In the 1974 cult classic Stone, a quintessential Australian biker movie directed by Sandy Harbutt, the film immerses viewers in the raw and gritty world of outlaw motorcycle gangs against a backdrop of political tension, environmentalism, and vengeance.
Set in the early 1970s, the film has gained legendary status in motorcycling and cinematic circles alike for its no-holds-barred portrayal of motorcycle culture in Australia. But the star power of Stone didn’t lie only with its actors—it came roaring to life through the motorcycles ridden by the iconic Gravediggers gang, which largely featured the iconic Kawasaki Z1 900.
The Kawasaki Z1 900: Star of Stone
Most motorcycles in Stone are the Kawasaki Z1 900, a bike as rebellious and hard-hitting as the film itself. Introduced in 1972, the Z1 900 arrived on the scene to shake up the motorcycling world, with its powerful 903cc, inline-four engine and four Mikuni carburetors that gave it the kind of horsepower that had heads turning around the world. Kawasaki crafted the Z1 to dethrone Honda’s CB750, another inline-four powerhouse that had already captivated riders in the early 1970s. But Kawasaki aimed higher, developing a bike that could hit speeds up to 130 mph—a thunderous achievement at the time and one that firmly secured its place in motorcycling history.
On screen, the Z1 900 was the perfect mount for the Gravediggers, lending an aggressive, road-devouring image to their outlaw ethos. The film’s scenes of highway pursuits and gang rides are punctuated by the powerful rumble of the Z1’s exhaust, a sound that defined rebellion. With a bike like the Z1 900 as their ride of choice, the Gravediggers weren’t just a gang—they were a force of nature on two wheels.
More Bikes in the Mix
While the Z1 900 took the spotlight, other bikes also appeared on screen, adding texture to Stone’s depiction of 1970s motorcycle culture. You catch glimpses of Harley-Davidsons scattered among the gang, bringing their distinctive American flair to the Aussie scene. Their presence is significant, as it showcases the growing influence of Harley-Davidson among the rebellious, free-wheeling counterculture of the time. These Harleys may have been fewer in number, but they serve as reminders of a style that’s all about the open road and classic chopper aesthetics.
Though Kawasaki’s Z1 is the primary focus, the mix of bikes speaks to the diverse tastes of the era’s riders—some drawn to the throaty roar of American iron, others to the cutting-edge power of Japanese engineering. The choice of bikes reflects Stone’s commitment to authenticity, capturing the growing variety of motorcycles that could be seen on Australian roads.
The Impact of Stone on Biker Culture
The impact of Stone extended well beyond its plot. It offered audiences a rare, unfiltered look into the biker subculture, where freedom, rebellion, and loyalty held sway. The film’s bikes were more than props; they were expressions of individual freedom and power, making them nearly as important as the characters themselves. Stone ignited interest in motorcycles among a generation of Australians, sparking the imagination of riders who wanted to experience the same thrill of raw, unfiltered horsepower that the film’s characters lived on screen.
The Kawasaki Z1 became a beacon of aspiration for riders. For those who rode them, it wasn’t just a bike but a statement—something bold, unapologetic, and exhilaratingly fast. While Stone may not have reached the mainstream like Easy Rider, it claimed a special place in motorcycle cinema, inspiring countless riders to seek out bikes like the Z1 and live their own road warrior fantasies.
The Legacy of Stone and Its Iron Horses
Decades after its release, Stone remains a time capsule of 1970s motorcycle culture. The Kawasaki Z1 900—legendary in its own right—gained further prestige from its association with the film, becoming a dream machine for collectors and an icon for fans of motorcycle cinema. Today, the legacy of Stone endures, remembered for its fearless authenticity, its resonant themes, and, of course, its lineup of motorcycles that brought power and presence to the silver screen.
So, the next time you see a Kawasaki Z1 900 in a classic motorcycle lineup, you’ll know it’s not just any bike. It’s a piece of Stone and a symbol of a time when motorcycling was an act of rebellion, a pure and unfiltered expression of freedom.
