The 1000cc Japanese Monster That Ruled The 80's - The Kawasaki KZ1000

In this Rare Motorcycles documentary, we go into the history of one of the most insane production motorcycles ever made, the absolutely nuts Kawasaki KZ1000.
This production liter bike was the pinnacle of performance in the 80s but it was also used by speed enthusiasts and law enforcement alike with major police departments in the US fielding these as their own patrol bikes,
This video aims to provide a short history of these unique and rare motorcycles so you can learn about them in a quick, easy to digest video.
*Note, we are not historians. If you see an error in our research then please mention it in the comments!
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NOTICE: Clips used from other videos are fair use and fall under U.S. copyright law because this work is transformative in nature, and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. It is against the law to fraudulently claim a copyright on a video you do not own under the DMCA or to abuse KZbin’s copyright claim tool. Copyright concerns and takedown requests can be submitted to: [e-mail]

[@dilligafdude9434]

My first bike was my dad's 1980 KZ1000. It sat in the garage all throughout my childhood so when I turned 18, I asked him if I could learn how to ride it. He told me if I can get it running and driving, I could have it. Absolutely love that bike. Always gets old timers checking it out whenever I go somewhere.

[@raremotorcycles]

That is awesome, thanks for sharing that!

[@diggy-d8w]

I had one as well, maroon & gold rim wheels. Nice to hear you've still got her. Fantastic story. Wish I did but I got to ride!

[@dylanplumley280]

My Dream Bike. I feel like I am the only young adult nowadays that appreciates these older bikes and prefers them over newer ones. I don't care, there is hardly anything in the world cooler than a ripped 20 year old stud ripping down the road on one of these with aviators and long flowing hair and a hot bikini wearing chick clinging on for dear life. I don't care what anyone says, KZ's are badass and they literally oooze badassery and masculinity.

[@mattbyrne7621]

I learned how to ride my dad’s kz when I was about 14! That thing was insane fast and heavy. So much fun and the sound was incredible. Sadly, he sold it when I was 16 or 17. I really wish we still had er. I hope you get a chance to experience this machine!

[@brianw338]

True that. On the badassery. I’m 66 and had one when I was 18.

[@haydenboyle8397]

​@@mattbyrne7621 I currently own one and it's as light as my 2023 CBR but your on point about the power.

[@haydenboyle8397]

Damn straight they are badass, I have one and they are great. Don't give up you can find one

[@dylanplumley280]

@@haydenboyle8397 I won’t give up till I have one. How did you get yours? Just curious. Was it hard, easy? Expensive? What are things an aspiring KZ1000 owner should know?

[@gregspag]

Was and is still my all time favorite motorcycle model starting with the kz900.

[@Ptr834]

Man that brought back fond memories of my z900 in the late 70s such unbelievable feeling riding times

[@Bikerbob59]

Still have my 80 j model and 81 ltd love these bikes.

[@mrmark8603]

Don't forget the importance of the KZ1000s in Mad Max.

[@pipersall6761]

I was fortunate to own a 1982 1000 CSR and kick my ass for ever selling it. It was a great bike. They are getting harder to find but I would love to own one again before i die.

[@nathanielwaters6730]

I Love it, had the first year 1977 KZ1000, 1978, 1979, and 1980 Police Bike!!! Awesome motorcycles, I had Z-1's also, I 'll make an accepting, I don't ride anymore gimme a KZ, will ride again!!! Kawasaki Nate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[@zone4garlicfarm]

My first street bike was a 1977 KZ 1000 B1 LTD. I bought it new just before my 17th birthday and rode it 150,000 miles over the next 15 years. I've owned about 25 motorcycles and driven a lot more over the last 50 years and none had a more comfortable riding position than that bike when modified with rear set pegs and a 2" rise handlebar.

[@jomabug76]

Any of the kz bikes were awesome..and fast .and fun to ride ..thatscwhy they are so so after to this day ..i had 1976 kawsaki kz650

[@rover100bunson]

my neighbour had a z1000h just like the one you showed, absolutely stunning motorcycle

[@jay1st1st]

I remember my kid days, walking to school and always stopping by the local Kawazaki shop to admire the multiple Godier Genoud Z1000 Bol D'Or edition. And of course watching CHIPS on TV :)

[@marshallcollins8634]

@jay1st1st The multiple WHAT??

[@jay1st1st]

@marshallcollins8634 I was raised in France close to the Castellet circuit 'BOL D'OR) and motorbikes were a big deal, search for " Godier Genoud", the kawa dealer had those bikes on show example : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5LOY6KCaKqgf80si=KtqnRctvx2SAnaMW

[@winkydinkandyou]

It ruled more of the 70s and in the 80s strated falling behind. I owned 5 and 1 1980 z1r 1000 I had no idea they only made 3000 of them.

[@philwatson8399]

Agreed, it was a 70s bike....after 77 everything from the other jap 3 caught up and overtook, both in technical terms and performance...

[@uan588]

Still have one she’s beautiful.

[@dylanplumley280]

I envy you. I am saving up for one.

[@kbaldwin1948]

You didn't even mention the KZ1000 Shaft Drive.

[@kenandrieling5885]

I've had several of these bikes and no one once a shafty

[@4thinternational283]

Was that the ST model with the flat tank?

[@somethingelse9535]

Loved mine, smooth, torquey as hell. Rode across Australia and no chain to adjust.. Hit 210 km/h at one stage.

[@Kevin-wd2is]

They ruled the 70's too.

[@davidmacphee3549]

The Original Z1 was absolutely gorgeous and has sold for more than 50K Stock.

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

Actually ruled the mid 70s to about 1982

[@4thinternational283]

Over in the uk the bikes were just Z models, later becoming gpZ with very similar styling initially. Did the States ever get the Z1100?

[@tedmarakas2626]

Excellent video without bullshit and annoying music

[@phoenixarizona8441]

The bike that started today's Kawasaki zx10r and zx14r

[@796andy2]

used to ride my gpz to the track , race all day , then ride it home 😊

[@jimclarke1108]

I owned a new Z1000 3 discs,4 into 2 exhaust factory, and the colours different to the Z900 here in Australia

[@davidmacphee3549]

First thousand subs! Now you can get some pay! Congratulation's

[@raremotorcycles]

Thank you haha! Not quite yet for the pay because you need to get a certain amount of watch hours as well but I am happy people are enjoying the content!

[@davidmacphee3549]

KZbin needs you to put all your eggs in one basket before you can even check if any are already broken. They make you, they break you. Rough road ahead no matter how hard you work. All the Best! Be aware! We all know you're good but media things are all like fully automated dis passionate no nothings and they don't care.@@raremotorcycles

[@davidmacphee3549]

I guess you have a limited audience. So not everyone cares about motorcycles. You do it for Love and Art we feel it. Watch hours my foot. Good hobby.@@raremotorcycles

[@davidmacphee3549]

Your 1st K coming up! Good stuff!

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Subbed.👍😎

[@rosechesterton761]

952 Halvorson Ridge

[@hoggravyandchitlins]

What about the GPz1100 ?

[@grahamsengineering.2532]

I had the Z1000 MK11 back in the 80's, what a ball tearer it was.

[@tedecker3792]

Why not use a photo of the correct engine? Quit watching when the wrong pic appeared.

[@paulscountry456]

It was obsolete in the 70s and by 1978 the GS 1000 or xs11 would smoke it.

[@jomabug76]

Lol not true ..

[@stevemartin9785]

In 1979 I bought a brand new KZ 1000 LTD great bike $ 3,695 .00

[@douglasdoebler1697]

Bought a new 1977 KZ 1000 LTD. 137 mph .

[@OffficailGeekCubed]

My first bike was a 96 kz1000p

[@rebeccagilbers5742]

871 Murphy Court

[@TosakiRacing]

凄

[@billcook7285]

A lot of them California cops got road rash from them KZ1000s. You put that extra weight on them, they will shake out from under you.

[@Beavis-et8ox]

Showing a Gilera engine calling it z1 900cc 😂

[@PatienceColin-t7x]

Perez Sarah Wilson Anna Allen Jose

[@rosechesterton761]

Davis Joseph Lee George Anderson Kevin

[@jomabug76]

As always they are wrong on top speed...my kz 650 registerd 140 and it would do that with zero problem .so yeah wrong on top speed

[@NinoCotonato]

Gilera? 🤣

[@deanadams3099]

Bullshit.

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

bought a brand new 78 honda 750F SS,the Kaw was what i wanted but couodnt afford it! I,m not dead yet!!.lol

[@EdithVic]

9348 Swift Knolls

[@joeblow5037]

My '79 CBX would argue 🙂

[@LorraineGarica-x7c]

Howard Burgs

[@TommyTucker0]

I'm so proud to have been a part of this era I had a Z1000H at the time, a pinnacle of technology it was basically a Mk2 but with fuel injection (bikes I wish I'd kept) 😥

[@johnhargis4566]

Kawasaki air cooled 4's beutiful bullet proof fast easier to maintain than modern bikes ❤ 😊

[@gpz7525]

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚