1973 Z1 900 Super 4
The Z1 900 started mass production August 1972. At the time Kawasaki Had 35,000 employees.
Z1's Made in August have matching frame & engine numbers
The Z1 900 had an initial MSRP of $1895 (Thats equals $33 million in Z1 sales)
Frame Number Range: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000
Engine Number Range: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
The First Production Z1 (Frame number Z1F-00001 Engine number Z1E 00001) was never sold. It was retained by Kawasaki and is now on display at the Kawasaki World Museum in Kobe, Japan. Though it sustained damage during a 1995 earthquake. It has since undergone a restoration.
The factory produced 4,846 August thru December 1972, the remaining production was January thru July 1973.
Note: 1973 Z1 model production ended & 1974 Z1A model production started, both in July of 1973.
Orange on Brown was the only color option sold in the USA. This color scheme was nicknamed "Rootbeer & Orange" or "Jaffa" by the British. The color scheme is reminiscent of "Jaffa Cakes" (chocolate covered cookie size cakes flavored with Jaffa Orange Jam). Europeans referred to the Z1 as "ZED" or "ZED 1". Reflecting the European pronunciation of the letter Z. Pronounced "Zee" in the USA / "Zed" in the UK. Japanese called the color combo "Fireball". Officially Kawasaki referenced the color as Candytone Brown, with no mention of orange.
Europe received Yellow/Green available March 1973.
Engine Numbers are stamped on a 65mm by 14mm raised platform on right side of engine.
4.75 gallon gas tank had 155mm Kawasaki Badges, 122mm between the screws
The Z1 was sold worldwide, but notably, it was never sold in Japan. Instead, Japan received the Z2 a 750 version of the 900. Due to differing regulations across various countries, Kawasaki adapted the Z1 to meet specific requirements. For European markets, this included a seat strap, a longer rear fender, a speedometer calibrated in kilometers and fixed foot pegs. Interestingly, reflectors were not mandatory in certain markets, and as a result, they were not included.
Z1 Specs: 903cc Engine, 82hp. Top speed over 125mph. 1/4 mile: 12 seconds. Weight 506 lbs. (540 lbs with oil & gas)
1974 Z1A
The Second Z1 "Z1-A" Began production July 1973
Z1A Frame numbers: Z1F-20001 to Z1F-47499 / Engine Numbers Z1E 20001 to Z1E 47499
The 1974 900 had a $1995 suggested retail price. (That equals over $54 Million in Z1A Sales)
2 Colors: Candytone Green w/ Yellow Stripes or Candytone Brown w/ Orange stripes.
The word KICK STARTER appears on engine
Red STOP LAMP indicator in tachometer was added, it would light when applying the brake.
The word 'IGNITION' was shown on the console. Rear brake linings had a wear indicator.
The Engine number plate was lengthened in October 1973 to accommodate a larger number knowing they would eventually produce over 100,000 engines. The new size was 80mm by 14mm and had a raised lip around the border. The first few months (July-October) of Z1A production had the same 65mm by 14mm size as the Z1. Later Z1A production 6 digits was used with a 0 preceding the 5 engine numbers. The number font changed.
Larger 180mm KAWASAKI badges on the tank, 140mm between the screws.
1-N-2-3-4-5 gear change pattern was embossed on the chain case cover near the gear shifter.
Engine was no longer painted black, it was left bare aluminum. Some 1973 Z1 Customers complained the black was peeling off the engine.
1975 Z1-B
The third Z1 "Z1B" Began Production May 1974
Z1B Frame Numbers Z1F-47500 to Z1F-85700 / Engine Numbers Z1E 047500 to Z1E 085850
2 colors: Candytone Super Red or Candytone Sky Blue. Both w/black, white & gold strips
The 1975 900 had a $2150 suggested retail price. (That equals over $82 million in Z1B sales)
Noticeable changes: The drive chain oil lubrication system was removed and replaced with a new O-Ring chain. Side cover emblems were changed. Speedometer displayed numbers in 10mph increments. Carbs were redesigned for EPA regulations, Petcock added the word FUEL and was no longer painted black.
1976 KZ900 / Z900 Made in JAPAN (KZ900-A4/Z900-A4)
The Fourth Z1 was re-designed and named the KZ900 (Z900 for Europe)
The KZ900-A4 ( K for kawasaki, Z for the Z model line, A4 stood for 4th year of production)
Mass production began August 1975 for the KZ900 (Production began October for the Z900)
The KZ900 had a $2475 suggested retail price.
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown
Frame Numbers were Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
Engine numbers were Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The kz900 was made both in Japan and USA's new assembly plant, because of this Frame numbers of the bikes made in Japan did not usually have close matching numbers like the Z1. As engines were assembled some finished batches were loaded in containers and sent to the US, while other batches were sent directly to the assembly lines in Japan accounting for no specific sequence, they were sent where they were needed.
Just about everything was changed on the kz900
The frame was redesigned thicker from 18mm to 23mm. The frame neck was strengthened.
Locking gas cap was required for US regulations
Carb linkage changed, Smaller 26mm Mikuni Carbs were used to pass new emission standards
Exhaust has the date 76 stamped at top seam
Instrument lights were moved to a cluster between the tach & speedo. Gas tank had an outer seam visible on the bottom. Front forks were redesigned and reflectors were moved to the frame. Rear shocks were chrome without reflectors, tail light redesigned incorporating reflectors. Handlebars had a Hazard warning lights control knob.
Seat featured a lock and a new pattern in vinyl. Side covers had slanted fronts to fit the new Airbox system. Most Engines Had OIL 3700CC embossed on the engine case by the oil fill cap. Tail section, tool kit holder and badges were also changed.
KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models in European countries. The "KZ" abbreviation was used for the German word Konzentrationslager (Nazi concentration and death camps that operated all over Europe less than 25 years earlier). The European continent never wanted to see "KZ" again. The bikes were badged with "Z" in Europe Z900, Z750, Z400 etc.
1976 KZ900-A4 & 1977 KZ900-A5 (Made in USA)
In October 1974 Kawasaki opened a new 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 end of January 1975.
The KZ900 Started Production in August of 1975.
Frame identification tags have Made in USA and Frame numbers begin with the number 5
KZ900-A4 frame numbers Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
KZ900-A5 Frame numbers Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
A4 & A5 Engine Numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The KZ900A5 is the exact same, the production continued to deplete excess stock.
All 1976 model year engine numbers had the same range for Z900 KZ900 LTD and Police.
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. They would ship in large batches, as soon as engines arrived they went to work putting whatever engine in whatever frame, they did not care about matching numbers or what engine went in what frame they were all the exact same engine anyways.
1976 KZ900 LTD (Made only in USA) KZ900-B1
Japan's first custom Cruiser (it was assembled and basically made in the USA).
Made in one color Candy Luminous Red
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for the US
LTD stood for LIMITED. 5,514 were produced
The KZ900 LTD used a different designed frame and was the first 900 not to use 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 and were mixed in with the KZ900A)
16" Rear Mag rim with a Fat tire
1976 KZ900-C1 & 1977 KZ900-C2 Police Special
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Assembled in Lincoln Nebraska
The first episode of C.H.I.P.S. was broadcast on NBC in September 1977 . 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.
Kawasaki also made a Z1 made special for police use in 1974 & 1975. Frame numbers start Z1P instead of Z1F.
The Z1 900 started mass production August 1972. At the time Kawasaki Had 35,000 employees.
Z1's Made in August have matching frame & engine numbers
The Z1 900 had an initial MSRP of $1895 (Thats equals $33 million in Z1 sales)
Frame Number Range: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000
Engine Number Range: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
The First Production Z1 (Frame number Z1F-00001 Engine number Z1E 00001) was never sold. It was retained by Kawasaki and is now on display at the Kawasaki World Museum in Kobe, Japan. Though it sustained damage during a 1995 earthquake. It has since undergone a restoration.
The factory produced 4,846 August thru December 1972, the remaining production was January thru July 1973.
Note: 1973 Z1 model production ended & 1974 Z1A model production started, both in July of 1973.
Orange on Brown was the only color option sold in the USA. This color scheme was nicknamed "Rootbeer & Orange" or "Jaffa" by the British. The color scheme is reminiscent of "Jaffa Cakes" (chocolate covered cookie size cakes flavored with Jaffa Orange Jam). Europeans referred to the Z1 as "ZED" or "ZED 1". Reflecting the European pronunciation of the letter Z. Pronounced "Zee" in the USA / "Zed" in the UK. Japanese called the color combo "Fireball". Officially Kawasaki referenced the color as Candytone Brown, with no mention of orange.
Europe received Yellow/Green available March 1973.
Engine Numbers are stamped on a 65mm by 14mm raised platform on right side of engine.
4.75 gallon gas tank had 155mm Kawasaki Badges, 122mm between the screws
The Z1 was sold worldwide, but notably, it was never sold in Japan. Instead, Japan received the Z2 a 750 version of the 900. Due to differing regulations across various countries, Kawasaki adapted the Z1 to meet specific requirements. For European markets, this included a seat strap, a longer rear fender, a speedometer calibrated in kilometers and fixed foot pegs. Interestingly, reflectors were not mandatory in certain markets, and as a result, they were not included.
Z1 Specs: 903cc Engine, 82hp. Top speed over 125mph. 1/4 mile: 12 seconds. Weight 506 lbs. (540 lbs with oil & gas)
1974 Z1A
The Second Z1 "Z1-A" Began production July 1973
Z1A Frame numbers: Z1F-20001 to Z1F-47499 / Engine Numbers Z1E 20001 to Z1E 47499
The 1974 900 had a $1995 suggested retail price. (That equals over $54 Million in Z1A Sales)
2 Colors: Candytone Green w/ Yellow Stripes or Candytone Brown w/ Orange stripes.
The word KICK STARTER appears on engine
Red STOP LAMP indicator in tachometer was added, it would light when applying the brake.
The word 'IGNITION' was shown on the console. Rear brake linings had a wear indicator.
The Engine number plate was lengthened in October 1973 to accommodate a larger number knowing they would eventually produce over 100,000 engines. The new size was 80mm by 14mm and had a raised lip around the border. The first few months (July-October) of Z1A production had the same 65mm by 14mm size as the Z1. Later Z1A production 6 digits was used with a 0 preceding the 5 engine numbers. The number font changed.
Larger 180mm KAWASAKI badges on the tank, 140mm between the screws.
1-N-2-3-4-5 gear change pattern was embossed on the chain case cover near the gear shifter.
Engine was no longer painted black, it was left bare aluminum. Some 1973 Z1 Customers complained the black was peeling off the engine.
1975 Z1-B
The third Z1 "Z1B" Began Production May 1974
Z1B Frame Numbers Z1F-47500 to Z1F-85700 / Engine Numbers Z1E 047500 to Z1E 085850
2 colors: Candytone Super Red or Candytone Sky Blue. Both w/black, white & gold strips
The 1975 900 had a $2150 suggested retail price. (That equals over $82 million in Z1B sales)
Noticeable changes: The drive chain oil lubrication system was removed and replaced with a new O-Ring chain. Side cover emblems were changed. Speedometer displayed numbers in 10mph increments. Carbs were redesigned for EPA regulations, Petcock added the word FUEL and was no longer painted black.
1976 KZ900 / Z900 Made in JAPAN (KZ900-A4/Z900-A4)
The Fourth Z1 was re-designed and named the KZ900 (Z900 for Europe)
The KZ900-A4 ( K for kawasaki, Z for the Z model line, A4 stood for 4th year of production)
Mass production began August 1975 for the KZ900 (Production began October for the Z900)
The KZ900 had a $2475 suggested retail price.
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown
Frame Numbers were Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
Engine numbers were Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The kz900 was made both in Japan and USA's new assembly plant, because of this Frame numbers of the bikes made in Japan did not usually have close matching numbers like the Z1. As engines were assembled some finished batches were loaded in containers and sent to the US, while other batches were sent directly to the assembly lines in Japan accounting for no specific sequence, they were sent where they were needed.
Just about everything was changed on the kz900
The frame was redesigned thicker from 18mm to 23mm. The frame neck was strengthened.
Locking gas cap was required for US regulations
Carb linkage changed, Smaller 26mm Mikuni Carbs were used to pass new emission standards
Exhaust has the date 76 stamped at top seam
Instrument lights were moved to a cluster between the tach & speedo. Gas tank had an outer seam visible on the bottom. Front forks were redesigned and reflectors were moved to the frame. Rear shocks were chrome without reflectors, tail light redesigned incorporating reflectors. Handlebars had a Hazard warning lights control knob.
Seat featured a lock and a new pattern in vinyl. Side covers had slanted fronts to fit the new Airbox system. Most Engines Had OIL 3700CC embossed on the engine case by the oil fill cap. Tail section, tool kit holder and badges were also changed.
KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models in European countries. The "KZ" abbreviation was used for the German word Konzentrationslager (Nazi concentration and death camps that operated all over Europe less than 25 years earlier). The European continent never wanted to see "KZ" again. The bikes were badged with "Z" in Europe Z900, Z750, Z400 etc.
1976 KZ900-A4 & 1977 KZ900-A5 (Made in USA)
In October 1974 Kawasaki opened a new 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 end of January 1975.
The KZ900 Started Production in August of 1975.
Frame identification tags have Made in USA and Frame numbers begin with the number 5
KZ900-A4 frame numbers Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
KZ900-A5 Frame numbers Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
A4 & A5 Engine Numbers Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The KZ900A5 is the exact same, the production continued to deplete excess stock.
All 1976 model year engine numbers had the same range for Z900 KZ900 LTD and Police.
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. They would ship in large batches, as soon as engines arrived they went to work putting whatever engine in whatever frame, they did not care about matching numbers or what engine went in what frame they were all the exact same engine anyways.
1976 KZ900 LTD (Made only in USA) KZ900-B1
Japan's first custom Cruiser (it was assembled and basically made in the USA).
Made in one color Candy Luminous Red
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for the US
LTD stood for LIMITED. 5,514 were produced
The KZ900 LTD used a different designed frame and was the first 900 not to use 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 and were mixed in with the KZ900A)
16" Rear Mag rim with a Fat tire
1976 KZ900-C1 & 1977 KZ900-C2 Police Special
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Assembled in Lincoln Nebraska
The first episode of C.H.I.P.S. was broadcast on NBC in September 1977 . 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.
Kawasaki also made a Z1 made special for police use in 1974 & 1975. Frame numbers start Z1P instead of Z1F.
Prototypes, V1's, Press Bikes:
The origins of the Kawasaki Z1 trace back to the spring of 1967, when the project, initially known as N600, was conceived as a 750cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder. However, in October 1968, the project was put on hold following Honda’s announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show that it would be launching the CB750, a new 750cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder model, in the coming year.
In response, Kawasaki refocused its efforts on surpassing Honda's offering by developing a 900cc motorcycle that would outshine all competition. By December 1969, the new "Project T103" received approval. Its objective was that it would be number 1 in the world in both style and performance. The design emphasized lightweight construction and an engine that could be serviced without removal from the frame, a huge advantage over Honda's CB750.
The styling of the T103 was handled by Ken Tada in Santa Ana, California. The first full-scale mock-up was crafted from wood, providing a life size representation of the bike's design. By spring 1971, the first prototype of the T103 was completed and ready for testing. By the summer of 1971, three additional prototypes had been produced and now given the designation V1. As testing continued, several prototype V1's were made, with constant improvements.
Given that the U.S. was by far the largest target market, it was essential for Kawasaki’s designers to assess how the Z1 would perform across the American landscape. In December 1971, two V1 prototypes and a third unassembled in parts, were produced and then shipped to the U.S. for coast-to-coast testing. These bikes arrived in California January 1972, where they underwent a rigorous round-trip test ride from Los Angeles to Daytona Beach. To maintain secrecy, the V1 prototypes were badged and disguised as Honda's. A van carrying the third parts bike accompanied the riders in case of mechanical breakdowns. The coast-to-coast test was so successful that the same two bikes were sent to Talladega Speedway in March 1972 for high-speed testing, where the bikes set new records.
Full-scale mass production of the Z1 officially began in August 1972. In November 1972, the first shipments of the Z1 arrived in the United States and were distributed throughout the Kawasaki dealer network where the eager public had already purchased the bikes on pre-order. The initial supply was 1,500 Z1's per month. Quite a modest supply at first. However, it's important to consider the timing: it was winter for most of the US, and in regions like the Northeast and Midwest, few people would be buying a new motorcycle during the winter months. The highest production month of the Z1 was March 1973 (2700 were made).
The origins of the Kawasaki Z1 trace back to the spring of 1967, when the project, initially known as N600, was conceived as a 750cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder. However, in October 1968, the project was put on hold following Honda’s announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show that it would be launching the CB750, a new 750cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder model, in the coming year.
In response, Kawasaki refocused its efforts on surpassing Honda's offering by developing a 900cc motorcycle that would outshine all competition. By December 1969, the new "Project T103" received approval. Its objective was that it would be number 1 in the world in both style and performance. The design emphasized lightweight construction and an engine that could be serviced without removal from the frame, a huge advantage over Honda's CB750.
The styling of the T103 was handled by Ken Tada in Santa Ana, California. The first full-scale mock-up was crafted from wood, providing a life size representation of the bike's design. By spring 1971, the first prototype of the T103 was completed and ready for testing. By the summer of 1971, three additional prototypes had been produced and now given the designation V1. As testing continued, several prototype V1's were made, with constant improvements.
Given that the U.S. was by far the largest target market, it was essential for Kawasaki’s designers to assess how the Z1 would perform across the American landscape. In December 1971, two V1 prototypes and a third unassembled in parts, were produced and then shipped to the U.S. for coast-to-coast testing. These bikes arrived in California January 1972, where they underwent a rigorous round-trip test ride from Los Angeles to Daytona Beach. To maintain secrecy, the V1 prototypes were badged and disguised as Honda's. A van carrying the third parts bike accompanied the riders in case of mechanical breakdowns. The coast-to-coast test was so successful that the same two bikes were sent to Talladega Speedway in March 1972 for high-speed testing, where the bikes set new records.
Full-scale mass production of the Z1 officially began in August 1972. In November 1972, the first shipments of the Z1 arrived in the United States and were distributed throughout the Kawasaki dealer network where the eager public had already purchased the bikes on pre-order. The initial supply was 1,500 Z1's per month. Quite a modest supply at first. However, it's important to consider the timing: it was winter for most of the US, and in regions like the Northeast and Midwest, few people would be buying a new motorcycle during the winter months. The highest production month of the Z1 was March 1973 (2700 were made).
