76 Z1 Dealer Prototype?

I had a phone conversation with a guy from Texas that said he had a one of 50 prototypes that were made for the dealers here as a display model. He also stated that when the 76 model year came out, they were not the same as the one he has. I didn't ask him what the differences were:blush:
Has anyone heard of these?

I wonder if he's talking about those red-white and blue Kawasaki's they made for one year, limited run? It was a tribute bike and I think it was 1976..?

I think you may have it there Kent.

IIRC, Kawi produced a limited number (100?) of a 900 painted in white with red and blue striping and outlined with little gold stars.
I think it was listed as the "Commemorative" or "Freedom" model or something like that?:huh:

I just searched, but can't find a danged pic of one to save my life! :pinch:

1977 KZ1000A1 Commemorative edition...200 produced and distributed to US dealers...perhaps distributed in late 1976?...a market for them has not yet developed...the only way to distinguish them from a normal KZ1000A1 is through the aftermarket fairing/saddlebags...and paint scheme (sidecovers, tank, and fairing had unique decals on a white background). Phrased another way, if you painted the bike, the VIN did not identify the bike as a special edition...and the Commemorative Edition was essentially erased.

The white one was a late 1978 KZ1000A2A. "spirit of America" 200 were made in Lincoln, NE as Kawasaki's "smallest limited edition". 1976 saw the KZ900A4 or the 900LTD KZ900B1. No special model in 1976, so I call balony. The guy probably has one of the 50 900LTDs made that year :laugh: I'm reading this in Micky Hesse book Kawasaki Z1 that cover all the Z1 up to the Z1R-TC and everything in between.

That's the one I was thinking of! Thanks. As for the 50 1976 bikes, I have not heard of anything special being produced...which doesn't mean that they don't exist:)

I'd have to agree with Kent's guess, it sounds like one of the Spirit of America bikes. There isn't anything wrong with them, but most people who own them have a grossly inaccurate opinion as to what they are worth. They came from the factory with a Vetter fairing, detachable saddlebags and trunk, crashbars and an LTD seat. A standard 1000 A2 in the mid year black and gold paint scheme will likely fetch more money though.

It's not the KZ1000-A2A, that's the 78 1/2 KZ1000 (the only difference between it and the A2 model is carb/emission stuff). Kawasaki was wrestling with EPA and California emissions requirements. Usually the A2A is referred to as a California spec bike - although I do understand many of the bikes were sold outside of California.

Kawasaki did circulate models for display, although I've never heard of a KZ900 version - but I would imagine it's possible (although unlikely). There were preproduction Z1's used as display bikes in 1972 - these are very rare. I'm only aware of 3 surviving ones.

RonKZ650 wrote:

I'm reading this in Micky Hesse book Kawasaki Z1 that cover all the Z1 up to the Z1R-TC and everything in between.

Micky's book is OK, but it has plenty of inaccuracies in it... look through and you'll see plenty of issues with the restored bikes - including a 8500 rpm redline on a Z1 tach (those tachs were on late 70's KZ1000's), a set of 29mm smoothbore carbs on another bike that's supposedly restored. Micky's later book (only available in German) is a better reference.

The Gringo wrote:

I'd have to agree with Kent's guess, it sounds like one of the Spirit of America bikes. There isn't anything wrong with them, but most people who own them have a grossly inaccurate opinion as to what they are worth. They came from the factory with a Vetter fairing, detachable saddlebags and trunk, crashbars and an LTD seat. A standard 1000 A2 in the mid year black and gold paint scheme will likely fetch more money though.

Sadly for a commemorative bike, they are just butt-ugly... I'm not a fan of Craig Vetter's idea of style (or lack of...). although it's not as ugly as the mystery ship - and it's no mystery as to why that didn't sell...

If anyone wants a Mistery Ship heres one for sale for a decent price :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: . You are right Jeff that is butt ugly.

The Milkman wrote:

If anyone wants a Mistery Ship heres one for sale for a decent price :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: . You are right Jeff that is butt ugly.

That particular bike has been listed for quite some time on Cycletrader...but, as with all exorbitant prices, eventually there will be a buyer who hasn't done his homework:huh: