{K}Z200 confusion

I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to buy an old bike, advertised as a Z200 1983, as a project, without knowing anything about the bikes' history. After finally getting it, looking it over properly and realising I need several parts, the search revealed a shortage of parts and a confusion of the many models. The frame and engine says KZ200A. Many listings are for KZ models, but it seems there are listings without the K. Are they very different? I also downloaded a service manual for '78 to 84 models, but the bike I bought is not similar to the manual with respect to ignition system and clutch linkage locations. My clutch linkage is on the top right next to the oil filler cap, the manuals indicate it should be on the bottom left engine cover. I am now confused. What do I have if it's not the same as the manual. There is no Vin number, it seems a pre-17 digit format. The big issue to get the bike going is the ignition system. It came without all of the stator/generator and related parts. I now dont know what I should get, electronic or points. The left engine cover did however have a pic-up inside which would indicate electronic ignition. I have now bought another donor bike, which seems to be a points system bike, one similar to the downloaded manual. What parts would I need to complete an electronic ignition system? Thank you.

Can't help much with the 200 or the ignition system, but maybe with figuring out what you've got. The KZ and Z usually just indicate USA/Canada (KZ) and Europe (Z), not sure what was used in Asia, Aus, NZ etc. So a KZ200 and a Z200 should be the same bike, just different markets.
If you look for the frame number in the following file you should find out exactly which model you have: kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/Model...nition_1982-1985.pdf

There may be a lot of stuff swapped out so check the engine number against the frame number in the pdf - it may be a different engine. Then you should be able to check the parts diagrams on PartZilla or CMS.

Try checking the frame & engine numbers at CycleChaos.com.
Cyclechaos lists the KZ200 models thru 1985. 1979 was the last year it was sold in the USA.
None of them listed on cyclechaos have a 17-digit vin. Some areas of the world may not have switched to that vin format until later.

In the 2nd pic your 200 has a newer style clutch cover. The 83 KZ650-CSR for example is similar.
The clutch release being on the RH side is also a newer style which is found on a some later KZ models.
Some of the 250 & 305 models had the clutch release on the RH side as well.

The sprocket cover looks like it came from a different model.

Thank you. I'm leaning towards the '82 or A2 but the info is not difinitive. The engine number is not on the list KZ200AE-074* and frame number KZ200A-045903. Seems I have a bit of a Frankenstein.

The frame number should make it a 1982 A5. The first 3 digits in the suffix of the engine number would fall in the 82 range as well. Is it possible the end of the engine number has been obscured by corrosion or something? And TexasKZ is right about the engine sprocket cover >> it kind of looks wrong & should match the lines of the generator cover. or maybe it just needs to be installed correctly. ???

Hi. I just didnt type it out, I was of the understanding that the first few digits indicated year model etc. I was thrown by the 7 since the model listings jump from 06 to 08 . It ends in 4404. I have a few covers which I grabbed from the storage unit where I bought the bike, since they were removed. I loosely placed them on to see the fit. I've now also bought another parts donor bike, parts are fairly cross matching, except the clutch. My biggest concern at the moment is the ignition system. It was completely removed, so I have to find the right complete system. I was hoping to convert it by replacing it with a fully electronic system. I cant find any information on it having been done before though other than the transistorized system that was done on later models. I dont have all the bits though, hence the hope for just going full aftermarket electronic.

Only US models 1981 and newer get a 17 digit vin.

Everywhere else has Frame Numbers.

Kawasaki frame (and engine) numbers work like this:

KZ - model
200 - engine size
A - this is the model series. An A model could span a few years.
(this is just an example)
1977 KZ200A1
1978 KZ200A2
1979 KZ200A3
1980 KZ200B1 new model
etc.

045903 means your frame is the 45,903rd frame produced for the A model. If Kawasaki made 20,000 in 1977 and 20,000 in 1978, then you would have the 5,903rd bike for 1979. So you would have a 1979 KZ200-A3. This info is usually on the back cover of the FSM.

You will also see frame numbers like KZ200AF045903 and engine numbers with an E in place of the F, Frame and Engine. Use the same method to figure out a year of an engine.

Again, those years and such are just examples....remember, 17 DIGIT VIN FOR US ONLY!

Bikes produced in the US priot to 1981 follow the same Frame (and engine) number format described above.
Frame and Engine numbers usually only match on early production bikes, no worry if they dont match as long as they fall into the same range.

Would something like this work on the bike?

www.aliexpress.com/item/32728579064.html...02_,searchweb201603_

What are the complete frame and engine numbers?

Edit: Did some Googling and assuming you are not in the US, looks like you have the export Z200. Also, the finned looking cam cap is not on the early US model. I would search your Ebay site for 81+ Z200 complete harness/ignition or whatever you need.

By Mobuzz: Hi. I just didnt type it out, I was of the understanding that the first few digits indicated year model etc.

The engine numbers are simply numerical production numbers. and sequential over the full range of years for that motor.
The LH engine sprocket cover in your photo looks to be the correct style. see pics at cyclechaos.
As for the ignition system, according to the motorcyclespecs.co.za site, most of the Z200s thru 1982 had a points ignition system. their info indicates some late year 82 models received a different ignition, possibly a CDI system, but yours probably wouldn't be a last batch engine.
www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_z200%2080.htm

Here's a NOS wire harness listed on EB. location is Indonesia and seller has only a 95% rating. I saw another nos harness from another seller also from Indonesia. Or get used. a KZ250 harness may work as well.

EB item # 174283017596

Contact breaker assy. others are listed. same as the KZ200 & KZ250 models. EB search by part number from partzilla = 21135-013
You would probably use a 4.0 ohm ignition coil. new aftermarket are readily available.

EB item # 324007637398