Comments on: History: Kawasaki Legend, Z1 900 New York Steak

By: Jeff Ware

Jeff Ware — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:11:54 +0000

In reply to Starman99. What an awesome story. I wonder who the test rider was. Amazing memories it must have been an exciting time in motorcycling.

By: Starman99

Starman99 — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:15:47 +0000

I saw a Z1 in September 1972 in Ft Worth Texas. I happened to be riding my red 1970 H1, and due to heavy traffic, I had no problem catching up to him. He said he was a factory test rider. A few months later, in May 1973, I bought my own Z1. It was one of the first in my area of Florida. Mine had engine/frame numbers in the mid 3000 range. I ended up meeting another guy that had come down from Indiana with a Z1 that had engine number 00043. We blasted all around the west coast of Florida on those things. Later on, I installed Dunlop K81 tires and Koni shocks. That made a big difference in the handling, of course. After joining the military, I got stationed in Monterey, California for 1 year and spent lots of time riding it at Big Sur and Carmel Valley, enjoying the improved handling. Rode it back to Florida later.

By: Rudy Gielen

Rudy Gielen — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:03:58 +0000

@NewYorkSteak,Thank you !!! I just found and bought frame Z1F05735 and engine Z1E05638,
Can you tell my when this bike was build ? Thank you

By: NewYorkSteak

NewYorkSteak — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 09:21:33 +0000

3rd week of October 1972

By: Rudy Gielen

Rudy Gielen — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:28:32 +0000

I have a Z1 with frame 01569 and engine 01708, can anyone tell me when the bike was build ?

By: Tom Courtney

Tom Courtney — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:43:19 +0000

I find it amusing how the Honda CB750 had a world release in September of 1969 and released a new colour Gold for the 1970 model year at CB750-1019210,. The 1969 made and model bikes both Sandcast and diecast bikes fetch a premium price today. The Z1 world release was also in September of 1972, and near a quarter of Z1 20,000 production was made and dated on the frame 1972 yet the Kawasaki boys beat on about it being a 1973 model. Yet a ‘72 made Z1 will pull more money. I am fortunate to have both a ‘69 CB and a ‘72 Z1 they are both Awesome bikes and a joy to ride, but the prices being paid are nuts.

By: Alby

Alby — Wed, 06 May 2020 10:11:28 +0000

Nice article.
Thanks.
I have owned over 40 (probably closer to 50) motorcycles since 1974 and the big Z (actually a 1977 Z1000A) that propelled myself and my long suffering life partner / favourite pillion of many moons Karin for over five years back in the mid eighties is still her fave of all time.
Tough (as in made of steel) fast and handled OK / brakes OK by the standards of the day.
One of the best looking motorcycles of all time.
On a par with the Triumph Bonneville in being instantly recognisable.
I’ve got several beautiful bikes now (at 61 years) but I’d love to find an old Z to join them.

The only bike I could bring home and Kaz would ask not what it cost but “where’s my skidlid”? and “where are we going for a ride”?

By: John

John — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:31:23 +0000

do we know an actual date – at least w/c or w/e – for when the very first Z1s [so frame / engine numbers = low hundreds] rolled off the production line in Japan ? I believe early Sept 72 it was definitely happening, but August, or even were they underway late July 1972 ? There must be a reasonably accurate record somewhere, but by some quick Google searches I couldn’t yet find it. Thanks