What Is a Replacement Frame?
Replacement frames were manufactured by Kawasaki and sold through authorized dealerships, just like any other OEM part.
If a motorcycle was in an accident, a new frame could be purchased from a Kawasaki dealer as a direct replacement part.
The price varied from model to model and frames had a part number to match the correct model. As Kawasaki updated their system part numbers changed over time to further complicate things.
For example the Z1 replacement frame was originally part number 32002-055, it then changed to 32002-1018
Typically the dealership's repair facility stamped the original vin into the new frame. This is known as a re-stamped frame.
Various States had different regulations, some frames would get a remanufactured or reconstructed tag affixed to the frame.
It all depended on who did the repair work, when and where it was done.
Not all replacement frames were re-stamped. Often the frame would not get stamped at all.
In the 1970's, states such as Wisconsin (Harley Country) often titled motorcycles to the engine number, so the frame number was not important because the engine number was used to register motorcycles.
Z1 Replacement Frames:
- Were sold unstamped, with no frame number
- Genuine Replacement parts Number is 32002-055 or 32002-1018
- Do NOT include an ID sticker displaying frame number
- The replacement part number paper label is located on the center frame tube
- Z1 used the same frame as the Z2
- Frames were made by Unimate welding robots in very large quantities (thousands made)
- Later production replacement frames are stamped on the headstock KHI DGM 13235 0M
KHI DGM 13235 0M Marking was only used for Replacement frames
On later replacement frames, the “MADE IN JAPAN” stamp was made smaller.
Identifying Original vs. Replacement Frames
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
This was done at the factory on a specialized engraving machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
If you suspect your bike’s frame might have been replaced, removing the gas tank may reveal a replacement part number tag on the center frame tube. Original frames did not ever have this tag.
The frame number is stamped on the left side of the steering head tube ONLY
If your frame number is stamped anywhere else, it would be a replacement frame.
The frame number is also printed on the identification sticker on the opposite side the frame stamp.
The original manufactures sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed.
No white sticker on the frame headstock?...You're likely looking at a replacement frame.
Reproduction stickers are available from various online sellers, but they’re distinguishable from the real thing.
Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there & High quality repro stickers can look very convincing.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, feel free to email me for help: [email protected]
1973-1975 Z1 frames Weigh 36 lbs 9.5 oz. They are different from the 1976 KZ900.
They have different part numbers to assure you buy the correct frame for your bike.
Z1 replacement frame part number is 32002-1018, KZ900 part number is 32002-152
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of a powder coated frame!
It's a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
It's also a good way to hide major repair work to the frame.
These frames were not originally powder coated, so why do it now.
If you want a correct original restoration which should be the goal for restorers, PAINT IT.
Originally frames were painted, then stamped, so stamps are down to bare metal, it was not painted after.
If you have an original frame before re-painting, retain or mask off the original identification sticker.
It's best to keep the original sticker even if it's shabby, something is only original once.
If you have a repaired or heavily pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & you can still find NOS replacement frames today.
Modifications to the frame will lower value:
Welding any modifications to the frame hurt the value. Welding on reinforced braces, faring mounts or crash bars.
Another common frame modification that negatively impacts value is cutting off muffler struts.
This alteration was done to accommodate a wider or extended swing arm, rear disc brake, or 4-into-1 exhaust.
While these changes may serve a functional purpose, any modifications to a frame decreases the overall value of the bike.
Another problem is a bent frame or damage to the subframe sheetmetal.
Finding cracks at the mounting holes for an optional oil cooler are typically ok, a crease or bend would indicate frame damage.
Customized bikes like Choppers, bobbers, drag bikes, cafe racers, do not increase value, it lowers value.
A person can ask any price for anything, it doesn't mean it is worth it or someone will pay that.
So before you put a $10,000 custom paint job on your bike, don't expect that to increase its value.
Put a $10,000 paint job on your mailbox, nobody can stop you, but it won't make a mailbox worth $10,000.
If you are doing it because thats what you want, not as an investment, go ahead and do it your way.
Always remember, when it's time to sell, don't expect to get that money back from your expensive labor of love.
Replacement frames were manufactured by Kawasaki and sold through authorized dealerships, just like any other OEM part.
If a motorcycle was in an accident, a new frame could be purchased from a Kawasaki dealer as a direct replacement part.
The price varied from model to model and frames had a part number to match the correct model. As Kawasaki updated their system part numbers changed over time to further complicate things.
For example the Z1 replacement frame was originally part number 32002-055, it then changed to 32002-1018
Typically the dealership's repair facility stamped the original vin into the new frame. This is known as a re-stamped frame.
Various States had different regulations, some frames would get a remanufactured or reconstructed tag affixed to the frame.
It all depended on who did the repair work, when and where it was done.
Not all replacement frames were re-stamped. Often the frame would not get stamped at all.
In the 1970's, states such as Wisconsin (Harley Country) often titled motorcycles to the engine number, so the frame number was not important because the engine number was used to register motorcycles.
Z1 Replacement Frames:
- Were sold unstamped, with no frame number
- Genuine Replacement parts Number is 32002-055 or 32002-1018
- Do NOT include an ID sticker displaying frame number
- The replacement part number paper label is located on the center frame tube
- Z1 used the same frame as the Z2
- Frames were made by Unimate welding robots in very large quantities (thousands made)
- Later production replacement frames are stamped on the headstock KHI DGM 13235 0M
KHI DGM 13235 0M Marking was only used for Replacement frames
On later replacement frames, the “MADE IN JAPAN” stamp was made smaller.
Identifying Original vs. Replacement Frames
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
This was done at the factory on a specialized engraving machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
If you suspect your bike’s frame might have been replaced, removing the gas tank may reveal a replacement part number tag on the center frame tube. Original frames did not ever have this tag.
The frame number is stamped on the left side of the steering head tube ONLY
If your frame number is stamped anywhere else, it would be a replacement frame.
The frame number is also printed on the identification sticker on the opposite side the frame stamp.
The original manufactures sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed.
No white sticker on the frame headstock?...You're likely looking at a replacement frame.
Reproduction stickers are available from various online sellers, but they’re distinguishable from the real thing.
Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there & High quality repro stickers can look very convincing.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, feel free to email me for help: [email protected]
1973-1975 Z1 frames Weigh 36 lbs 9.5 oz. They are different from the 1976 KZ900.
They have different part numbers to assure you buy the correct frame for your bike.
Z1 replacement frame part number is 32002-1018, KZ900 part number is 32002-152
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of a powder coated frame!
It's a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
It's also a good way to hide major repair work to the frame.
These frames were not originally powder coated, so why do it now.
If you want a correct original restoration which should be the goal for restorers, PAINT IT.
Originally frames were painted, then stamped, so stamps are down to bare metal, it was not painted after.
If you have an original frame before re-painting, retain or mask off the original identification sticker.
It's best to keep the original sticker even if it's shabby, something is only original once.
If you have a repaired or heavily pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & you can still find NOS replacement frames today.
Modifications to the frame will lower value:
Welding any modifications to the frame hurt the value. Welding on reinforced braces, faring mounts or crash bars.
Another common frame modification that negatively impacts value is cutting off muffler struts.
This alteration was done to accommodate a wider or extended swing arm, rear disc brake, or 4-into-1 exhaust.
While these changes may serve a functional purpose, any modifications to a frame decreases the overall value of the bike.
Another problem is a bent frame or damage to the subframe sheetmetal.
Finding cracks at the mounting holes for an optional oil cooler are typically ok, a crease or bend would indicate frame damage.
Customized bikes like Choppers, bobbers, drag bikes, cafe racers, do not increase value, it lowers value.
A person can ask any price for anything, it doesn't mean it is worth it or someone will pay that.
So before you put a $10,000 custom paint job on your bike, don't expect that to increase its value.
Put a $10,000 paint job on your mailbox, nobody can stop you, but it won't make a mailbox worth $10,000.
If you are doing it because thats what you want, not as an investment, go ahead and do it your way.
Always remember, when it's time to sell, don't expect to get that money back from your expensive labor of love.
|
Good Z1 frames should have a straight steering stopper and no damage in the subframes sheetmetal
|
Later production KZ900 Frames are thicker with a short steering stopper and reinforced sheet metal
|
|
|
All original engine stamps are deep, uniformed, same font and size with no exceptions.
This was done at the factory on a specialized engraving machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
This picture, taken in 1973, shows a worker stamping the Z1 engine number at the factory, Z1E#####
This was done at the factory on a specialized engraving machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
This picture, taken in 1973, shows a worker stamping the Z1 engine number at the factory, Z1E#####
Engine number is on the top right side of the engine case (kick starter side), below the carbs, to the right of the oil fill cap.
If you have an estate to liquidate or non Kawasaki motorcycles here are websites that might be able to help you. https://www.weekendestatesales.com/ https://www.wantedoldmotorcycles.com/