has anyone seen one of these?

i recently began searching for parts for my dad's 78 kz1000, when i realized i could find the parts, but next to nothing about the actual bike...it is number 51 of 200 "Americanization of Kawasaki" bikes made in 78...so, i was wondering if anyone has seen one or does anyone other than their owners even know they exist? i will get more pics, but this is all i have right now...i am basically just curious to know where the other 199 are....thanks for any info...

It's been discussed quite a bit. They were never very popular model or collector item, despite the 200 made. They come up for sale quite often for only 200 of them produced.

Ron has hit the proverbial 'nail on the head'. There were, in fact, only 200 produced and the huge problem is that there were no records kept with regards to what frame/motor VIN's were associated with the 200 unique, individually numbered Kawasaki's. The only thing that is different from a standard 'A' model is the paint scheme...all parts (except the aftermarket fairings/bags, etc.) are shared with the 'A' model'. Despite that there were only 200 available, a collector market never developed and any potential increased values have never been realized. The street value of the 'Americanization' edition is the same as a standard model.

Those bikes actually sell for a little less than a regular KZ because of the paint scheme. I know there is one at the Barber Museum in Alabama. I see them for sale often on Ebay for $6000 and more but they never sell.

kawtoy wrote:

Those bikes actually sell for a little less than a regular KZ because of the paint scheme. I know there is one at the Barber Museum in Alabama. I see them for sale often on Ebay for $6000 and more but they never sell.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: True, very true...they aren't particularly attractive.

Hmmm... your dad's bike is different than most I've seen in that someone added mag wheels to it. The bike came with spokes from the factory. As everyone so far has pointed out value wise they aren't anything special, so just ride it and enjoy it.

i also have seen three that i know of in the last two years on e-#ay....and they were not recieving much bids...they all were fairly clean too and the owners seemed to know what # they were......still a cool bike to own for you and probably a fun bike to ride to events and park with the kawis.......good luck...craig

trianglelaguna wrote:

i also have seen three that i know of in the last two years on e-#ay....and they were not recieving much bids...they all were fairly clean too and the owners seemed to know what # they were......still a cool bike to own for you and probably a fun bike to ride to events and park with the kawis.......good luck...craig

I seem to remember a painted/numbered body set (tank, sidecovers, tail) for sale on eBay within the past four years or so...didn't sell for more than you'd expect for a used body set...if the buyer kept the set original, then he'd have an 'instant' 'Americanization' model, if not, then at least one of the 200 was parted out

thanks for the info everyone...very interesting stuff...at least with the value not being anything special, there'd be no reason not to keep it in the family....right, dad? hint, hint....

thanks...i believe my dad said the dealer he bought it from put smaller wheels on it so he could drive it to the factory where it was made or something like that...apparently, he was a rather short man and the bike was a little hard for him to handle....

51of200 wrote:

....

If that's a recent photo, the bike appears to be in pristine condition, with original paint and exhausts. Just too much shadow to really see it all that well.

What is the current mileage?

Am liking the LTD style "stepped" seat, but uncertain whether it was oem on this model.

To my eye, it's a handsome desireable motorcycle, and I would be proud to own and ride it.

Good Luck!

See? I told you you'd get a lot more answers over here on KZR!