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The frame number is stamped on the left side of the steering head tube
Frames were painted, then stamped. Frame stamps are down to bare metal, it was not painted after.
The same number is on the identification sticker on the opposite side.
No white sticker on the frame?...You're likely looking at a replacement frame.
Replacement frames don't have identification stickers. You clearly see MADE IN JAPAN stamped on the headstock.
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
Replacements were sold by dealers, unstamped, no frame number.
It was up to the dealership or shop that did the repair to stamp the old frame number or affix a remanufactured ID tag.
Various states had different requirements and regulations.
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
This was done at the factory on a specialized machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
The original sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed.
Reproduction stickers are available from various online sellers but they are easy to distinguish from the real thing.
Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there & High quality repro stickers.
If you don't know positively what you are looking at just send me a email and ask. [email protected]
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of powder coated frames!
It's a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
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!
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 replacement frame, a repaired or pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & available to buy from dealers, you can still find NOS replacement frames today.
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.
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.
It's like putting a $10,000 paint job on your mailbox, nobody can stop you, but it won't make a mailbox worth $10,000 more.
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.
Frames were painted, then stamped. Frame stamps are down to bare metal, it was not painted after.
The same number is on the identification sticker on the opposite side.
No white sticker on the frame?...You're likely looking at a replacement frame.
Replacement frames don't have identification stickers. You clearly see MADE IN JAPAN stamped on the headstock.
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
Replacements were sold by dealers, unstamped, no frame number.
It was up to the dealership or shop that did the repair to stamp the old frame number or affix a remanufactured ID tag.
Various states had different requirements and regulations.
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
This was done at the factory on a specialized machine, not with a hand stamp punch set.
The original sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed.
Reproduction stickers are available from various online sellers but they are easy to distinguish from the real thing.
Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there & High quality repro stickers.
If you don't know positively what you are looking at just send me a email and ask. [email protected]
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of powder coated frames!
It's a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
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!
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 replacement frame, a repaired or pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & available to buy from dealers, you can still find NOS replacement frames today.
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.
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.
It's like putting a $10,000 paint job on your mailbox, nobody can stop you, but it won't make a mailbox worth $10,000 more.
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.
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Good Z1 frames should have a straight steering stopper and no damage in the subframes sheetmetal
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Later production KZ900 Frames are thicker with a short steering stopper and reinforced sheet metal
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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/