A little history lesson?

I have been looking through alot of these forums, and I have to say that I am still a little confused about the bike that I own. Although, I've had the bike almost 9 months, I just recently recieved the title:) So I would like to find out a little more about the bike. I know from looking up the VIN# (on this site) That it is a Kz1000 A4, but what does that mean really? In other words, would it be considered a Z1, Z1A,? I keep seeing "MKII" reffered to- what does that mean? I just havent seen many other bikes like mine- I know you guys can help! THANK YOU!!

I don't know much about 1000's but i know it is not a z1 or z1a, those are 900's. The 900's were predecessors to the 1000's.

Ok, so if it says Z1 or Z1R it is NOT a 1000, only for 900 ? Hmm- So the correct emblems on my bike should just say "KZ 1000" ?

Hello vixweb, and WELCOME to the site! We're glad you're here!

Am guessing here, but believe the 1979 KZ1000-A3 had side cover badges showing KZ1000 with a smaller MKII badge underneath. Perhaps the 1980 KZ1000-A4 came originally with a similar sidecover also saying MKII. Others here will know for sure.

Meanwhile, here's some info about MKII designation from an earlier thread, courtesy of Mcdroid:

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Re:1979 MKII - 2006/05/23 16:28
It's a matter of styling...models with squarish tanks:

1978/80 KZ1000D1/3 (Z1R)
1979-80 KZ1000A3-4 (MKII)
1979-80 KZ1000E1-2 (Shaft)
1981-82 KZ1100B1-2 (GPz)
1980 Z1000H1 (FI european model)
1983 KZ1000J3 (Canadian model)

The MKII designation has to do with changes in engine design (although there are many additional small changes that accompanied this design improvement). The 1980 KZ1000B4 (LTD) and 1980 KZ1000G (Z1 Classic) also came with a MKII motor.
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Might want to do a forum search by typing MKII in the above "search forum" box, which should list many threads where MKII is mentioned.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2008/01/06 15:06

The factory service manual (pn 99931-540-03) on supplement page 273 "Model Identification" for 1979 KZ1000-A3 contains a photo of the bike's left side.

The sidecover badge says Z 1000 (not KZ 1000) with MK.II in smaller letters undeneath the 1000.

Maybe it's a photo of the European model which could be Z1000 whereas the US model may be KZ1000.

Z1R usually refers to the cafe racer design introduced in 1979 KZ1000-D1 followed by the 1980 KZ1000-D2.

The D1 sidecover says KZ1000 with Z1R underneath. The D2 sidecover says Z1R-II with 1000 underneath.

Am uncertain which if either of the cafe racer sidecovers might fit the A3 standard model.

Others here will know for sure.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2008/01/06 15:32

Thanks for all the help! I just want the badges "correct" ya know- Looks like the KZ1000 MKII is the correct one. I know when I brought this bike to my mechanic he was excited for what I found and couldn't wait to work on it! And I cant wait to HEAR it! Also, I'm thinking of a "cafe-style" fairing, any suggestions?

Post edited by: vixweb, at: 2008/01/06 15:53

Vixweb do you have any pics? That may help alot;)

I have the same bike, 1980 KZ1000 A4. The side cover badge just says KZ1000, no MKII. IT is a MKII engine but does not say anything about it anywhere on the bike. I have the orignal manual, Kawasaki factory repair manual and original brochure if you want any other info. Here is a pic of the bike a few years after I got it, before it's big transformation

Post edited by: kawtoy, at: 2008/01/06 21:48

Adding to the mix :lol: -- take a look at the last pic in this site :ohmy: --

see last pic

Kawasaki.com shows



The upper badge (part#1) with MKII is A3 (1979).

The lower badge (part#1-1) without MKII is A4 (1980).

The Z 1000 version is not shown (so still thinking it was the non-USA model).

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2008/01/06 22:30

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2008/01/06 22:31

Lets see if I can post a couple of PICS!!....
Sorry, I'll have to adjust the size...

Post edited by: vixweb, at: 2008/01/07 19:26


Post edited by: vixweb, at: 2008/01/07 19:40