|
|
The frame number is stamped on the left side of steering head tube (between gas tank & headlight)
The same number is on the identification sticker on the right side.
Don't see a white sticker on your frame?...You probably have a replacement frame.
Replacement frames do not have a white Identification sticker, you see MADE IN JAPAN stamped on the headstock.
If you remove the gas tank you might find the replacement part tag on the center frame tube. (Square w/red ink)
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
Replacement frames came unstamped with no frame number. It was up to the dealership or shop that did the repair work to stamp the old frame number or affix an identification plate to the frame. States had different requirements.
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
The original sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed. Reproduction stickers are available today from various online sellers but they are easy to distinguish from the real thing. Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there but most frames were replaced back in the 70's and 80's when they did not care what it looked like. These bikes were not collectible yet and nobody cared if the stamp looked authentic, the goal was to make a damaged motorcycle rideable, not a collector's piece.
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of powder coated frames!
Its a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
They were not originally powder coated, so why do it now. All it does is hide the frame number.
If you want a correct original restoration which should be the goal for restorers, PAINT IT!
If you have an original frame DO NOT powder coat it unless you can retain the original identification sticker. Stickers can get rubbed by wires over the years, wear from washes or frame rust. It's best to keep the original sticker even if it's shabby, something is only original once.
If you have a replacement frame, repaired or pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & available at dealers, you can even find new old stock replacement frames today.
1973-1975 Z1 frames Weigh 36 lbs 9.5 oz. They are noticeably different from the 1976 KZ900.
They have different part numbers to assure you buy the correct frame for your bike.
Other frame issues that hurt value are cut off muffler struts. These sometimes would be cut off to accommodate extended swing arms, rear disc brake, 4 into 1 exhausts or just to shave a few pounds off weight. Another problem is the frame being bent or damage to the sheetmetal subframe (cracks or creasing to the sheet metal where the optional oil cooler mounting holes are). Any modifications to the frame hurts value.
Customizations like Choppers, bobbers, drag bikes, cafe racers, do not increase value, 99 out of 100 times 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 $15,000 custom paint job on your bike don't expect that to increase its value. If you put a $15,000 paint job on your microwave, nobody can stop you, but your microwave won't be worth $15,100 when you're finished. If you are doing it because that is what you want, and not as an investment, then spend as much money as you want on your project and do it your way, just don't expect to get any of that money back if you need to unexpectedly sell your expensive labor of love.
The same number is on the identification sticker on the right side.
Don't see a white sticker on your frame?...You probably have a replacement frame.
Replacement frames do not have a white Identification sticker, you see MADE IN JAPAN stamped on the headstock.
If you remove the gas tank you might find the replacement part tag on the center frame tube. (Square w/red ink)
Faint impressions, crooked numbers, odd font or size, are clear signs of a replacement frame.
Replacement frames came unstamped with no frame number. It was up to the dealership or shop that did the repair work to stamp the old frame number or affix an identification plate to the frame. States had different requirements.
All original frames have deep, uniformed, same font size stampings with no exceptions.
The original sticker will never come completely off unless intentionally removed. Reproduction stickers are available today from various online sellers but they are easy to distinguish from the real thing. Very good authentic looking frame stampings are out there but most frames were replaced back in the 70's and 80's when they did not care what it looked like. These bikes were not collectible yet and nobody cared if the stamp looked authentic, the goal was to make a damaged motorcycle rideable, not a collector's piece.
When it comes to buying a fully restored motorcycle beware of powder coated frames!
Its a great way to pass off a replacement frame as an original numbers matching bike.
They were not originally powder coated, so why do it now. All it does is hide the frame number.
If you want a correct original restoration which should be the goal for restorers, PAINT IT!
If you have an original frame DO NOT powder coat it unless you can retain the original identification sticker. Stickers can get rubbed by wires over the years, wear from washes or frame rust. It's best to keep the original sticker even if it's shabby, something is only original once.
If you have a replacement frame, repaired or pitted frame then Powering coating is the way to go!
Thousands of replacement frames were made & available at dealers, you can even find new old stock replacement frames today.
1973-1975 Z1 frames Weigh 36 lbs 9.5 oz. They are noticeably different from the 1976 KZ900.
They have different part numbers to assure you buy the correct frame for your bike.
Other frame issues that hurt value are cut off muffler struts. These sometimes would be cut off to accommodate extended swing arms, rear disc brake, 4 into 1 exhausts or just to shave a few pounds off weight. Another problem is the frame being bent or damage to the sheetmetal subframe (cracks or creasing to the sheet metal where the optional oil cooler mounting holes are). Any modifications to the frame hurts value.
Customizations like Choppers, bobbers, drag bikes, cafe racers, do not increase value, 99 out of 100 times 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 $15,000 custom paint job on your bike don't expect that to increase its value. If you put a $15,000 paint job on your microwave, nobody can stop you, but your microwave won't be worth $15,100 when you're finished. If you are doing it because that is what you want, and not as an investment, then spend as much money as you want on your project and do it your way, just don't expect to get any of that money back if you need to unexpectedly sell your expensive labor of love.
|
Good Z1 frames should have a straight steering stopper and no damage near the screw holes
|
KZ900 Frames are thicker with a short steering stopper and re-enforced sheet metal
|
|
|