How this Kawasaki KZ900 made him $400,000!

Рет қаралды 34,655

11 ай бұрын

We catch up with one of the greatest Kawasaki KZ drag bike and street bike builders of all-time, legendary motorcycle drag racer Bruce Sauer at his home in Reynoldsburg, Ohio to see his amazing collection of drag bikes and motorcycles and pick up on some of the secrets that make him successful as a drag racer and a motorcycle mechanic. We will check out Iron Pony Motorsports in Westerville, Ohio, Sauer’s 1976 KZ 900 “ATM Machine” Drag bike that has won more than 48 national events and more than $400K in prize money, his ZX11 Razor, his ZX-11 street bike project, his Kawasaki KZ Pro Street Project, a set of 29 smoothbore carburetors that he has restored and his selling, his 1978 Kawasaki Z1R restoration, his tools and workshop, and we bring him the Cycledrag 1977 KZ 1000 restoration that needs done carburetor work on the 36 mm Mikuni radial flat slides. After we let the KZ legend take our bike for a ride and see what he thinks.
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Пікірлер: 112

@klassyedward9718 10 ай бұрын

I had a 1979 LTd KZ 1000, for 18 years, this video brought tears, I nearly choked. Thank you! I am 76 years young and still have the urge to ride, hearing that beautiful report of sound from those great machines moves my heart. I would like to find another KZ!

@josephwatson2711 10 ай бұрын

I'm 64 I'm riding my 78 kz1000 love to ride and be free

@bigsmoke8305 11 ай бұрын

PROUD to be apart of the Sauer Camp !! Such an honor spending the weekends with a Living legend

@dougchisholm493 11 ай бұрын

Bruce built my Z1r motor, great guy!

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

So cool! Thanks for watching. Have you ever owned a Z1 or KZ? And what did you enjoy most in this interview?

@Justin-bz1dp 11 ай бұрын

@@cycledrag he

@needmetal3221 11 ай бұрын

Jack, you have be the hardest working guy on KZfaq. We benefit

@joeclark7471 9 ай бұрын

I’m from Bruce’s neighborhood he has always been the best that I know and I’ve known him for several years good luck in all your events stay safe my friend anyone who wants their KZ to be right call BRUCE

@goldenwheeledbanshee9160 11 ай бұрын

Hes a true living legend. No matter what era òf racing or bike. This video was awesome!

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

He is for sure. Thanks for watching. Have you ever owned a Z1 or KZ? And what did you enjoy most in this interview?

@goldenwheeledbanshee9160 11 ай бұрын

@cycledrag not owned 1, but ran my 750 kawasaki triple 2 stroke against them. Back ìn the 70s. Bruce has been a hero of mine 4 along time. Thank you for doing a video about hìm.

@goldenwheeledbanshee9160 11 ай бұрын

@@cycledrag ❤️

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

Love those thirsty lectrons! Have two sets slightly smaller

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

I'd like to try a set on the street.

@blueridgemountainprepper2166 10 ай бұрын

My cousin had a kz 900 back in the day, loved it

@joerggrossmann5375 11 ай бұрын

Nice Report, many thanks, greetings from Switzerland 👍

@Gil334 11 ай бұрын

Takes me back.. Thanks, Jack.

@tphvictims5101 10 ай бұрын

Your Sled is just fine. The Blue one. Back in the day I had a 500 triple. Cute. I miss two strokes big time. I’m 70 now. I also had a 76 Bicentennial super glide. Sweet. No one messed with cams, springs, exhaust, simple stuff, valves,CONNECTING RODS, Porting and that ignition box looked very nice. I would have loved to ride the 750 Triple slightly modified. Slightly, nothing to hurt it just help it drink and BREATHE. I WISH!

@SAM-zt2uy 11 ай бұрын

How good does that sound!!! so much bark I was hoping to build a GSXR Slingshot Turbo but every time I hear a big block carbed motor.... DANG

@fknbastages 11 ай бұрын

I hope he finds someone to mentor and put them on his bikes. He knows everything there is to know about winning.

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

Me too! Thanks for watching. Have you ever owned a Z1 or KZ? And what did you enjoy most in this interview?

@fknbastages 11 ай бұрын

@@cycledrag, I've never owned a Kawi, but my brother bought a 76 KZ750 when he left the Marines, it was quiet and modest, until you snapped the throttle. The thing screamed like banshee and moved like a bat out of hell. I fell in love with Kawi's after that.

@BobbyTucker 10 ай бұрын

I used to hang with some guys in Memphis at Leo's Cycle shop, he sold Kawasaki's and BMWs "Doctor Machines", that was 1970, Tony Nicosia, my riding partner was Izaak "Zeke" Malone, we both had H-1 Kawasaki's, his was built into a stormer , with expansion chambers, Avon Slick: 4:00:18, with the rims drilled and screws inserted, clip-on handlebars, and a Barnett drag clutch for us both. That was the good ole days, I really like your channel, I'm going to sub, leave a thumbs up, and a tap on the bell. Thanks for sharing.

@anthonyfunderburk7871 10 ай бұрын

That was my first bike I owned in 1979. I miss it 😪 😢

@jonbusby3881 11 ай бұрын

I used to drag race in the 70’s LTD aspirated , Z1R turbo American Turbo pack, and they were the blast, today I still love Kawasaki’s, today 9 second bikes off of the showroom floor. Go figure!

@nelsonfernandez7473 6 ай бұрын

God bless this man ,give him a long long healthy life 🙏

@tonyt8805 10 ай бұрын

I love these pieces as much as I love the racing! Thanks Jack....🎊 🎊 😎 🎊 🎊

@georgecostanza2695 11 ай бұрын

Your KZ is so gorgeous… such an amazing design. To the average guy who doesn’t know the difference between Mikuni slide carbs and a V&H Fuelpak, it may as well be a brand new bike!

@kwhite145 11 ай бұрын

Bruce is the man!

@bestbuds333 11 ай бұрын

Love the lectron see through carbs!!

@FZ1RIDER 11 ай бұрын

Beautiful bike, the knowledge he has in motorcycles is priceless.

@dennispriddy4193 11 ай бұрын

Oh wow!! That interview brought back so many memories. Rode with some buddies back in the day that had the 73 and 74 KZ 900's. Please don't hold it against me, but I rode a 79 Suzuki GS1000E. Still have it, but bought a 78 Suzuki GS1000E a few years ago. Found a set of Mikuni, 29 smooth bores and when I put them on, it was almost like putting a big bore kit in the engine. Increased power very much. Don't ride it like I should. Think I need Mr. Sauer to go through my carbs too.

@jesvans 10 ай бұрын

that red bike is BAD ASS! the blue 1000, i used to have a 82 LTD1000 that was built a lot like that, mine was a metalic purple, looked GREAT. it was a mild build with an open Kirker. it sounded AWESOME, and was a TON of fun to ride. i sure mis that bike.

@freddie_ray1498 10 ай бұрын

Jack, this has to be the best Cycle Drag ever. I love listening to the old school guys. Nitros, Turbos, air shifters are to me cheap horsepower and rider assist. Old School here. Loved that KZ exhaust. It brings back good memories and gave me a Chubby...

@55cleon 10 ай бұрын

I Grew Up On The Back Of KZ 900's & 1000's. Actually, My Uncle Lester Was The Only One With The 900. My Dad And My Other Uncles Ride The 1000's. The Bike Club Was "PEGASUS" Late 70's To Early 80's 👌🏿.

@BobbyTucker 10 ай бұрын

@@55cleon , Your Uncle Lester, wasn't Lester Kaine was it? from Champagne, Illinois? He owned the 'Kaw Barn' in Rantoul.

@kennethhacker3014 11 ай бұрын

Great presentation jack ..!!!!! Thank you sir

@peterhoulis1184 11 ай бұрын

Ive owned and love z1 , z1000a , z1R and z9 kawasakis nothing else matters

@mikestroud9969 11 ай бұрын

Years ago when i was young. Kz650s and Kz900s. Were the Shit 👍💪💯. Years later. The Ninja came out Good stuff indeed 👍👌💯. Love them bikes ❤❤

@ratfinkron5793 11 ай бұрын

oh hell yes Bruce is the man

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

Had a Star pipe just like that on my gs1000..made good power!

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

Good sounding pipe. Thanks for watching. Have you ever owned a Z1 or KZ? And what did you enjoy most in this interview?

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

@@cycledrag Jack I have a 84 fuel injected zn1300 stripped to the bone with a 94 z06 fairing.. A beast to see!

@stevenbowles2068 10 ай бұрын

boooooo gs booooooo👎🏾😝🤣

@georgedreisch2662 11 ай бұрын

Love these type of episodes. Be kewl if you can get these guys to discuss the old tech vs new, and their personal innovations.

@squirel6025 11 ай бұрын

started my career on a KZ and loved every minute of it. converted to modern day machinery in 2004 and found it far easier to make power and win over the air-cooled bikes. just like cars EFI and computers be the way of the future. most people i build for are wanting modern machinery and are going away from the wheelie bars as all the aftermarket and technology is in modern equipment. thanks for the excellent video of a legendary rider and builder.

@AndreUchoaUSA 11 ай бұрын

Loved it!

@joeybobbie1 10 ай бұрын

Great Video. This really brought back some Memories. I grew up Riding Trails when I was really Young, them Motorcross. I jumped straight into Street Riding on a 78 Z1 900 and rode it for Years. I had the Baddest Bike in High School. I had the 4 into 1 Kerker Header with no Baffle of course, and when I saw a Cop I would shift up a couple of Gears and stick my Boot into the end of the Pipe. The Cops back then would pull you over for a Loud Bike. Those were the Days. I still like the Old School Bikes, they had Character. You had to be a lot better Rider also. I’ve been Riding Bikes for 50 Years, but if I could get my hands on a old Z1 again, that would be my last Bike. I would Ride it for the Years I have left. Thanks for the Video.👍👍

@jackstockley4501 11 ай бұрын

Was great to see Bruce haven’t seen him in many years! I have been a friend of the Sauer family and Bruce since the 60’s. Think the last thing I got off of him was a set of smooth bores for a KZ-1000 I was building! Glad to see him doing well! Tell him Jack Stockley said Hi!

@user-uv7tz8wo2z 5 ай бұрын

One word Legendary.

@mikestroud9969 11 ай бұрын

Great commentary and channel buddy. Kudos man. I catch them when i can 😊😊👍💯

@garyehrhardt3136 11 ай бұрын

Good stuff Jack love the content

@craigoverall5753 10 ай бұрын

You should also interview Dale Walker (Holeshot ) . He broke into the 7s on a kwaka funny bike many years ago.

@GawgaCracka 10 ай бұрын

Bruce is a Legend indeed...what a privilege bro...your KZ is a beautiful machine my friend.🤙

@davidburchfield2720 10 ай бұрын

Great video jack 👍

@nbowling10trio 11 ай бұрын

Drain bowls off anytime it sits more than a week. Never try to start a bike that's been setting over a week without draining bowls and running fresh gas in. Eliminates allot of issues

@laskinov 11 ай бұрын

Great vid. As a Kawasaki fan from the late 70s, my first bike was a KL 250....I'm now in my early 60s. My daily ride to work is a ZX14r rain hail or shine. I find driving tin tops is a chore..so fricken boring.

@2-TwistedRacing 11 ай бұрын

Hope someday more will come out to the new Kuhnle Motorsports Park. A ton of fast bikes and riders!

@Alexsanchez19812 10 ай бұрын

salute Salute Salute salute I Love Kz 900 ,1000 1100 and Also CB750

@need100k 10 ай бұрын

Back in the 80's a friend of mine gave me his KZ1000 that wasn't running. Not even sure what was wrong with it. At the time I felt a little intimidated by it and my head wasn't in gear to fix it up properly, so eventually he asked for it back since I didn't do anything with it. I sure regret it.

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

Jack..if yer not gonna ride it, stabilize it! Ride it, don't hide it!

@chopdog1972 11 ай бұрын

Great video

@enzodrake5933 7 ай бұрын

Cycle Drag excellent video. We got one of the last of the Mohicans! Out here In Hammond Indiana. PERFORMANCE CYCLE Ask FOR JOE 🎉

@Profabdesigns 10 ай бұрын

Jack, I just love these Gents from the core group of Drag racers. I grew up in San Diego CA in the 60’s. My own grandpas Owned Award motors and Hoffman Honda, and supported Drag bike racing as well as the ‘Micro Midgit’ racing, and he had several Race boats from the Unlimited Hydro planes. I raced as well at Chula Vista Raceway and OCIR in Orange County. I still have several go fast original bikes. We have to preserve this sport before its too late. Need more info, pls just ask. Dean.

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

I believe Bruce ran IDBA years ago in Gulfport

@cycledrag 11 ай бұрын

I think you are correct.

@PPMAK777 11 ай бұрын

Gulfport is Always a Blast! My friend Charlie Machado use to race on the flat track/Strip!

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

@@PPMAK777 many good weekends years ago late 70's early 80's with IDBA folks

@PPMAK777 11 ай бұрын

@cartdoc God Bless You Sir! MY friend Charlie Machado use to ride with the Tribe of Judah Motorcycle team I guess through the late 80' - 2000. I met them all in the late 90's. I was just a young kid that loved to ride FAST🏍 bikes!

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

@@PPMAK777 you as well my friend..racers love racers!

@TANKDUB34 11 ай бұрын

My bike 😢 had one just like that blue 💙 one. Kicked a lot of gen 1 Hayabusa butt in 1999 😂😂😂😂 loved that blue 💙 bike Z1 1973 😂😂😂😂😂

@gorflunk 11 ай бұрын

How you gonna go to Ohio and not go over to Johnny's Vintage Motorcycle Co. in Wadsworth? Johnny has been restoring Z bikes for a long time, and he's pocketed a fair amount of cash from me, lol.

@keithgriffith6002 11 ай бұрын

Don’t forget about the late. Great Tom Sudman

@chaz951 11 ай бұрын

Great story

@stevenbowles2068 10 ай бұрын

I was about to get you Jack if you didn't get that 1000D 😁

@XCRiders 11 ай бұрын

Gotta run ethanol free gas or better yet race gas if you’re going to store it. Race gas is the very best storage fuel, also aviation fuel is great too.

@josephwatson2711 10 ай бұрын

I have a 78 kz1000 it has 32 thousand miles on the rebuilt engine wish i could rebuild it like yours mind all original has a kerker 4 in one muffler

@automotiveaddiction428 10 ай бұрын

I know of a KZ 900 sitting in a basement of an abandoned house.also a panhead 2 kawasaki 1000's and a almost mint steel tank kawasaki dirt bike.

@joeybobbie1 10 ай бұрын

What are you waiting for? Go get them.

@ralphhbernstein6798 10 ай бұрын

Tell him when "corn gas" started that is what started messing up carb jets/passage. Ralph Yamaha dealer 1967 to 1980 J&R Cycle Serice, Red Bank, NJ

@Indy3pct.r 10 ай бұрын

My grandfather gave me a 73 H2 750 for my H.S. graduation that was dropped and stretched which he used to play on at Indianapolis raceway park drag strip and the thing scared the hell out of me, i unfortunately traded it for a Ford Probe🤦🏼‍♂️

@clintjohnson4947 7 ай бұрын

Nice

@anthonyjennings8108 10 ай бұрын

Love this bike,i have a 78 ltd garage kept ,but how dose one get in contact with xba

@Kosmonooit 11 ай бұрын

Why not run the carbs dry before it sits and silts up ... Have that problem with my chainsaw

@alloutspeedsmashed 11 ай бұрын

Iron pony is sweet isnt it.

@williamdaniels8128 3 ай бұрын

Is it the ethanol that cogs t k 1000 carburators up

@karlknudson4644 11 ай бұрын

put the stock air box back on jack with kn filter you get way better running engine

@cartdoc 11 ай бұрын

So.. I didn't see you put the gauges on the carbs..balanced?

@larrynorsworthy8582 10 ай бұрын

Sounds like a BIG BLOCK

@PPMAK777 11 ай бұрын

Gulfport is Always a Blast!!!

@georgelaflamme8300 9 ай бұрын

There is nothing like a k z to get the heart pumping i owed a few of them and want to get a k z six fifty s r

@tonybland8684 11 ай бұрын

can i bring my kz900 over

@harrypalmer291 10 ай бұрын

Don't put ethanol blend gas in your old carburetor equipped motorcycle unless you drive it everyday. Even then it causes damage to plastic, rubber, aluminum castings, gaskets, o-rings, all are affected (damaged) by "moonshine" in your fuel. 😮

@karlknudson4644 11 ай бұрын

mtc pistons are junk i went threw 4 sets of them crushing ringlands switched to wiesco not one problem weisco is the ticket

@clintjohnson4947 7 ай бұрын

I know it’s a drag bike but that bike needs carb air filters on it

@spookydog6959 10 ай бұрын

😁

@anthonyjennings8108 10 ай бұрын

Xda

@ridervfr2798 11 ай бұрын

RIP Moroso

@johnaustin6673 10 ай бұрын

use the best parts, and keep it simple people are always after my KZ collection... but they don't want to pay. SMH

@erincost8981 11 ай бұрын

Did you pay attention so you can do it your self next time

@karlknudson4644 10 ай бұрын

that bike would be faster if it had a 1170cc engine by far faster the 1425, that head does not flow enough to produce big power and the weight of the larger pistons slow it down words out of ken tiptons mouth i didnt believe him he sold me same big block only 1327cc and i was running 1170 and ill be damed if ken was right as rain after my regrets over the years the words of wisdom sunk into my thick skull ken tipton owner of mtc mighty tough componets knew what he was talking abou\t rip

@frankeckert4901 10 ай бұрын

SAY What," you cant race your streetbike"...its called Turbocharging!!!!

@mariocooldude9092 11 ай бұрын

The climate change commies are gonna kill our hobby 😢

@micaiahstice4444 10 ай бұрын

I bought a 1976 KZ 900 $1200 starting price and got to his house and then it wouldn’t start so eventually he said give me 250$ and get it out of my garage! I changed fuel in it charged the battery and GRAPE 🍇 APE 🦧 WAS BORN!!! Took me a total of 2 x riding to work b4 a co-worker caught me and said why haven’t you knocked the baffle out of that thing… the Kerker 4 into 1 exhaust shot out flames 🔥 at night that shot out 3 ft out of the tailpipe!!!