The MAM Journals- Kawasaki KZ1000 A1/Z1000 A1

[@protestnikvorgon2698]

This bike is an icon at it's time in the 70s. I own my Z 1000 A1 in 1989 and restaured it for several times until now. I enjoy every ride on the stets and Highways around my hometown in Berlin / Germany, cause it brings me back to better days in the past😉 Always good drive on every road you'll take🙋‍♂️🍀

[@bobboyer6266]

I bought the same KZ, same color when I was in the army in 1977. Loved it! Cast iron durability, not so great in the switch backs or when stopping. Always tried to stay within it's capabilities. Rode it coast to coast when I ETS'd. After 3 or 4 hours I couldn't feel anything below my belt, still a great bike. I do wish I still had it. Thanks for an excellent review!

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Bob. They were good bikes in their day but as you rightly point out , were not without their limitations .👍

[@bobboyer6266]

@@michaelmam True. Really I would have to say that their capabilities exceeded mine! Keeping that in mind I had a lot of good times and rides. Thanks for your reviews. I enjoy them.

[@michaelmam]

@@bobboyer6266 Unless you were Eddie Lawson I suspect that the bike exceeded most of our capabilities😂 I am definitely the restraining factor on all my bikes but do find modern bikes, brakes , tyres , frames, technology and engines are much more tolerant of my failings.

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Lovely looking bike you have there. I have an identical Kawasaki Z1000 A1 model (diamond sky blue) which started life in the US as a KZ1000. The previous owner imported the bike into the U.K. about 10 years ago. He started to convert the bike to U.K. specification by fitting the longer rear mudguard, seat with strap and the twin disc conversion. I have carried on this conversion by changing the rear grab rail to the correct U.K. variant. This differs slightly from the US version by having two small brackets welded to it to mount the rear indicators. I have also changed the rear light lens to the U.K. version. The US version incorporated some additional reflectors, which the U.K. version did not have. I have just recently managed to source the correct 5/8” type front brake master cylinder with the tall white plastic brake fluid reservoir. On your bike I noticed that the wiring running from the handlebar switches are tie wrapped to the handlebars. The wiring should run on the inside of the handlebars, the bars themselves had cutouts so the cable could be routed through them. The only cable visible on the handlebars should be the wiring from the clutch interface cutout cable, this should be fastened to the bars by two tie wraps. Looking forward to riding my bike down to Matlock Bath in the summer, I am sure it will gain some attention from the other bikers there. Looking forward to seeing more of your bikes. Ride safe sir.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you for the additional information Michael👍

[@billwood1372]

They had thicker engine cases, so they were quieter than the Z-1. Also more grunt in the middle of the power range. I ride a 77 KZ1000, an H-2 750 and last of all a 2019 Z900/RS cafe. Talking about three bike that are extremely different that each other!

[@michaelmam]

But all good , in different ways 👍

[@bobpaterson1867]

Excellent trip down memory lane and your enthusiasm comes through the screen. The Z1000 is a beautiful bike. Back in the day I had the lightweight-heavyweight GS 1000 which I loved. It was my transport to see the mighty Spurs home and away in the early 80's. Dare I suggest.'the good old days'.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Bob. Glad you enjoyed it .Spurs? Who are they?

[@jimclarke1108]

Bought one brand new in 1976, great looking bike today

[@exile730]

Another great video, Michael. Like a few other lucky blokes I have a few old Zeds and my KZ1000 is one of my favourites. I smiled at your video - my 1973 came from Will and Tom about 25 years ago and I shipped it with me when I left the UK for good in 2004. I have been living in Western Australia since then and I am lucky enough to ride pretty much all year round. I did a quick 100 miles this morning on my R1200R - what a great machine. Thanks for taking the time to post your content.

[@joehooyen725]

Back in 1975 i bought a new Kawasaki Z1B 900 & it was quick & my word i wish i still had it. Nice presentation on a lovely Z mate!

[@michaelmam]

Hi Joe , I think we have all made the mistake of selling bikes 😂

[@ChristopherBeville-Anderson]

Hi Michael , I had one identical to yours in 1982 in Sydney Australia and I loved it . I agree with all of your comments ( I made her angry on a couple of occasions ) but like you I survived, I traded the Z1000 in on a Honda CB1100FD Super Boldor which I still Own to this day. Buying the CB1100F was the right thing to do but selling the Z1000 to do it was not and today it is a decision that haunts me. I would dearly love another one. Kind Regards Chris.

[@michaelmam]

@@ChristopherBeville-Anderson Great to hear from you Chris . I actually sold my Z1000 a while ago . I found that I was riding it harder than it really wanted to go . I bought a ZRX1200 to replace it and it has worked out well . Fast enough for the modern roads but retro enough to feel like a classic Kawasaki . I was worried I might miss the 1000 but had a great offer and I haven’t mourned it . Enjoy the Honda . Good bike 👍

[@peterhoulis1184]

I rode my modified z1000a for 20yrs and currently building a toecutters z1000a

[@michaelmam]

Sounds like fun to me !

[@paullavergne2477]

Buetiful. Machine. I. Had. One. In. The. Mid. 80 s. Loved. It.

[@marco-58]

Thanks for these great vids. I loved my Z1000 A1, memories just as you describe. Dare i say nicer to ride than my Z1b.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you for watching them ! I think Kawasaki would have been disappointed if the 1000 wasn’t a better bike to ride than its predecessors although they are not as “collectable” nor iconic 👍

[@nbrider7235]

What an absolutely gorgeous bike. I would very much like to have one as a companion for the ZR900RS that I purchased just before Christmas (but not had a chance to ride yet as it is still winter in Eastern Canada). Great video, I enjoyed it very much.

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you . Have you seen my Z900RS review ?

[@nbrider7235]

@@michaelmam I did, it is how I came to view this video. I enjoyed it as well. The difference being of course that I can simply go to my garage to admire a Z900RS but to to see a magnificent Z1000 my options are fairly limited.

[@winkeemanley1820]

I had a 1978 Z1000 (green). Due to my financial position, I unfortunately had to sell it. Miss my Z1000 today.

[@olafschwenn6881]

Same by me

[@exjay252]

I love your Z1000...brings back lots of memories

[@michaelmam]

Iconic bikes and thank you for watching , commenting and subscribing . I am really enjoying my ZRX 1200 at the moment . Big upright Kawasaki muscle bike without electronics . Captures the spirit of the 70’s bikes but with significantly more performance for those that want it 👍

[@stevel7865]

Bought my Z1000 YTD 6V brand new from Doug Hacking of Bolton back in 1979 for.....£1850 on the road. Mine had brighter red paintwork with a thick and thin gold line. Sadly long since sold, wish I had kept it however....the memories are mine forever.

[@michaelmam]

Nice bikes . Beginning to really show their age now with the latest midrange Honda’s and Suzuki’s as or more powerful but significantly lighter . They remain the famous big brother , of the legendary Z1 ..

[@Thompster]

Great video... loved the history and detail... Having just bought a Z1b myself.

[@michaelmam]

fantastic bikes . Have fun!

[@raybruce9522]

You do such an excellent articulate review I’m surprised you are not employed by the motorcycle industry . In the states they were KZ1000s. and the LTDs were what I liked 77 and still have a 79.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Raymond. Funnily enough Suzuki UK have been kind enough to lend me the New Hayabusa this weekend . We have had pouring rain and frosts but what a bike ! Great to hear you still have a 79. Have fun.

[@raybruce9522]

@@michaelmam Thanks. The carbs are off now getting rebuilt. Maybe the LTDs were jetted a little different. I got the 77 with a header up to 135 like a hundred times. It was my only mode of transportation for two years at age 20 and 21. Those were bad years for that to happen. Looking forward to the Hayabusa review.

[@julianroberts9757]

A great review that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Fantastic. 😊

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Taff ! Speak soon ..

[@larsthorwald3338]

That's the bike I learned to ride on. My Dad bought one when it first hit the States--right after my Mom told him "you don't know how to have fun." She cited the purchase as a major factor in their divorce a year later. heh

[@michaelmam]

🤦😂

[@p911997gt3]

Superb and very helpful info!

[@paullavergne2477]

I. Had. The. 650. Also. Pretty. Fast. Bikes

[@69FOSTER]

Thanks for the video! I love these vintage motorcycles, IMO the golden age of motorcycles. This Kawasaki was a four cylinder, 1015cc superbike, but you talk about it like it is slow. Just curious, why? Funny how when the Honda CB750cc came out it was considered mammoth.

[@michaelmam]

You are very welcome ! Speed is of course relative ? The Z1000 could in theory , do 125mph but you would need to be prone to get it there . This one does c115 mph and is actually the second slowest bike that I have ? Top speed isnt everything of course but I certainly notice the difference in power compared to modern bikes . I do like the bike but have realistic expectations of a 44 year old bike and technology ?

[@billbright1755]

Machine presents very well. Gleaming from stem to stern and I do like the cut of her jib. Kawasaki performance motorcycles 🏍️.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Bill . I have actually sold this one now and bought a ZRX 1200 to replace it . Still “old school” , I enjoy just having a little bit more power and torque . Still love the look of the old Z . A nicer looking bike than my Z900RS , the tribute bike but the modern bikes are more dynamic to ride 👍

[@crumblymal8479]

Simply gorgeous very impressed the color is really nice what do you use to polish your paintwork ? : D

[@michaelmam]

Sorry for the delay in response Malcolm . Been riding bikes rather than talking about them 😂. I use a variety of wax and shampoo products depending on quite how clean I want to get them . Turtle wax zip wax is a regular and is a combined wash and wax , Turtle wax for a hard wax and topped off with Autoglym super resin . I also use Vulcanet wipes ..

[@crumblymal8479]

@@michaelmam Thanks for that Michael Snowing up here today but I am back on the road in may so right now just fettling the bike to get ready for spring/ summer rides and when the weathers bad I've got the project to go at . : )

[@Gggggggg618]

I had a z1000 a2 DRH270T IN GREEN BOUGHT IT FROM CHARLIE FREMANS IN EKINGTON £1100 in 1982 never got on with it then but like most of us now I wish she was still in my garage 😢😢

[@donaldwainwright]

My first bike I bought after passing my full licence brand new 1977 amazing machine loved it but got written off by a drunk driver in 1982

[@charliebailey2359]

Brilliant video!!

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Charlie . One of the first I made . Feels like a long time ago now ! Appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍

[@paullavergne2477]

Overall. My. Favorite. Bike. That. Jerker. 4. In. To. One. Just. Sounds sweat. I. Remember. As. A. Kid. In. The. Late. 70s. Sleeping. With. The. Windows. Open. Hearing. Those. Super. Bikes. Racing. Miles. Away

[@redzed40]

Had one in 2000 when i did a nuts and bolts restore on it..was area rep too...nice bike but don't ride with mates on modern bikes ( ask me how i know) but yeah good fun

[@michaelmam]

Hi , I have actually sold this one now . My oldest bike is now a 2001 Honda SP1 . I throughly enjoyed both my Z1000 but as you imply , they naturally show their age when compared to modern bikes . 👍

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@michaelmam I bought one in the release year and ended up racing in Production Series (Gawd I'm old!) and I just got smoked by Kawasaki Australia and their team riders. Good fun as we wizzed by Ducati's on the straights!!! Hehehe.

[@loismedecke3611]

If a KZ1000A2 1978, has a Faring and Vetter box in the back is it still worth something of value? All original except the blinkers in front because of placing a Faring in front.

[@michaelmam]

Most bikes of that era have had alterations . They are still rare and therefore retain value 👍

[@richardbartlett6932]

Thanks :-)

[@michaelmam]

Pleasure Richard . Good luck with your purchase !

[@davidplume3277]

Hi we’re did the pattern exhaust come from are they still available

[@michaelmam]

You could try Classic bikes in Market Drayton ? Will Swinnerton is , from memory , who I bought the bike from and he arranged the exhausts for me. It was about 7or 8 years ago now . They normally sell bikes but may do parts separately ? Happy hunting . The exhausts are properly made and fit well 👍

[@luiscardozo0000]

i dont know the difference but why the z1000 looks a lot better than the kz1000andits the same with the z1300 against the kz 1300 but why

[@drdreadlocks]

👍🏼👍🏼🏍️

[@keithliaros1584]

What’s the difference between a Z1000 and KZ 1000 ?

[@michaelmam]

Same bike . KZ was the name for the American market 👍

[@paullavergne2477]

Like. U. Said. Memory. Lane. I. Want. Another. One

[@jamesstuart8271]

I had one about 20 years ago I thought the brakes were fine.

[@michaelmam]

I think at the time we just accepted they were what they were. Brake, tyre and frame technology has come a long way since then..

[@kwakithailand]

The brakes were fine, when compared to the Harleys of those years 😂