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How can i tell what year this bike is?

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18 Sep 2020 07:26 #835262 by UPsaultB
How can i tell what year this bike is? was created by UPsaultB
I was given a 550 ltd that was shot as a parts bike from a friend. I used a few things on my 79 Kz650. but i am curious to know the year of the bike, as it was in their yard for years and had no title. If anyone has some telling points that give a year, it would be appreciated.
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18 Sep 2020 07:41 #835264 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
The vin, or frame number, is stamped on the steering neck. There should also be a decal next to it with the date of manufacture. Keep in mind that the model year production does not match calendar year. For example, Kawasaki began building the 1978 models in The summer of 1977.

There is a PDF copy of the 550 service manual under the Articles tab here on KZR. On the back cover, there is a chart showing the vin range for each model year.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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18 Sep 2020 08:14 #835268 by krazee1
Replied by krazee1 on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
But, the model year CAN match the calendar year, 1978 models would have also been built the first 6 months or so of 1978. Not a hard and fast rule, but our model year production many times ended at our summer 2 week shutdown, which was usually the end of June.

Mike

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)

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18 Sep 2020 08:22 #835271 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
CycleChaos.com & Zedder.com are a couple of places to check the VIN.

Since the motorcycle doesn't have the bolted-on muffler stays, I'd say it's a 1980 model. just a guess.

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18 Sep 2020 11:53 - 18 Sep 2020 13:50 #835300 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
Zedder does not have a listing for the 550s

I have attached the table from the back of a manual

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header


OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

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Last edit: 18 Sep 2020 13:50 by gd4now.
The following user(s) said Thank You: DOHC

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18 Sep 2020 23:05 #835333 by kevski
Replied by kevski on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
Not being au-fait with all models but isn't that picture of a 440 twin belt drive?

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19 Sep 2020 07:18 #835347 by martin_csr

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  • gd4now
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19 Sep 2020 12:01 - 19 Sep 2020 12:02 #835357 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
You know I just did not look at the pic close enough, it is a pic of a twin belt drive, not a double overhead cam 4 cylinder like the 550s are.

In this case you should be able to find the vin #s on this site kz400.com/

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header


OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

Last edit: 19 Sep 2020 12:02 by gd4now.

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19 Sep 2020 16:27 - 19 Sep 2020 16:29 #835383 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic How can i tell what year this bike is?
:whistle:

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 19 Sep 2020 16:29 by TexasKZ.

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