1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Maintenance / Ride - NNKH

[@braddokken9191]

Late 70's and 80's were an amazing time to be into motorcycles. They got better each year. Your 78 is a beautiful bike and I hope you can ride it more often!

[@st-qd8wg]

The best and Legend CB Honda and KZ are the top elite super bikes in the world

[@B-Rad-Ry]

Showing the mistakes really makes your videos so great. Seeing issues come up and watching you handle them is encouraging.

[@michaelweilmuenster5754]

I remember seeing that bike in one of your videos a long time ago. So glad you finally brought it out. I had a 78 KZ1000 Ltd with a factory Kerker header. One if the coolest bikes I've ever had and yes I miss it. Been keeping my eyes open for another one to restore. One of the best sounding motorcycles ever. Reminds me of mad max!

[@GearHeadGeeks]

Let me give you a tiny bit of advice when changing tube tires (having been a motorcycle mechanic throughout the 70s and literally changed hundreds of tires by hand). First do yourself a favor and heat up that tire and make it more pliable. Also slightly inflate the tube, that helps keep it out of the way of the iron. Leave the nut on, some tubes rely on that to hold in the stem on the tube. Yes, yours didn't come with one but that is usually a sign of someone robbing it from the package, better safe than sorry. Also the rim locks go into the holes 180 apart and the stem goes into the other hole. The 180s are to keep the tire in somewhat of a balance. To avoid pinching, never bring the tire iron beyond "0" degrees(ish), moving it beyond "0" is where you pinch it. Just lube up the iron so the tire slides on. Also, if you don't want it restored, just clean it up, remove the rust so it doesn't get any worse, fix the starter, they are super simple (on the Z1s and KZs, make sure the wires seal in the rubber). Nothing wrong with a clean bike, leave the patina if that floats your boat. But you are a really good mechanic, one of the best on KZbin, so you know to treat the machine with a little respect. Just saying....

[@bradley7723]

The KZ1000 along with the CBX1000, XS1100 ,GS1000 of th late 70s were the birth of the superbikes of the modern era. The OGs if you will. I remember when they all started hitting show rooms. Great time in motorcycle history. And the quality of the bikes were amazing. Love your video's and your new shop, keep on having fun. 😊

[@bigjohnson7415]

The Yammy XS 650 parallel twin was pretty iconic for the day!

[@davids1702]

not to mention the gsmodels rembering I was sporting a triple500 racing my buddy on his 78gs550 we were doing 90 and his helmet was on top of his sissy bar flewoff and bounced offmy front wheel of my h2 off course gs couldn't hold a candle off the line to a triple but. higher topend now I am saddling up on a 2012 ninja 1k love that bike but still have a collection of old Hondas and kawasaki from63to78 and a Daytona 400too many projects but you. Thema keep posting love the clip with kyou cruising in the river inthe ice I had a similar experience my girl friend needed a idiot to ride her 800 yamaha jet skiing to the boat launch. her e I go out in the middle of the Columbia River 4ft chop it was. totally stupid but made it recently was laid up in the hospitol for7months so really enjoy watching you knock out projects have learned alot thx Chris and Jen you 2 are awesome ty dave

[@fredsimmons2793]

Changing that oil showed me you don't ride them hard and put them up wet.This was honest and down to earth.

[@BrianLarson1326]

First motorcycle I ever rode was a 76 KZ900 with green paint. Last bike I ever rode was a KZ750 LTD shafty. Thank you for sharing your ride with us. As a disabled former rider, it's soul food for me.

[@Barracuda-r7s]

Hey Chris I’m with you on keeping the bike as is, as far as maintenance that goes without saying it’s a must. Actually it was just another learning experience for me at least that you had to patch the tube… & of course Gus making his entrance always makes it even better. Appreciate the effort you make to show & explain things. Thanks

[@carlbernard4197]

Funny when Gus's ear went inside out 😂😂😂

[@buildingsalvage]

A million subs between this and main channel. Man that’s pretty cool. Congrats! Love the maintenance videos. Not enough people know how to do it and that probably kills a lot of beautiful machines

[@TXH1138]

why have 3 channels? Why not just post all videos on the same channel? Extra money for having the same 200-300K subscribers on the different channels? Seems the views would be the same. Just curious.

[@p9raceway759]

@@TXH1138tell me how KZbin works. If based on watched minutes diversifying makes sense. Algorithm wants to see video watched beginning to end therefore 2 channels cover fan base. KZbinrs have successfully operated 2 channels so main channel income is optimized

[@TXH1138]

"90 year olds don't want to look 20" They may not want to look 20, but they do want to look their best and still shower regularly.

[@mwilliamshs]

Not recognizing that as a joke makes me think your mental age is higher than 90 or less than 2

[@phillipromaine1342]

Just a little trick to let you know about replacing tires from an old man if you're slightly inflate the tube before you insert it you won't get the pinch 😊

[@hervewasson5173]

Nice old bike Chris. Just some routine maintenance and a light cleaning and this bike deserves to live its own life on the roads. Nothing superficial, just ride freely. (2 wheels and an engine). Thank you for the ride in your countryside and cities in this area of USA. Hope to go back on the US soil someday. 😃

[@ericcowan7759]

Those Vance & Hines pipes have always sounded the best! Sweet ride, Chris!

[@bettycollins3914]

Such a cool video Chris, I had a 1974 Z1 900. They have that old mad max sound. 😂 The ride thru the fall colors and then the passenger train. Makes everything seem normal for a while. Thanks again. ❤

[@NoCoastGolf]

Chris on a motorcycle with a train going by is peak NNKH. I love it. Chris, you're the man.

[@KenMrKLC]

Man, so many years later and that style just ages better with age. Still a sharp mean looking bike and has plenty of power. What a great design bike

[@nickyduhr8355]

The KZ1000 is an iconic bike for sure! Most of the bikes used in the og Mad Max movie were Kz's. I had a 78 with an extended swing arm and a 100 shot of nitrous. Killer scary!!

[@derekdavis6508]

That's the reason I want one like toecutters.

[@carlbernard4197]

That would be one hell of a ride especially the roads NNKH was on 😮😂😂😂

[@jstar1000]

Pro tip, take the old tube press it flat and cut of each edge (right inside, left side) then the center section is now rubber rim tape.

[@mpp31387]

The burnout at the end *chefs kiss*. The hero we need, but don't deserve.

[@pedrolsantiagosr5092]

Love the old vintage bikes…That KZ sound incredible:)

[@Wootangtw]

Those Kawasaki kZ and z1 are awesome bikes…I had several back in the 70’s… thanks for the video buddy…

[@Zburnett94]

Awesome bike and awesome video, helps give me the motivation to keep moving with my 79 gs750 project! Can’t help but to appreciate these early manufacturer battle bikes that are so well engineered and are virtually impossible to kill.

[@sinjin90ful]

Yep need so work on 1980 Gs750

[@myVZyoot]

Love it mate, Here in Australia those old "KZ" bikes were just "Z" I bought my maroon 1978 Z1000 in 1980, sadly, I traded it, not sadly on a brand new Z1R MK11, both bikes I wish I still own. I still have my 1984 GPz1100a, which is not for the purist. That bike is stabled with my ZX14r, my 1400GTR (pronounced Concours in the USA) and my 1981 KE175 dirt bike. You mentioned your bikes' appearance a few times, it looks outstanding for a 45 year old bike. You ride it like it was built to be ridden, have fun mate, and stay safe. On a side note, there is another Aussie movie that features the old Z1 bikes...lots of them, it's called, "STONE", directed by Sandy Harbutt, it's probably a little corny for todays audience, but us crusty Australian bikers love it, you might enjoy it too, if you get time. Love ya work mate.

[@dave-uf8ir]

1982 I had the pleasure of a summer afternoon on a buddy's kz 1000 o my God wildest bike I ever rode nice peace new shop killer cheers 🥂 guys 😊

[@freezerburn04]

Folks still put 1500 kits in these kz1000’s and they are still competitive. Awesome engines, thanks for the vid👍🙏👋

[@michaelovitch]

New brake hoses are a necessity,don't neglect brakes. Nice work, nice video.

[@bacolrsv]

That's a lovely bike and all the better for showing it's age. I totally agree about keeping it running and riding.

[@duncandemontfort5156]

Fanatic episode mate - love the bike, and would love to see more bike content on your channel. Keep up the great content 👌🏻

[@srtautoworkz]

Absolutely love those ole KZs, my dad had one, loved hearing that thing shreik through the gears as he left for work, dream bike for sure

[@everready19373]

I'm 61 and had a CB750F SS back in the day. Man I'd love to have that KZ.

[@davemorris8365]

Those old kawasakis are worth a fair bit today ,nice to see it restored

[@AnthonyAntTony]

That exhaust note is fantastic. KZs will forever be cool.

[@nickyduhr8355]

I love the way they sound!

[@corporalclegg914]

I got an ‘82 KZ1000LTD in college in the late ‘90s & used to do truly idiotic stuff aboard that beast. it would destroy Katanas & Ninjas & Seca IIs & countless plastic-covered bikes. it’s been parked in mom’s horse stable ever since & it feels like it’s time to resurrect the rascal. perhaps, if you know the power & smoothness of these bikes, then you always hold them in high regard. cheers.

[@friguy4444]

33:47 Um yea that's bike is a fun rock n roller. Those that say things like that are most likely those that have bikes sitting in their garage collecting dust and are "going to get around to restoring it" even though it has only 7000 miles on it. LOL.

[@TylerBurns-sb1kv]

for almost a 50 year old bike, that thing sounds like a beast

[@CPthetooladdict]

Man I started watching you because of the xr and kz vids miss these vids. I built my 1980 with a 1075 big bore kit cams carbs it was a rocket!

[@marcofreddi4831]

Il morore migliore della storia del motociclismo,semplice,robusto,affidabile,potente e con scarico quattro in uno ha una voce ineguagliabile... bellissimo!

[@frfrpr]

Gawd! That thing sounds good. Brings back some great memories!

[@dave1135]

14:31 I always partially inflate the tube just enough to make it round before I try putting the bead in, it gets rid of the loose flaps that can get pinched

[@johnkendrick7304]

Don't listen to those weird people. You use your bike with the way it's supposed to be. You enjoy it! Keep up the good work always enjoy the videos man take care

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

🤛🏾😎 totally agree with you. Ride that bad boy. I have an 81kz1000 and 82 shaft driven kz1100 that I just want running again. Great seeing these bikes on the road in their vintage glory.👍🏽😎🏁🏁🏁

[@stevehowarth5792]

Having started my biking life on a different UJM (Honda CB900F) it was great to relive the experience through the 'clocks'. There is something comforting about the old-school speedo and tacho and the glow through the tunnels and at night. Todays digital instruments are cool but there is something special about the analogue world.

[@seansysig]

I had a 78 Z1-R I bought brand new when I was 19 and when I sold it 40 years later the odometer showed 96585.8. It was best carving up from Albany thru the Adirondacks up to Lake Placid. I easily hit 100mph on I-87 above Lake George Village. I blew a speed trap at over 90 and luckily hoped off a ramp and never got caught stupid luck.

[@yaboysamshep1470]

Man I’m glad you said that about motorcycle batteries , I can’t make one last more than 3 years , I don’t keep them on tender 24/7 but when I’m out in shop I put them on it and they just don’t seem to last , I’ve also seen a lot of decline in automotive batteries recently

[@Rick-4552]

The kz 1000 episodes are some of the best!

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

Wow, such a sweet sounding bike.

[@wastingmymoneyonmotorcycles]

Thanks!

[@wastingmymoneyonmotorcycles]

Love to see any kz1000 trucking along...!

[@NNKH2]

Thanks so much man! And great to see you putting out some killer XL 600R content. Amazing bikes

[@tomandzack]

The train was so cool to see! Love seeing the area you live in on your ride.

[@NNKH2]

Yeah definitely I really neat train! Especially in the winter. Thank you for tuning in

[@aronhoward919]

You have the identical big brother of mine, I have a 78 kz 650 in black. Fantastic bikes!!!!! Wish I had the 1000 though😊 Be nice to see them side to side and ride but I live in SW Florida. and yes they love 10,000 + and beg for more!!!. Nice video Chris 👍

[@nightstorm9128]

Lovely growl off of the quakker...

[@SlwRpr]

Your dirt dauber nest under seat just reminded me. I sat on my back steps one summer several years ago and watched a dirt dauber building on a mud tube that ended up being about 5 inches long. Absolutely fascinating!!

[@jamesenderby5114]

I just love all your video's on both of your channels, they are a combination of repairs (and what not to do), ideas, creativity, enthusiasm, (and not losing your rag, f'in and j'fin, and throwing tools around the workshop when things go wrong like the rest of us) part travel tourist views, and of course, they have to have Gus ! I'm still on my original bike battery that is over 5 years old, but then I use it at least twice a week commuting 60 miles a day. Keep it up !

[@itsmephil2255]

Viewers can comment all they want Chris, at the end of the day you do what you want with the bike You can get out whenever and enjoy

[@ghostrider729]

Man!!! That reminds me of my 550 Maxim days in the 80's in northern Virginia!!!! Good times!!!

[@glennstatham960]

Chris, at 68, I'm twice your age but man, we could be brothers, I just think a lot like you but you have a better memory haha!

[@hardtail-gy8dk]

This video had it all classic bike, covered bridges, steam train and phenomenal roads and scenery, bike sounds great

[@rogjackson]

She's a runner. I agree with your philosophy. Keep going!!

[@michaeljones0007]

No other sound is like that sound the Kawis make.

[@mark98070]

KZ1000 was an awesome bike back in the day. My dad had a Z900, the predecessor to that bike. If memory serves it was a 1974. I was barely a teen not licensed yet but would cruise it when he wasn't home.

[@BigIronTexas]

Just one man's opinion but I like that round 70s looking side mirror. Everything modern just looks like melted plastic with no character to it.

[@doggonedk]

I survived a KZ 900. Very lightly modded with a KerKer pipe balanced bigger carbs. Scariest thing I ever threw a leg over. Skinny little friend of mine could run that thing in the high-9s. Not me I didn't have the nerve to get it out of the hole. These were the OG's of the super bikes of today. To go 9's on a street bike in the '70s was crazy. Love your channel Chris Don't change a thing.

[@dankrzeminski6370]

It brings back memories. I had a 78 Kawasaki kz1000 Z1-R in high school in the late 70’s. I thought I was all that and a bag of chips lol. I can’t believe it didn’t kill me.

[@808v1]

when you mentioned the chassis twisting, it reminded me of my old RZ500, that thing was fabulously dangerous :)

[@TheTruckdriver999]

Definitely cannot beat the sound of a kwaka with 4into 1s grouse bike fella 👍👍

[@andrewwilliams825]

Great vid Chris, that's a lovely old bike, I had a Z750 back in the early 80's, always wanted a ZZR1100 but marriage got in the way of that plan. I know what you mean about not restoring it, but surely a lovely old bike like that deserves a bit of TLC and maybe to be kept in your basement. Whatever great vid, and I enjoyed the drone footage at the end.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

This is the kind of weather Chris, jump on the bike get on 32 ride it up to Bowman's Tower, find that old covered bridge road, head up into the hills and take all the winding roads back down the and around the West side around.. Man this is the time of year. Well, it's almost over now!!

[@jcoul1sc]

couple of psi in the tube can help against pinching

[@larrys4227]

Awesome bike! When i wasxa kid, my dads friend had a brand new kz900 ... i believe it was the fastest production bike at the time. I was in love with it. Yours is fantastic ... love the sound of that Vance and Hines. Have a blast ... im jealous ❤😊

[@Darryl603]

Nope, sorry. It was the KZ750 2 stroke, triple cylinder. I had one : )

[@wesdauer158]

78 z1 900

[@paullavergne2477]

Definitely. A work. Of. Art. Miss. Mine

[@donmears4090]

Fall colors, Trains and a vintage unrestored rider motorcycle. It dosen't get any better.🏍😃

[@flyingmachinecustomparts8227]

My favorite bike of all time !!!

[@nicklopez3580]

That bike sounds amazing

[@fishrider62]

favorite motto, It's done right cause it's done twice! Glad to see the pro's do stuff too!

[@aaronspicer1093]

dont you love how internet experts sitting in their parents basement always have something to say while never holding a wrench

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

That is a great bike! My friend Mark had one back in the early 80's. It was fast and fun. Better to ride it and do the maintenance on it than shine it up and never use it. I would probably give it a bath and polish it up a bit just to help it last longer and look good. But, it's your bike and it's your call.

[@georgekouremenos596]

Chris, very nice. On top of seeing the bike run, i saw what beautiful long roads and country you have. Gongrats.

[@MikeyDee25]

Another great video Chris. The ride shots were fantastic as were the aerial shots. Regarding the bike, as the saying goes - 'you do you'! If it ain't broke don't fix it. Hope Turbo is feeling better since your last video. 😸

[@bennyrobles9194]

Beautiful bike.! I had a 650 in the late 70s. Reminds me of the movie Mad Max. ToeCutter,Bubba, Goose, Johnny the boy.

[@markhobby7481]

When I started as a motor officer (2000), the department I worked with was using the KZ1000's. I only got to ride them for about a year before going to the BMW R1150rtp's, but I remember how much faster the KZ was on take off compared to the BMW. The beemers were great on the highway and would do 100mph all day long, but the Kawasaki would beat the BMW to 100 by far. KZ's didn't do well in high temp's though, I remember at slow speeds, mine would tend to over heat if it was above 100 degrees.

[@vferrante6436]

another great video! cool drone shots and vintage trains also..forgot how good those 1000 Kaws ran and quick..

[@davidwhiten3742]

It’s your bike treat it how you like. My friends lil brother had one just like it back in the 80’s he rode it hard and fast all the time and had a blast.

[@ginamiller6015]

Grew up with Japanese bikes from this vintage. We enjoyed them but never really appreciate how good they were. In hindsight these were very well engineered machines! Thanks for keeping another classic one on the road. Nice video!

[@madsnoball2709]

I had a Z1-R, that sound almost makes me cry. Thank you!

[@claztube]

The community that you shot the drone footage of, all I can say is 'WOW' so, so charming. You really live in a beautiful part of PA, I believe that's where you are if I recall you gave your Tundra a bath in the Deleware, a story for the ages and the grandkids...hint, hint another 'WOW' for different reasons, BTW... Just wonderful videography, 1st Class! Five out of 5 's ... A wee late (01/28/2024) viewing but that's the magic of this medium.

[@fishypictures]

Love the KZs….. that’s what we rode back in the day.

[@andrewmelalueca4881]

Good to see someone from a much younger generation interested in these bikes.

[@stevencherry3545]

Nice Kawasaki. I was a RD in high school and after college I got a 1982 GPZ-1100.My friend from work totaled that bike and I'm glad he didn't get hurt.Then I got a ZX-11 and then a ZX-14 which i still have. I really enjoy your videos.

[@josephperry6822]

Beats the shit out of another ebike video! That bike is a sweet cruiser! Just like it is. Nice power and a cool sound. Great vid! Love the shop..

[@mrshaneyt43]

I built a couple of different bead breakers years back out of scrap when I was a welder/fabricator and lived in my workshop . Used an old scissor Jack to help break the beads on the car one I made . Worked pretty good . I’m living in a 1 bed first floor flat now so no workshop . Really do miss being able to work on stuff under a roof (especially this time of year) so get my fix from watching here . Love both the channels 👍

[@everydaymechanic4657]

The burnout scene gave off mad max vibes 👍

[@wyatt1476]

You really have some of the best KZbin content man.

[@williamfoster4268]

I've been waiting so long for this video, Saturday just got better! That specialty tire lube is just vegetable oil based grease, no negative reaction with rubber. It's the same red rubber grease without the dye.

[@freezerburn04]

A little hint- inflate the tube until it just barely holds its shape before putting it in the tire. That way it’s pushing out against the inside of the tread of the tire and not near where you are using your tire tools and not near the bead:) Presto, no pinched tubes👋

[@Jordanrhart]

Perfect timing, I just picked up a 78 KZ1000 last weekend. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@NNKH2]

That's awesome! Good luck with it! I know you'll love it

[@richardmcdonel9669]

Man what I would give for one of those bikes,,friend of mine had one of those years ago,,damn good bikes

[@barryrahn5957]

Nice river shots, cool old train, nice forest shots too. May she run forever.

[@jdedmnds1]

I rode a 78 LTD 1000 for 15 years or so. I put a big bore kit in it some andrews x2 cams a header and I had it up to 160 several times. I couldn't keep a back tire on it. I have a 77 1000 LTD now but it needs some work. My brother in law had a 1000 kaw drag bike and I rode it at the drag strip and ran a 6.19 in the 1/8 mile with a 1250 bore nitrous and a 6 inch slick. What a ride.

[@catfisher420]

I love the sound of a KZ. I've had 2 KZ 750 4cyl's and a ZR7-S which also used the KZ engine. Great bikes. Sounds even better with the baffles taken out of the pipes. Also sets off every car alarm!

[@bigjohnson7415]

Yes, great bikes! I had a 78 KZ 750 Standard in 1980. Kerker 4 into one header, that thing would sing!👍

[@tomdegoede7565]

There's nothing that beats a 70's bike, I have a 1977 Honda CB750 K7, all original and in mint condition. But you must like talking to other people, because everywhere I go people rush up to me and share old memories about them having a CB750 or relatives that had one. This KZ1000 I would take it apart and restore it like mine because it's worth it , the bike's from the first superbikes era are worth more by the day and most important, they are so much fun to drive, because it takes working to drive it and you have more feeling with the bike then modern bike's. Keep the bike and enjoy it because the change to find another one is getting pretty slim today. I love all your vids by the way, seen them all, keep up the good work man.

[@richcxx]

Man that sound….. Music!