The Kawasaki Z1 was codenamed 'New York Steak' for a reason

In the late 60s Honda beat Kawasaki in the race to build the first big, inline 4 sportbike. So Kawasaki went back to the drawing board and released the Kawasaki Z1, codenamed "New York Steak."

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[sharhune]

In February of 1974, just before graduating high school, I bought a brand new Z-1. Best motorcycle I ever owned. I was like a Timex " took a licking and kept on ticking ". You could do a complete top end job on the engine and never drop it from the frame. In December of 77, a girl made a left hand turn in front of me and I spent the next 13 months, learning how to walk again. Sure do miss that bike.

[snork]

Actually the most beautiful bike ever built

[soulman]

Nicest looking bike ever made in my opinion 👌👌

[jeffrykopis]

My friend and neighbor Kent graduated high school in 1974. In 75, he bought a brand new Z1. He kept it immaculate, and still has it. His daily driver became a 76 Datsun pickup, that he drove till it rusted to the ground, around 2010. His high school car was a 68 GTO, which he still has. Kent doesn't sell ANYTHING.

[stevenjones]

I toured all over the western US on my ‘73 Z1. I still have it, it’s sitting in my garage 30 feet from where I’m sitting now.
My Z1 was relieved of duty by a 1984 750 Turbo (the most beautiful motorcycle ever made) and now my street duties are performed by a strong and lovely GPZ1100. 😊

[whalesong]

I had a career as a motorcycle tech for about 20 years, the major part working for a Kawasaki/Suzuki/BSA dealership in Westchester County, N.Y. We had sold a good number of the two stroke models and were amazed at the Z-1 when it arrived and began to soar in sales. As a rider for over 10 years at the time, I was immediately impressed with how lightly the big machine handled at low speeds around the shop. It had such well thought out features such as a chain oiling pump that used heavy gear oil on the chain. This feature was later discontinued but it was well thought out and intended for high speed touring over long distances. They were comfortable, perhaps only rivaled by the BSA Rocket three for that on the road - I'd ridden some CB750s and they were rather stiff by comparison. Thanks for this look at a time when we were surely riding a wave of activity and interest in the sport.

[unclequack]

The Zed 1 - 900 is one of the best bikes ever made.

[albertandrews]

As close to a perfect design as I have ever seen. Flawless.

[Mbartel]

I had a 1975 Z1B. Easy to ride, fast as heck, 100% reliable, and a girl magnet. Best bike I ever had.

[nykbob]

My first new motorcycle purchase was the 1973 (first year) Kawasaki Z1. I plunked down 2 grand and road home smiling from ear to ear. Yes, I loved this bike. The fastest I ever went on a bike was on this machine at 124mph. I wish I still owned it today.

[terryrichards]

Had a 1977KZ 900 ! I had 4th oversize jets in the carburetor velocity stacks and exhaust was straight pipes cut off right underneath the engine. I had 6 inch Harley Davidson chrome extensions on the end of those straight pipes with no baffles with a 45° downturn on the pipe. I put a 17 two sprocket on the front. It would do 160 miles an hour and when I let off the gas breathe fire out on the ground. That was one mean son of a gun. Went through three rear tires, two front tires and three chains in 13, 000 miles ! Six 6500 hole shots, baby.😊

[Bilsurf]

Own an Oct/72 build, bought the bike from my dad when I was 18. I'm now 58 and being from Canada don't get to ride much. The bike is just an incredible piece..
Love the video. Well done.

[michaelhawkins]

Still got a z1a, bought it mid 90's as I always promised myself one when I could afford one! Never regretted a moment, wonderful machine!

[treborif]

we used to go round all the bike shops and get their brochures, sit around class dreaming - when the Z1 came out I was 15 and it was exciting - 900! that ducktail! - really dug that - mate had a mach 1 and traded it in on the spot when we went to look at it. It was amazing. STONE finished it off. Black visors!

[jackieburton]

I bought a new 75 Z1. I made a lot of money drag racing it. I was 19 when I bought it and it's still a competitive bike. I just wish I never sold it.

[stevebrzosko]

The scene from "Mad Max", where the guy is doing "doughnuts", then pulls into a screaming wheelie; THAT was a Z-1. Badass.

[TitanJ]

In 1973 I took one for a test ride. At that time I owned a Suzuki T500 twin two stroke.
The 900 just blew socks off . First of all it was big and I was 6' 4" tall it fit like a glove. At 15 mph I put it in 5th (high) gear and excellorated to 90 mph with no shutter or stalling. My BMW GS 1200 can't do that. It had so much power compared to everything else but it was very refined. Sadly I've never owned one.

[RickLewey]

Had a 72 H2 and 74 Z1 very fond memories H2 was quicker and scarier but both incredible, wish I had them back! 70s Rocked❤

[fireballxl-]

I owned it's little brother, the KZ650c and it was a great bike. My wife and I put 25k miles on it and I loved tinkering with it. The shop manual was extremely detailed and well done. I installed air shocks made for the KZ900 with no problem and that was great for changing from 1 to 2 up riders. Loads of other mods as well. Never dumped it. Sold it when I needed the cash (family comes first). But it was a great bike....also, I didn't own the common blue color scheme. I had the Silver and it was beautiful.

[wsbill]

The CB750 didn't become "defunct", as you put it, until Honda went to liquid cooling. The CB750 had a long career as a Universal Japanese Motorcycle into the 1980's. The GS750 was a similarly great bike. They work well they are smooth and very reliable. Two of the best ever.