History: Lincoln Nebraska Models

I have acquired a 1981 KZ440, and read somewhere that it was a model assembled in Lincoln, Nebraska. I'd like to know if that's true, since it would be kind of cool what with me living in Lincoln and all. If it is true, I'd like to know if it applies to this particular scooter. Does anyone know how to figure that out from the serial number? Honestly, I don't even know if the Lincoln plant was operational in 1981, and had rather thought that all they assembled at the beginning was the big bore touring bikes (in order to beat the Harley tariff).

Actually, I think they started assembling bikes there in 1975 (with the KZ400)...I know with larger bore bikes, it can be discerned from the frame number which bikes were assembled in Japan vs. Lincoln. What is your frame number?...if it has a leading '5', it may be a Lincoln bike.

Mcdroid wrote:

Actually, I think they started assembling bikes there in 1975 (with the KZ400)...I know with larger bore bikes, it can be discerned from the frame number which bikes were assembled in Japan vs. Lincoln. What is your frame number?...if it has a leading '5', it may be a Lincoln bike.

yep it was still open in 81,had a cheap suply of parts coming from there in early 80s! :laugh:

Not being from the USA, what happened to the Lincoln plant and are all Kawasakis now assembled & manufactured in Japan?

I have have a feeling that my 1980 Z1 Classic is a USA manufactured bike?

last i heard they were building kawasaki brand heavy equipment there.i might be by there this weekend ,ill see if theres any signs of life around there

If the serial number (the last six digits of either format) starts with a 5, then, congratulations! You have a Lincoln built model.

My 650B3 and my Bayou hail from Lincoln.

Yes Frame number 503196, so I guess it hails from Lincoln.
I would think that all Z1 Classics (less than 3000) were manufactured there.

Kawi is still going strong in Lincoln, where they're one of the largest employers. They are producing rail cars and have expanded the plant for that purpose. I don't know if they are still making vehicles there. If so, it's ATVs.

Tommotbird wrote:

Not being from the USA, what happened to the Lincoln plant and are all Kawasakis now assembled & manufactured in Japan?

My understanding is that the last motorcycle built at the Nebraska facility rolled out of the plant in 2005 (KZ1000 Police) and that the plant has retooled to other Kawasaki products.

I wonder if my 1990 SX650 jet ski was made there....... Would anyone have a clue since I dont?

Rats. Mine's not a Lincoln bike. I suppose "Made in Japan" should have been a clue.

I just checked my kz 650 b, the vin is KZ650B502139. So is it safe to say my 650 hail's from lincoln, nebraska?