacuum cooling hoses going to either side of the tank !!!

[@blusterwaffle8439]

What a great video. I'm really feeling inspired from this video and I appreciate the consistent message of just keep trying

[@htcdude32]

Great bike gotta say ur videos are great to watch and hit nerves on so many levels always look forward to next one keep up great work 👍

[@The8mile123]

Truly inspirational....as always

[@gartmanxxx]

The colour scheme on the 84 bike was my favorite of all the years the 900 was produced. The styling still holds up pretty well 40 years later. A testament to just how great this bike was and still is. Thanks for posting this video. Gpz fan from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

They have just released a 40th anniversary edition that I would really have bought. If only they did it in the 1984 colour scheme! Instead they have used the 1985 version.

[@gartmanxxx]

@MarkLewisfitness hello again. I haven't seen the anniversary colour in grey and red, just the green white and blue combo on the zx10 etc. Is there a grey and red colour out there?

[@ChewBAE]

Congratulations Mark!

[@malkavian2]

Absolutely adored this vid This channel has become a major point of inspiration for me and I have now (probably stupidly) signed up to cycle from London to Paris as an overweight 40 year old Got the bike Started the training Feeling excited!

[@MARK0V]

Very fun video, thanks and congrats

[@mwilliams2684]

Great video - so much nostalgia

[@TheWeirdWeekends]

That's a great video, Mark. Made me smile.

[@WisePaul1337]

Loving the motorcycle Mark, very cool to tick of a goal you've had for such a long time. Congratulations.

[@mattwideman3986]

My new fav video. Great philosophy. Thanks.

[@tomhowell3524]

Love that it's going in your office. Such a great bit of nostalgia. Never got the GPZ but had a GPX750 in my youth and thought I was half way there!

[@gregorywoodbury7415]

Nicely done Mark!

[@chrisbtoo]

This was a great story! I only started riding myself a couple of years ago, but I too used to go to Motorcycle City (with my dad) when I was a kid and lust over all the bikes there. I also had the post- Top Gun desire to be a pilot, but never did anything about it 😕 I did get the ST, though!

[@em_aitch]

Goosebumps... this just clicked with me. Keep it up!

[@jirdesteva]

Congratulations! Just remember to enjoy the ride as much as the destination, bumps and all.

[@tsi92awd]

Congrats on the bike. And congrats on being entertaining enough to get me to watch a 20 min video about it, as I originally came here for your Zwift content.

[@jamesbeneda6747]

Great video, and a great message.

[@TheVikingProject]

Happy for you man!!

[@philtucker856]

Excellent stuff 👏

[@marknewman1317]

Great video ..best so far in my opinion

[@pip470]

I really enjoyed this video, it was very wholesome, really positive, funny and very well made. You have an excellent gift at telling a story. Thank you for this little gem. It’s not often KZbin has something so real. I’ve watched this and Paul messers video this week and felt huge connections to both of you. I appreciate you and thank you for sharing your journey. It’s funny, it felt like you were telling my story. 😂😂 I joined the raf in hope of being a pilot but was told a chest infection when I was younger might of been asthma and that was the computer saying no. I have a goal to maybe just have one flying lesson and see how I feel with that. No expectations, just try something I haven’t done yet. I honestly can’t put into words the effects of this video so I’ll leave it with just a big thank you 🙏

[@dodgecukc]

What a cool bike. Great shout on the small daily habits building up to the big results.

[@psgraphics05]

I bought a GPz900R in 1986, brand new in blue and silver. Absolutely loved it! Rode it every day for 2 years in all weathers, including snow, often with my girlfriend on the back! 3 of my mates also bought the same bike, so they looked pretty cool all parked up together! Great memories and rides.

[@ChrisColwillYT]

I’m not a bike or car guy by any stretch of the imagination, but even I could appreciate that bike. Congratulations on your successes Mark; I could tell how much that meant to you. Also, I’ll echo what others are saying about your ability to tell a story - it is phenomenal!

[@UtmostOutdoors]

You absolutely nailed this one! Keep on doing you, and good luck with your continued KZbin success!

[@red2lucas]

Congratulations Mark well deserved.

[@TomAlger.]

Loved the ending

[@mot0s896]

Great video so chasing the little goals each day. To get better today

[@boerboelmummy5075]

What a fantastic way to appreciate your bike.

[@austinado16]

Didn't make it 3 seconds into the video before cracking up at all the references of a foregone era, literally gasp when I saw that first shot of it, and am moved to tears by your last statements, and the hanging of the cardboard tag. There's a joy on your face that only comes from achieving something so rooted in the depth of your past. Awesome Mark!! The bike is incredible, and they did an amazing job rebuilding and restoring it. I'm guessing the brakes would improve once the pads bed into the rotors a bit, after a few rides. Beautiful, beautiful, machine! Heartfelt congratulations! I'm not familiar with your fuel quality in the UK, but you may want to treat the fuel in it with a product called SeaFoam, in order to keep the fuel from chemically failing, and corroding the brass jets and aluminum carburetor bowls. You might also consider draining the carburetor bowls so no fuel is left in them, treated or not. Each bowl has a small screw sticking out to the side, and you can just lay a thick towel across the top of the engine and let the fuel run out of the bowls, into it (hang it in the sun for an hour, and the fuel will be completely evaporated). The fuel here in the US contains ethanol, made from corn. It fails chemically after 30 days, and destroys the inside of carburetors. I purchased an '86 Ninja (GPz)600R in '90, in original condition, and it is still my pride and joy. That's it in my profile picture. I have quite a few "matching" Shoei helmets for it. Great job finding and filming the bike. I know shooting a motorcycle out on the road couldn't have been easy, and you guys did great with the camera work.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks! Yep, got a bike racing buddy that's given me the low down on draining the carb bowls, etc. Also getting the inside of the tank sealed so it will never rust!

[@gabrielsturges3012]

Fantastic content! I found the channel initially and became interested because of the fitness content, but you've touched on something less lauded in the sports world -- the mental fortitude to keep going and look to the future. I'm an American living in Spain (30 years old now, arrived when I was 19), and grew up watching all the Bond films. As a little boy, I saw him cruising the Mediterranean Coast in one of his convertibles, and wanted the same. Finally, last year, after my business hit a big sales goal, I bought a pristine 1996 MGF convertible in British racing green. It's not the fastest, fanciest or most advanced. However, driving from my house along the coast road in that convertible was the realization of a 20-year goal.

[@vinceabarca]

Dude!!! Got freaking choked up when you put that cardboard sign in the handlebar....

[@samuel4781]

What a beast, I have my bike crush I want in 20 years as a 22 year old i know I’ll get there, thanks pal

[@scottyost6246]

Very Nice. Yes. Small wins every day. Don’t worry about the end.

[@CalmingAnxiety]

Mark,. You're a flippin star for doing this. We all need dreams to work towards . For me it's an XT500 one day. I've done the flying malarky .

[@chefsolidOriginal]

Loved it then, still do now. Totally agree, old bikes they look like you remember but they ride like you wish they didn't. Cracking example dude 👍

[@piratepete5001]

Quality vlog. Thanks.

[@MitchPlehn]

Excellent Vid Mark! Thank you for reminding me of just staying consistent day in and day out. I was struggling for motivation after my first major goal of the year by finishing a 6 hour fixed time running event (ended up going 26.72 miles, 19th overall out of 50 and 3rd in the 50-59 age group, I'm on the later end of that. Not too bad for only starting 7 months ago) I kept thinking about the next event which is the 12 hours fixed time, it was overwhelming me after my recovering period and I couldn't get motivated. But remembering to just stick to my daily routines and I'll be good! Thank you! Love the Bike!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Staying on track After a big achievement is often way harder than anyone would think. In theory, you should be flying at that point - but often it’s the start of a down hill slide that makes no sense!

[@timbob.]

It’s funny I got into your channel as a cyclist interested in Zwift, but as a Biker of nearly 20 years it was a bit of a shock when in a previous video you mentioned your Africa trip and older KZbin videos and now here is a motorbike video and hobbies collide. I’m impressed you’ve got your Top Gun tagged beauty. I’ve had a few older bikes myself and my first “big bike” was only a few years newer than this (but only 16 years old at the time) it’s amazing how far tech has come in the time and especially the brakes.

[@pedrocarvalho4266]

Well done mate!

[@DanielSweden]

You the Man!

[@Ganjora]

i remember the movie, i remember the bike, congratulations! what a lovely video.

[@khawajadotd]

This video reminds me of the ones you were uploading when your YT was just for fun, and I really like that. The passion shows through.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

😁 It's a balance - I make videos like this for me as I enjoy it......but very few watch them - So I need to make more traditional stuff for the day to day or the channel dies off! Joys of KZbin!

[@briankeogh8126]

Great video Mark. Topper Harley…. Haven’t laughed so much in ages. Great ending. Well done.

[@YouTubedarek]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Nothing like attaining a dream or completing a long-term goal that you didn't know if it was possible! Great channel, Mark! Keep it up! Any OCR races coming up? I've been scrolling through some old videos of yours, watching your OCRs, and trying to get mentally and physically ready for my first OCR in August (21km and 3,400+ of elevation gain...eek, may have bitten off more than I can chew haha). Edit: also amazing to see how far your editing/lighting has come along. You've put in the work!!!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Spartan in July! And yes, the camera and lighting is better….. and I’m poorer 😂 that gear ain’t cheap 😂😂

[@brazoon1]

Holy crap Mark, that bike looks mint!

[@FW25]

Absolutely awesome

[@thepandaman]

Nice! I just wanted to say a thanks for your synopsis of Atomic Habits a while back - it was what prompted me to listen through on Audible, and now I'm finding I'm viewing nearly everything with an eye to habit formation. I used to scoff at the idea of "Influencers", but here I am mulling over whether to get commercial-grade flooring mats for the garage...

[@simaofrazao2140]

I love the comedy and sarcasm on these videos

[@chriscampana89]

Seeing him drive on the other side of the road made my heart race. America here.

[@goldilocks913]

I can remember reading about the gpz550 and showing my mom and she said ‘ You’ll never own one!’ Worse thing she could have said :- 20+ bikes over my career including the gpz550. What a beautiful bike you have, soooo pleased for you 👍

[@MrBoggins1234]

That's beautiful storytelling 👌.I'm 53 and had a similar profound experience as a 9 year old, no not that (although it was the late seventies) walking into Kawasaki Kingdom in Bexhill and seeing the z900 and z1300 brand new, on rotating, spotlit plinths. Although I never owned either it fuelled me (after a few years getting the road craft and not dying as a young male car driver) into owning Ar125, gpz600r, cbr600r, thunderace and then the hayabusa. Kids came along bikes went. I absolutely loved my time on my bikes as did my girlfriend at the time who passed her test and bought a cbr400rr. I married her. The lady, not the bike. Kids now grown up and left home, we're starting to think about bike ownership again..

[@AdamCardinal]

Nice one Mark.

[@Seasniffer69]

So bad ass! I was probably 4 or 5 when I watched the first top gun in the 90s, I've loved motorcycles ever since. This bike here, is in my dream list of bikes I HAVE to ride before I die.

[@TheBritChief]

I agree, I think if I had a GPZ900R (My dream bike from Top Gun) I'd have to preserve it, just keep it ticking over now and then and just admire it. I remember being 6 years old and just desperately wanting one of my own, that bike is my childhood crush 😍

[@nosforatu101]

7.25 minutes in, " I then give up on motorbikes altogether." That's funny I think...I first came to your channel because you had put up vids of you riding the Great Western Trail..I've stayed because you have a great sense of humour. oh and I like fitness.. I Climb cycle have just got back in the water swimming after a very long break and currently also enjoy riding green lanes currently on a KTM 525exc.

[@martinm3509]

Ive been watching your channele for a while now, seeing you riding a bike I have subscribed now.

[@ShredTraining]

What a cool story! The ending just put a big grin on my face that I couldn't control.