Kawasaki Z1 900: Production History, Specs, and Reference Information
1973 Z1 900 Super Four Z-1
The Z-1 900 started mass production August 1972.
The first 100 Z1's made in August '72 have matching frame and engine numbers.
The factory built 4,846 August to the end of 1972. The other approximate 15,000 were made January through July 1973. Note the 1973 Z1 model production ended & 1974 Z1A model production started, both in July of 1973. Many people falsely identify Z-1 model years because of this.
The First Production Z1 (Frame Z1F-00001 Engine Z1E 00001) was never sold. It was kept by Kawasaki and is on display at The Kawasaki World Museum in Kobe, Japan. It sustained damage during a 1995 earthquake & has since undergone a restoration.
Orange on Brown was the only color option sold in the USA.
This color scheme was nicknamed "Rootbeer & Orange" or "Jaffa" by the British. It was 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, the Japanese called this color combination "Fireball".
Officially, Kawasaki referenced the color as Candytone Brown, with no mention of orange. Countries in Europe received a second color option (Yellow/Green) available March 1973.
Kawasaki designed and marketed the Z1 primarily for the U.S. market, which received the vast majority of all Z1's made. Small quantities of the Z1 went to England, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, Etc. What country got almost all the Z1's made? The USA!
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 different regulations across various countries, Kawasaki did adapt the Z1 to meet specific requirements.
For European markets, this included a seat strap, a longer rear fender, a speedometer in kilometers, and fixed foot pegs. Reflectors were not mandatory in certain countries, and as a result, they were not included.
The Z1 900 had an initial MSRP of $1,895 (that equals over $30 million in Z1 sales).
In 1973, Kawasaki had approximately 35,000 employees.
Z1 Specs: 903cc Engine, 82hp, Top speed over 125mph, 1/4 mile: 12 seconds, Weight 507 lbs (540 lbs with oil & gas).
Z1 Frame Number Range: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000
Z1 Engine Number Range: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
The first 100 Z1's made in August '72 have matching frame and engine numbers.
The factory built 4,846 August to the end of 1972. The other approximate 15,000 were made January through July 1973. Note the 1973 Z1 model production ended & 1974 Z1A model production started, both in July of 1973. Many people falsely identify Z-1 model years because of this.
The First Production Z1 (Frame Z1F-00001 Engine Z1E 00001) was never sold. It was kept by Kawasaki and is on display at The Kawasaki World Museum in Kobe, Japan. It sustained damage during a 1995 earthquake & has since undergone a restoration.
Orange on Brown was the only color option sold in the USA.
This color scheme was nicknamed "Rootbeer & Orange" or "Jaffa" by the British. It was 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, the Japanese called this color combination "Fireball".
Officially, Kawasaki referenced the color as Candytone Brown, with no mention of orange. Countries in Europe received a second color option (Yellow/Green) available March 1973.
Kawasaki designed and marketed the Z1 primarily for the U.S. market, which received the vast majority of all Z1's made. Small quantities of the Z1 went to England, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, Etc. What country got almost all the Z1's made? The USA!
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 different regulations across various countries, Kawasaki did adapt the Z1 to meet specific requirements.
For European markets, this included a seat strap, a longer rear fender, a speedometer in kilometers, and fixed foot pegs. Reflectors were not mandatory in certain countries, and as a result, they were not included.
The Z1 900 had an initial MSRP of $1,895 (that equals over $30 million in Z1 sales).
In 1973, Kawasaki had approximately 35,000 employees.
Z1 Specs: 903cc Engine, 82hp, Top speed over 125mph, 1/4 mile: 12 seconds, Weight 507 lbs (540 lbs with oil & gas).
Z1 Frame Number Range: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000
Z1 Engine Number Range: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
1974 Z1A 900 Z1-A
Z1A Frame numbers: Z1F-20001 to Z1F-47499
Z1A Engine Numbers: Z1E 20001 to Z1E 047499
The Second Z1 "Z1-A" began production July 1973.
2 Colors: Candytone Green with Yellow Stripes or Candytone Brown with Orange Stripes.
The engine was no longer painted black; it was left bare aluminum.
The word KICK STARTER is embossed on the engine.
A red STOP LAMP indicator in the 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.
Larger 180mm KAWASAKI badges were added on the tank, 140mm between the screws.
The first few months (July–October) of Z1A production had the same 65mm by 14mm size engine number plate as the Z1. It 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. Later Z1A production saw the number font change.
The 1-N-2-3-4-5 gear change pattern was embossed on the chain case cover near the gear shifter.
The 1974 900 had a $1,995 suggested retail price (that equals over $54 million in Z1A sales).
Z1A Engine Numbers: Z1E 20001 to Z1E 047499
The Second Z1 "Z1-A" began production July 1973.
2 Colors: Candytone Green with Yellow Stripes or Candytone Brown with Orange Stripes.
The engine was no longer painted black; it was left bare aluminum.
The word KICK STARTER is embossed on the engine.
A red STOP LAMP indicator in the 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.
Larger 180mm KAWASAKI badges were added on the tank, 140mm between the screws.
The first few months (July–October) of Z1A production had the same 65mm by 14mm size engine number plate as the Z1. It 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. Later Z1A production saw the number font change.
The 1-N-2-3-4-5 gear change pattern was embossed on the chain case cover near the gear shifter.
The 1974 900 had a $1,995 suggested retail price (that equals over $54 million in Z1A sales).
1975 Z1B 900 Z1-B
Z1B Frame Numbers: Z1F-47500 to Z1F-85700
Z1B Engine Numbers: Z1E 047500 to Z1E 085850
The third Z1 "Z1B" began production May 1974.
2 colors: Candytone Super Red or Candytone Sky Blue, both with black, white & gold stripes.
The drive chain oil lubrication system was removed and replaced with a new O-Ring chain.
The speedometer displayed numbers in 10mph increments.
The petcock added the word FUEL and was no longer painted black.
Side cover emblems design was changed.
Carbs were redesigned for EPA regulations.
The 1975 900 had a $2,150 suggested retail price (that equals over $82 million in Z1B sales).
Z1B Engine Numbers: Z1E 047500 to Z1E 085850
The third Z1 "Z1B" began production May 1974.
2 colors: Candytone Super Red or Candytone Sky Blue, both with black, white & gold stripes.
The drive chain oil lubrication system was removed and replaced with a new O-Ring chain.
The speedometer displayed numbers in 10mph increments.
The petcock added the word FUEL and was no longer painted black.
Side cover emblems design was changed.
Carbs were redesigned for EPA regulations.
The 1975 900 had a $2,150 suggested retail price (that equals over $82 million in Z1B sales).
1976 KZ900 (MADE IN JAPAN) KZ900-A4
Frame Numbers: Z1F-85701 to Z1F-117060
Engine Numbers: Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The Fourth Z1 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).
Mass production began August 1975 for the KZ900 (production began October for the Z900).
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown.
The KZ900 was made in Japan and also the USA's new assembly plant.
Because of this, the KZ900 did not have close matching numbers like the Z1. There was no set pairing between specific engines and frames. As engines were assembled, some were loaded and sent to the US, while others were sent directly to the assembly lines in Japan. There was no specific frame/engine pairing sequence.
Just about everything was changed on the KZ900:
KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models sold in European countries. During WWII 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 needed to see "KZ" again. The bikes were badged with "Z" in Europe: Z900, Z750, Z400, etc.
The 1976 KZ900 had a $2,475 suggested retail price.
Engine Numbers: Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The Fourth Z1 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).
Mass production began August 1975 for the KZ900 (production began October for the Z900).
Colors: Diamond Dark Green or Diamond Brown.
The KZ900 was made in Japan and also the USA's new assembly plant.
Because of this, the KZ900 did not have close matching numbers like the Z1. There was no set pairing between specific engines and frames. As engines were assembled, some were loaded and sent to the US, while others were sent directly to the assembly lines in Japan. There was no specific frame/engine pairing sequence.
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; the tank has an outer seam 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.
- Tail light was redesigned to incorporate reflectors.
- Handlebars have a Hazard warning lights control knob.
- The 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.
KZ was not used for any Kawasaki models sold in European countries. During WWII 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 needed to see "KZ" again. The bikes were badged with "Z" in Europe: Z900, Z750, Z400, etc.
The 1976 KZ900 had a $2,475 suggested retail price.
1976 KZ900 (Made in USA) KZ900A4
1976 KZ900-A4 Frame Numbers: Z1F-500001 to Z1F-510340
1977 KZ900-A5 Frame Numbers: Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
Engine Numbers: Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The 1977 KZ900-A5 is the exact same, with production continuing to deplete excess stock.
All Models (KZ900, KZ900 LTD & KZ900 Police) use the same engine range: Z1E086001 to Z1E138846.
The U.S.-made version of the KZ900 started production in August of 1975.
Frames are not stamped Made In Japan on headstock.
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 were 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, with the first one rolling off the assembly line in January 1975. Nine months later came the KZ900.
All engines and most components were still made in Japan.
Parts were shipped to Kawasaki’s factory in Lincoln, Nebraska for assembly with the U.S. made frames. Engines were shipped assembled, and when they arrived, whichever engine was available was sent to the assembly line.
1977 KZ900-A5 Frame Numbers: Z1F-510341 to Z1F-515578
Engine Numbers: Z1E 086001 to Z1E 138846
The 1977 KZ900-A5 is the exact same, with production continuing to deplete excess stock.
All Models (KZ900, KZ900 LTD & KZ900 Police) use the same engine range: Z1E086001 to Z1E138846.
The U.S.-made version of the KZ900 started production in August of 1975.
Frames are not stamped Made In Japan on headstock.
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 were 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, with the first one rolling off the assembly line in January 1975. Nine months later came the KZ900.
All engines and most components were still made in Japan.
Parts were shipped to Kawasaki’s factory in Lincoln, Nebraska for assembly with the U.S. made frames. Engines were shipped assembled, and when they arrived, whichever engine was available was sent to the assembly line.
1976 KZ900 LTD (Made only in USA) KZ900-B1
Frame KZ900B: 500001 to 505514
Engine Numbers: Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846
LTD frame numbers began KZ900B, engines still began Z1E and were the same as all KZ900A.
Engines were randomly pulled out of the stock shipped from Japan.
Made only in one color: Candy Luminous Red.
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for the US.
LTD stood for LIMITED, with 5,514 produced.
The KZ900 LTD used a different designed frame and did not use the Z1F designation.
It featured a 16" rear mag rim with a fat tire.
The KZ900 LTD was Japan's first custom Cruiser (it was made in the USA).
Engine Numbers: Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846
LTD frame numbers began KZ900B, engines still began Z1E and were the same as all KZ900A.
Engines were randomly pulled out of the stock shipped from Japan.
Made only in one color: Candy Luminous Red.
The KZ900 LTD was exclusively for the US.
LTD stood for LIMITED, with 5,514 produced.
The KZ900 LTD used a different designed frame and did not use the Z1F designation.
It featured a 16" rear mag rim with a fat tire.
The KZ900 LTD was Japan's first custom Cruiser (it was made in the USA).
1976 KZ900 Police Special
1976 KZ900-C1 & 1977 KZ900-C2
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Engine Numbers: Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846
Police frame numbers began KZ900C, engines still began Z1E and were the same as all KZ900A.
Engines were randomly pulled out of the stock shipped from Japan.
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-C1.
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 of $3,697 was $2 over the correct price and he lost to a little old lady.
Kawasaki also made a Z1 that was special for police use in 1974 & 1975.
Frame numbers start Z1P instead of Z1F.
First Frame Number: KZ900C-500001
Engine Numbers: Z1E-086001 to Z1E-138846
Police frame numbers began KZ900C, engines still began Z1E and were the same as all KZ900A.
Engines were randomly pulled out of the stock shipped from Japan.
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-C1.
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 of $3,697 was $2 over the correct price and he lost to a little old lady.
Kawasaki also made a Z1 that was special for police use in 1974 & 1975.
Frame numbers start Z1P instead of Z1F.
Z1 Prototypes, V1 and 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, under the code name "New York Steak". By December 1969, the new Project T103received 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 summer 1971, three additional prototypes had been produced and were now given the designation V1. As testing continued, several prototype V1s 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 U.S., 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 (2,700 were made).
In response, Kawasaki refocused its efforts on surpassing Honda's offering by developing a 900cc motorcycle that would outshine all competition, under the code name "New York Steak". By December 1969, the new Project T103received 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 summer 1971, three additional prototypes had been produced and were now given the designation V1. As testing continued, several prototype V1s 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 U.S., 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 (2,700 were made).
What are the differences between Z1, Z1A, Z1B, and KZ900 models?
When did Kawasaki first produce the Z1 motorcycle?
Mass production of the Kawasaki Z1 began in August 1972, with the first shipments in November 1972.
What are the original Kawasaki Z1 frame and engine numbers?
Z1 frames: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000; Z1 engines: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
What original colors were available for the Kawasaki Z1, Z1A, and Z1B?
Were there Kawasaki Z1 motorcycles for police use?
Yes. Police Z1 models (1973-1975) and KZ900-C1/C2 (1976-1977) had frames starting Z1P or KZ900C, engines still in the Z1E range. Recognizing police models is important because of high desirability.
What are the origins of the Kawasaki Z1?
The Kawasaki Z1 project began in spring 1967 as N600, a 750cc, 4-cylinder bike. In 1968, it was upgraded to 900cc in response to Honda’s CB750. Code-named "New York Steak", the Project T103 aimed to surpass Honda in style and performance, with a serviceable engine without removal.
Who designed the Kawasaki Z1?
The T103 styling was done by Ken Tada in Santa Ana, California. The first full-scale wooden mock-up represented the life-size design. By spring 1971, the first prototype was completed, and by summer 1971, three additional prototypes called (V1) were produced for testing.
What were the specifications of the Kawasaki Z1?
Very easily. The frames are different on the KZ900 and numbers will be higher then Z1F-85701
What is the Kawasaki KZ900 LTD?
Limited edition US-only, Candy Luminous Red, 5,514 made, 16" rear mag rim, first Japan custom cruiser made in the USA.
- Z1 (1972-1973): First production year, black painted engine.
- Z1A (1974): Bare aluminum engine.
- Z1B (1975): new paint colors Candy Super Red or Sky Blue
- KZ900 (1976-1977): Redesigned frame, US-made models, no matching numbers, new carbs
When did Kawasaki first produce the Z1 motorcycle?
Mass production of the Kawasaki Z1 began in August 1972, with the first shipments in November 1972.
What are the original Kawasaki Z1 frame and engine numbers?
Z1 frames: Z1F-00001 to Z1F-20000; Z1 engines: Z1E 00001 to Z1E 20000
What original colors were available for the Kawasaki Z1, Z1A, and Z1B?
- Z1: Orange/Brown (Rootbeer & Orange)
- Z1A: Candytone Green/Yellow or Candytone Brown/Orange
- Z1B: Candy Super Red or Candy Sky Blue
Were there Kawasaki Z1 motorcycles for police use?
Yes. Police Z1 models (1973-1975) and KZ900-C1/C2 (1976-1977) had frames starting Z1P or KZ900C, engines still in the Z1E range. Recognizing police models is important because of high desirability.
What are the origins of the Kawasaki Z1?
The Kawasaki Z1 project began in spring 1967 as N600, a 750cc, 4-cylinder bike. In 1968, it was upgraded to 900cc in response to Honda’s CB750. Code-named "New York Steak", the Project T103 aimed to surpass Honda in style and performance, with a serviceable engine without removal.
Who designed the Kawasaki Z1?
The T103 styling was done by Ken Tada in Santa Ana, California. The first full-scale wooden mock-up represented the life-size design. By spring 1971, the first prototype was completed, and by summer 1971, three additional prototypes called (V1) were produced for testing.
What were the specifications of the Kawasaki Z1?
- Engine: 903cc, 82hp
- Top speed: over 125mph
- 1/4 mile: 12 seconds
- Weight: 507lbs dry (540lbs wet)
Very easily. The frames are different on the KZ900 and numbers will be higher then Z1F-85701
What is the Kawasaki KZ900 LTD?
Limited edition US-only, Candy Luminous Red, 5,514 made, 16" rear mag rim, first Japan custom cruiser made in the USA.
Is the Z1 is a rare motorcycle?
NO. As a matter of fact, if you lined up every Z1 Kawasaki made in just three years, end to end, you could build a fence long enough to surround the state of Rhode Island. Include the 1976 KZ900, and you could build a completely continuous California-Mexico border wall using just the 900s Kawasaki made in the 4 years of production.
NO. As a matter of fact, if you lined up every Z1 Kawasaki made in just three years, end to end, you could build a fence long enough to surround the state of Rhode Island. Include the 1976 KZ900, and you could build a completely continuous California-Mexico border wall using just the 900s Kawasaki made in the 4 years of production.
