1974 Kawasaki Z1 Dragbike in 1985 "Old Zs Never Die!"

This is a 25 yo (1985) VHS video of my old Z1 making a 9.54 pass. This is a 7-time National Record Holding Z1. All-time bests are 9.39 @ 138 in the 1/4 and 5.87 @ 116 in the 1/8th. I bought this bike new in March of 1974 and still own it today. (2010) There isn't/never was a turbo, nitrous, big-block, slider clutch, tach, shiftlight, 2-step or any other such garbage on this bike. Strictly "seat of the pants". The motor was built by Mark McIntosh of M&M Racing Louisville Ky in 1978. It is 1045cc with 31mm CR carbs and carried 640# in it's record settng form. Haters,Squids,Stunters or most Hardly/Zuki Lovers will not be able to appreciate this motorcycle or the era in which it was created. It can't do "Stoppies", I don't "stand on the seat" and "Wheelies" are limited by the bar set-up. "It is what it is": A historic example of a record setting "Modified" of it's era and preserved exactly as it was in 1986. Old Zs Never Die!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• KawasakiZ1
• Kawasaki
• Z1
• Dragbike
• MartyPowers
• dragracing
• race
• dragrace
• 900kawZ1
• burnout
• oldschool
• motorcycle

[telsport]

What track is this? Looks like a fine hometown sort of place. I am sure the machine ran at one of my events.

Tom Loughlin Jr

DRAGBIKE! ISA

[modprod]

@telsport yes thats Osceola Dragway in Osceola,IN. yes I did run some of your races Tom and set records. I also won your Louisville (Ohio Valley) race in 86 and set a records of 5.97@116 1/8th and at that time was the quickest an fastest "Modified" in Dragbike regardless of displacement. Mark MacIntosh and Steve Miles of M&M Racing sponsored me

[modprod]

Norris .448-.440

[newdrewphillips]

Are there people who still hop-up these motors on these old dino bikes? Where would they be located? I'd love to whip on some Hayabusa Butt w one of these dinosaurs. Way to ride!!! Cheers

[modprod]

@newdrewphillips @newdrewphillips Lots of people still building theses motors and bikes! and plenty of enthusiasts still enjoying these old bikes. Here's a place with many links to parts and services and pics. must signup to access most of it. You are welcome to come and join. google wwz1z900oc.multiply.com/

[jifrocks]

I ride an '05 ZRX1200. Just getting started on the strip. Kudos to you, that bike is AMAZING. Good to see a 'pure' bike like this... so much of the electronics now take the ride away from the rider.

[eyesea69]

Righteous! I've had more fun on my Z's than anything else.

[seabee12333]

Dude, Z1s are the shit. My first bike was a '75 900, that had a 1015 kit. fuckin' thing still makes me wake up with my heart in my throat, when I think about it. I gotta take exception to the Hardly/zuki thing, tho... I like all bikes, from Yamaha 2 strokes, H2s, HDs, Trail 50s. If it's got two wheels, it's good.

[Kneedragon1962]

Beautiful. I have a '09 ZX14, and that's still a little faster than a really good drag racer could do on my bike stock.

[citrusbowl100]

wow 9.50 ,,,25 years ago sounds fast what back tire was you using

[dragbike52]

those Zs/ KZs are great bikes, owned mine for 15yrs. so far. 1075cc, .425 Web cam, VM33 smoothbore s/g bike. Best e.t. so far is 9.66 @ 136. No turbo, nitrous, big block, etc.

[dragbike52]

what brand and size cams in this bike?

[Tyler1369er]

@newdrewphillips yep im here lol i have a back halved and slight rake in the front 87 kz1000 but ive got a lockup clutch air shifted an old rayj turbo running 17psi 10 inch tire bike 1268cc personal best at bakersfields famoso dragstrip 7.80 178.26 mph my dad used to own a funnybike that still runs a kz motor with mk II stuff sold it awhile back but i still have mine and no 1 is coming close to me besides pro mod bikes haha hayabusas suck!!!!