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 dimensions were 80mm by 14mm, featuring a raised lip around the border.
The size and font remained unchanged. Initially, no zero preceded the engine number.
Anticipating production over 100,000 Z1's, a six-digit system was introduced, with a '0' preceding the five engine numbers. As the factory re-tooled, engines in the low 30,000 range exhibited a mix of engine numbers with or without the '0' prefix.
The new dimensions were 80mm by 14mm, featuring a raised lip around the border.
The size and font remained unchanged. Initially, no zero preceded the engine number.
Anticipating production over 100,000 Z1's, a six-digit system was introduced, with a '0' preceding the five engine numbers. As the factory re-tooled, engines in the low 30,000 range exhibited a mix of engine numbers with or without the '0' prefix.
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 existed briefly on engines made in October 1973 that has a corse pattern cast inside the border.
These engine numbers are in the mid Z1E 27000 range.
These engine numbers are in the mid Z1E 27000 range.
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.
The Engine was no longer painted black, it was left bare aluminum.
The word KICK STARTER was cast into the engine case
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 now printed on the console in Yellow
The instrument lights were rearranged in a different order TURN NEUTRAL HIGH BEAM OIL
The rear brake lining was equipped with a wear indicator and a decal indicating the usable range of the pads
A STOP LAMP indicator was added to the tachometer.
A red light illuminated when the brake was applied or in the event of brake failure.
A red light illuminated when the brake was applied or in the event of brake failure.
The 1974 Speedometer has mph printed close above ND, (NIPPON DENSO) the company that made them
(The 1973 has a wider gap between mph and ND and no stop lamp in the tach)
(The 1973 has a wider gap between mph and ND and no stop lamp in the tach)
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 lettering to printed information
Chain oil tank same as the Z1 was 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, a hole was added to the center brace plate of the frame. All frames produced after January 1974 feature this hole in the sheetmetal. The Z1 model did not include this hole, while the Z1A frames remained without it until January 1974, after which the hole was incorporated into all frames manufactured thereafter.
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Original Z1A tires were Dunlop Gold Seal
Front tire 19" Gold Seal F6 B
Rear tire 18" Gold Seal K87 MARK II M
Front tire 19" Gold Seal F6 B
Rear tire 18" Gold Seal K87 MARK II M
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Original tool kits have velcro instead of snap buttons, and the Kawasaki logo is the same size lettering.
Below is a complete unused tool kit showing what it included.
Below 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 with gas and oil.