1974 Z1-A FIRST MADE July 1973 (7/73)
Z1A FRAME NUMBERS: Z1F-20001 TO Z1F-47499
Z1A ENGINE NUMBERS Z1E 20001 TO Z1E 47499
Z1A FRAME NUMBERS: Z1F-20001 TO Z1F-47499
Z1A ENGINE NUMBERS Z1E 20001 TO Z1E 47499
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Five versions of engine stamps can be found on 1974 Z1A models
The first Z1A engine stamp was same as all Z1 (65mm by 14mm with No Raised Border)
The first Z1A engine stamp was same as all Z1 (65mm by 14mm with No Raised Border)
In October 1973 the Engine number plate was lengthened to accommodate a larger number.
The new size is 80mm by 14mm and has a raised lip around the border.
The size and font was unchanged. At first no zero proceeded the engine number.
Knowing they will produce over 100,000 a 6 number system was introduced with 0 preceding 5 engine numbers
As the factory re-tooled, engines had a mix of "0" or no "0" pre-fix in the low 30000 range
The new size is 80mm by 14mm and has a raised lip around the border.
The size and font was unchanged. At first no zero proceeded the engine number.
Knowing they will produce over 100,000 a 6 number system was introduced with 0 preceding 5 engine numbers
As the factory re-tooled, engines had a mix of "0" or no "0" pre-fix in the low 30000 range
The final change used a smaller number font.
This was permanent and used for all remaining Z1A, Z1B & KZ900
This was permanent and used for all remaining Z1A, Z1B & KZ900
A 5th variation of stamp existed briefly that had a corse pattern inside the raised border similar to a hand file
The word KICK STARTER was cast into the engine case
2 Colors: Candytone Brown w/Orange stripes or Candytone Green w/Yellow Stripes
Larger KAWASAKI badges were used on the tank. 140mm between screws (1973 badges were 122mm)
The same badges were used for Z1A & Z1B, they measure approximately 7.25" in length.
The same badges were used for Z1A & Z1B, they measure approximately 7.25" in length.
1-N-2-3-4-5 gear change pattern was embossed on the chain case cover near the gear shifter.
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2 versions were used on the Z1A, notice the fonts of the numbers changed during production.
The word 'IGNITION' was printed on the console in Yellow
Instrument Lights order relocated to the bottom TURN NEUTRAL HIGH BEAM OIL
Rear brake lining had a wear indicator. It had a decal showing the useable range of pads
STOP LAMP indicator was added to tachometer, red bulb would light when applying the brake.
The 1974 Speedometer has mph printed close above ND, (NIPPON DENSO) the company that made them
(The 1973 had a wider space between mph and ND)
(The 1973 had a wider space between mph and ND)
Carburetors were VM28SC. Choke Lever has a black cap with CHOKE & arrow highlighted in white
Carbs are marked 147 3 or 217 0 after about engine number 32866
Carbs are marked 147 3 or 217 0 after about engine number 32866
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Brake Fluid Reservoir cap was changed from cast to printed information
Chain oil tank under left side cover
The tail section document tray looks the same as the Z1, but if you look closely the wiring diagram is different for the Z1A, it has additional wiring for the Brake Light Failure Warning circuit.
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Around January 1974 the frame center brace plate added a hole in the sheetmetal, all frames made after have this hole. The Z1 never had this hole. The Z1A has no hole until January 1974 then this was on all frames made after.
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Original Z1A tires were Dunlop Gold Seal
Front tires were 19" marked Gold Seal F6 B
Rear tires were 18" Marked K87 MARK II M
Front tires were 19" marked Gold Seal F6 B
Rear tires were 18" Marked K87 MARK II M
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Original tool kits have velcro not snap buttons, the Kawasaki logo is the same size lettering.
Here is a complete unused tool kit showing what it included.
Here is a complete unused tool kit showing what it included.
Z1 Specs: 903cc Engine, 82hp. Top speed over 125mph. 1/4 mile: 12 seconds. Weight 506 lbs. approximately 540 lbs gassed up and ready to go.
Engine was no longer painted black, it was left bare aluminum.
1973 Z1 Customers complained the black was peeling off the engine.