1976 KZ900
KZ900-A4 (Made in Japan) Frame Number Range: Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
KZ900-A4 ( Made in USA ) Frame Number Range: Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
The engine number range is the same for both (all engines were made in Japan): Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
1976 KZ900 began production June 1975 In Japan (9/75 for the American made KZ900, 10/75 European Z900)
Unlike the previous Z1 900 models the KZ900 was made in Japan and in USA's new assembly plant
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown
The Fourth 900 model was re-designed and named the KZ900 (Z900 for Europe)
KZ900-A4 ( K for Kawasaki, Z for the Z model line, 900 size, A standard, 4 4th year of production)
European Model Designation: Z900-A4 KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models sold in European countries. The "KZ" abbreviation was used as the German word Konzentrationslager (Concentration camps that operated in Nazi controlled Europe less than 25 years earlier). The European continent did not need to see "KZ" again.
All Kawasakis were badged with "Z" in Europe Z900, Z750, Z400 etc.
The KZ900 had a $2475 suggested retail price.
KZ900-A4 (Made in Japan) Frame Number Range: Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
KZ900-A4 ( Made in USA ) Frame Number Range: Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
The engine number range is the same for both (all engines were made in Japan): Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
1976 KZ900 began production June 1975 In Japan (9/75 for the American made KZ900, 10/75 European Z900)
Unlike the previous Z1 900 models the KZ900 was made in Japan and in USA's new assembly plant
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown
The Fourth 900 model was re-designed and named the KZ900 (Z900 for Europe)
KZ900-A4 ( K for Kawasaki, Z for the Z model line, 900 size, A standard, 4 4th year of production)
European Model Designation: Z900-A4 KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models sold in European countries. The "KZ" abbreviation was used as the German word Konzentrationslager (Concentration camps that operated in Nazi controlled Europe less than 25 years earlier). The European continent did not need to see "KZ" again.
All Kawasakis were badged with "Z" in Europe Z900, Z750, Z400 etc.
The KZ900 had a $2475 suggested retail price.
There was a KZ900 built in Japan and one built in the USA. The U.S. market received both, all other countries only got the Japanese made KZ900. Japan did not sell the KZ900 because the sale of motorcycles over 750cc were banned domestically.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by checking the frame number:
If the 6 digit frame number begins with 5, it was made in the USA.
If it begins with 0 or 1, it was made in Japan.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by checking the frame number:
If the 6 digit frame number begins with 5, it was made in the USA.
If it begins with 0 or 1, it was made in Japan.
1976 KZ900 (MADE IN JAPAN)
Frame Numbers Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
Engine numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
Mass production began in August 1975 for the KZ900 (Production began October for the Z900, which had different features)
KZ900's made in Japan continued the frame numbering sequence of the Z1
The KZ900 made in Japan did not typically have close matching numbers like the Z1 because it was also made in USA's new assembly plant. All engines were assembled in Japan, when they were completed, some were loaded and sent to the US, while others were sent directly to the assembly lines. There was no specific frame/engine pairing sequence.
Frame Numbers Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
Engine numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
Mass production began in August 1975 for the KZ900 (Production began October for the Z900, which had different features)
KZ900's made in Japan continued the frame numbering sequence of the Z1
The KZ900 made in Japan did not typically have close matching numbers like the Z1 because it was also made in USA's new assembly plant. All engines were assembled in Japan, when they were completed, some were loaded and sent to the US, while others were sent directly to the assembly lines. There was no specific frame/engine pairing sequence.
1976 KZ900 (Made in USA)
1976 KZ900-A4 frame numbers Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
Engine Numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The U.S. made version of the KZ900 Started Production in September of 1975.
Frame identification tags have Made in USA and Frame numbers begin with the number 5
Since frames were in the 500,000 range and engines were a continuation of the Z1 Numbering system
Close matching numbers for the USA made KZ900 was never possible.
In October 1974 Kawasaki opened a new assembly plant in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kawasaki became the first Japanese company to produce motorcycles in the USA.
Production began with the KZ400, First one rolling off the assembly line in January 1975. 9 months later came the KZ900.
All engines and most components were still made in Japan.
Parts were shipped to Kawasakis Factory in Lincoln, Nebraska for assembly with the U.S. made frames.
Engines were shipped assembled. When they arrived, whichever engine was available was sent to the assembly line.
All Models (KZ900, KZ900 LTD & KZ900 Police) have the same (Z1E086001 to Z1E138846) engine range.
1977 KZ900-A5 Frame numbers Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
Engine numbers went up to Z1E 138846
The 1977 model year KZ900A5 was only produced in the USA.
The mode is the exact same as the A4, production only continued to deplete excess stock.
1976 KZ900-A4 frame numbers Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
Engine Numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The U.S. made version of the KZ900 Started Production in September of 1975.
Frame identification tags have Made in USA and Frame numbers begin with the number 5
Since frames were in the 500,000 range and engines were a continuation of the Z1 Numbering system
Close matching numbers for the USA made KZ900 was never possible.
In October 1974 Kawasaki opened a new assembly plant in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kawasaki became the first Japanese company to produce motorcycles in the USA.
Production began with the KZ400, First one rolling off the assembly line in January 1975. 9 months later came the KZ900.
All engines and most components were still made in Japan.
Parts were shipped to Kawasakis Factory in Lincoln, Nebraska for assembly with the U.S. made frames.
Engines were shipped assembled. When they arrived, whichever engine was available was sent to the assembly line.
All Models (KZ900, KZ900 LTD & KZ900 Police) have the same (Z1E086001 to Z1E138846) engine range.
1977 KZ900-A5 Frame numbers Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
Engine numbers went up to Z1E 138846
The 1977 model year KZ900A5 was only produced in the USA.
The mode is the exact same as the A4, production only continued to deplete excess stock.
1976 KZ900 LTD (Made only in USA) KZ900-B1
Japan's first custom Cruiser (was made in the USA).
One color: Candy Luminous Red
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for US dealerships
LTD stood for LIMITED. 2,000 LTD's were scheduled to be made but over 5,000 were produced
The KZ900 LTD used a different frame and was the first 900 not to use the Z1F Designation
The LTD frame number Began KZ900B, engines still began Z1E and were the same as the kz900A
Frame KZ900B-500001 to KZ900B-505514
Engine Numbers Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846 (Engines were pulled out of stock shipped from Japan)
1976 KZ900-C1 & 1977 KZ900-C2 Police Special
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Engine Numbers Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846 (Engines were pulled out of stock shipped from Japan)
Assembled in Lincoln Nebraska
September 15, 1977 NBC broadcast the first episode of C.H.I.P.S. Ponch and Jon (Erik Estrada & Larry Wilcox) rode the KZ900. Later in the TV series they rode the KZ1000. In one episode Ponch had a chance to win a brand new 1978 Z1R on Name Your Price, a parody of The Price is Right. Ponch's guess $3697 was $2 over the correct price & lost to a little old lady.
Japan's first custom Cruiser (was made in the USA).
One color: Candy Luminous Red
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for US dealerships
LTD stood for LIMITED. 2,000 LTD's were scheduled to be made but over 5,000 were produced
The KZ900 LTD used a different frame and was the first 900 not to use the Z1F Designation
The LTD frame number Began KZ900B, engines still began Z1E and were the same as the kz900A
Frame KZ900B-500001 to KZ900B-505514
Engine Numbers Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846 (Engines were pulled out of stock shipped from Japan)
1976 KZ900-C1 & 1977 KZ900-C2 Police Special
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Engine Numbers Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846 (Engines were pulled out of stock shipped from Japan)
Assembled in Lincoln Nebraska
September 15, 1977 NBC broadcast the first episode of C.H.I.P.S. Ponch and Jon (Erik Estrada & Larry Wilcox) rode the KZ900. Later in the TV series they rode the KZ1000. In one episode Ponch had a chance to win a brand new 1978 Z1R on Name Your Price, a parody of The Price is Right. Ponch's guess $3697 was $2 over the correct price & lost to a little old lady.
Just about everything was changed on the kz900
The frame was redesigned thicker from 18mm to 23mm and the frame neck was strengthened.
Locking gas cap was required for US regulations, tank has an outer seam visible on the bottom.
Carb linkage changed, Smaller 26mm Mikuni Carbs were used to pass new emission standards
Exhaust had different internals and dated 76 at the top seam
Instrument lights were moved to a cluster between the tach & speedo.
Front forks were redesigned and reflectors were moved to the frame.
Rear shocks were chrome without reflectors, the tail light was redesigned to incorporate reflectors.
Handlebars had a Hazard warning lights control knob.
Seat featured a lock and a new pattern in vinyl.
Side covers have slanted fronts to fit the new Airbox system.
Engines beginning in the 90000's Had OIL 3700CC cast on the engine case by the oil fill cap.
Tail section, tool kit holder and badges were also changed.
The frame was redesigned thicker from 18mm to 23mm and the frame neck was strengthened.
Locking gas cap was required for US regulations, tank has an outer seam visible on the bottom.
Carb linkage changed, Smaller 26mm Mikuni Carbs were used to pass new emission standards
Exhaust had different internals and dated 76 at the top seam
Instrument lights were moved to a cluster between the tach & speedo.
Front forks were redesigned and reflectors were moved to the frame.
Rear shocks were chrome without reflectors, the tail light was redesigned to incorporate reflectors.
Handlebars had a Hazard warning lights control knob.
Seat featured a lock and a new pattern in vinyl.
Side covers have slanted fronts to fit the new Airbox system.
Engines beginning in the 90000's Had OIL 3700CC cast on the engine case by the oil fill cap.
Tail section, tool kit holder and badges were also changed.
All KZ900A Frame stickers have a different FAWR and RAWR than the Z1 labels.
F.A.W.R. increased from 324 lbs to 338 lbs
R.A.W.R. increased from 525 lbs to 575 lbs
F.A.W.R. increased from 324 lbs to 338 lbs
R.A.W.R. increased from 525 lbs to 575 lbs
This is a label from a KZ900 made in the USA. It will not have MADE IN JAPAN in the lower right corner.
At the top of the sticker it printed MFD. BY KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP. U.S.A.
At the top of the sticker it printed MFD. BY KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP. U.S.A.
The KZ900 had a $2475 suggested retail price, The KZ900 LTD was $3295.
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown. Candy Luminous Red (LTD only)
Later KZ900 engines have OIL 3700CC cast in the engine case
This started in the high Z1E 90000 engine range
This same OIL 3700CC marking was also cast on KZ1000 engines, on later KZ1000's this marking was put on a raised platform
This started in the high Z1E 90000 engine range
This same OIL 3700CC marking was also cast on KZ1000 engines, on later KZ1000's this marking was put on a raised platform
Side covers are shorter with slanted fronts to fit the new Airbox system
Exhausts are Marked KHI 900 Z1/750 Z2 DGM 30386 S 76
The first 10,000 to 12,000 Japan made frames have the same frame brace and long steering stopper as the Z1.
Later KZ900 Frames have a short and thick steering stopper and a strengthened sheet metal frame brace.
The frame was redesigned thicker 18mm to 23mm tubing.
Later KZ900 Frames have a short and thick steering stopper and a strengthened sheet metal frame brace.
The frame was redesigned thicker 18mm to 23mm tubing.
On the left is 1976 KZ900 Frame, the right a 1975 Z1 Frame. Both of these frames were made 6/75.
(A/B) The KZ900 Frame has a shorter sheet metal center frame brace to accommodate the new air box system.
The KZ900 frame has a curved brace (C.) further back than the straight Z1 brace (D.)
(E.) KZ900 Has a welded helmet hook.
(F.) Battery brace found on KZ900 frames
(G.) Welded brace to attach reflector is on both sides of a KZ900 Frame.
(H.) Fender mount was modified
(A/B) The KZ900 Frame has a shorter sheet metal center frame brace to accommodate the new air box system.
The KZ900 frame has a curved brace (C.) further back than the straight Z1 brace (D.)
(E.) KZ900 Has a welded helmet hook.
(F.) Battery brace found on KZ900 frames
(G.) Welded brace to attach reflector is on both sides of a KZ900 Frame.
(H.) Fender mount was modified
Locking gas cap was required for US regulations
Smaller 26mm Mikuni Carburetors were used to pass new emission laws
the redesigned Mikuni VM26SC 217 series have new Carb linkage
the redesigned Mikuni VM26SC 217 series have new Carb linkage
Instrument lights were moved to a cluster between the tach & speedo.
The tail section document tray was changed and no longer shows the wiring diagram
Gas tank has an outer seam visible on the bottom.
Handlebars have a Hazard warning lights control knob
Tail light redesigned incorporating reflectors
Tail section, tool kit holder were also changed
Rear shocks have chrome tops without reflectors
Front forks were redesigned and reflectors were moved to the frame
Seat featured a lock and a new pattern in vinyl
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
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