Differences between KZ900 and Z1 900

swest wrote: There are a few things he missed. The carbs on the 76 are 26mm as opposed to 28mm on the Z1. The KZ 900 frame has a extra gusset tube above the horn bracket. The steering dampener mount was turned into a reflector mount and another was placed on the other side. It's been said the KZ frames were thicker material. Mine being a Franken Z, I have some of both. More Z1 than KZ but it is what it is. :whistle:
Steve

Steve, you have to keep in mind the intended audience of this video is for people that know nothing about these bikes so they can know the difference between a 76 KZ or earlier Z1 (which are more valuable). So if he said the KZ comes with 26 mm Mikuni vs a 28 mm Mikuni really doesn't mean much to the novice. However, correctly stating that the sync screws are inside the cap on the KZ and Z on the outside for the Z1 is a better visual cue ( 5:25 mark). Can't see that he said anything wrong about the dampener mount. He did refer to how thin the metal is on part of the frame (11:45 mark). But he gave a more practical visual clue to validating the frame by looking at the nubs behind the steering stem. He did state the frame was updated on the KZ. Once again, is for people that are not expert on these bikes.

GregZ wrote: I shut it off after three minutes. The speedo on the z1 is wrong its a 74. The tach on a 76 kz900 goes to 12K not 9 Also A 75 and 76 speedo may look similar but the rectangular cut out for mileage and trip on the 75 is beveled. Any idiot can point out reflectors are missing and five bolt rotor

Greg, what he meant was the redline marker on the KZ900 starts at 9000 rpm instead of 8500 rpm that the KZ900 in the video shows. He said these bikes were not 100% correct. If you look at gauges on the KZ900 full screen, you will see that indeed, it does go to 12000 rpm but the redline starts at 8500 rpm (which is incorrect).
I think the only mistake he made was about the Z1 having six bolts on the rotor.

But for the most part, I thought it was useful video for someone like myself who may know everything about my KZ900 but not about the differences compared to a Z1. Since I only own a KZ and haven't owned my Z1 for 27 years now.

These guys are not limited solely Z1/KZ. They do other models and brands. Here is modified Kaw they did.

Patton wrote: Per Dave Marsden
December 1998

[All caps as in the original copy.]

CHAPTER SIX.
THE 1976 (K)Z900-A4 STARTING FRAME NO: Z1F-085701 ONWARDS.

1976 BROUGHT A LARGE CHANGE TO ALL KAWASAKI MODELS. A NEW METHOD OF IDENTIFACATION WAS INTRODUCED. ALL MODELS NOW HAD A PREFIX TO DETERMINE THERE INTENDED USE. "KH" INDICATED KAWASAKI HIGHWAY, "KT" INDICATED KAWASAKI TRIAL, "KX" KAWASAKI MOTOCROSS, "KE" KAWASAKI ...

Thanks Patton. This write up is for the true aficionado, Seems to be the ultimate authority. Information overload for me to read all of it. But a great reference to have around.

It's easy to forget because Z1's are the "Holy Grail" of Kawasaki's that the KZ900 was brought out as an improved to that model with lots of changes many of which carried over to the KZ1000 in 77. It's unfortunate for the KZ900 that it had such big shoes to fill and so often is viewed as somehow inferior when it was actually better bike as the KZ1000A1 was after that. Admittedly some of the changes were necessary to meet stricter noise legislation etc. but it's still amazing how much was changed for a 1 year only model. An interesting video, although familiar with most, if not all, of what was discussed, it was interesting to see a side by side comparison where you can see both bikes. In my head I was comparing both to the KZ1000 and noticing the differences there too.

I can't stand a 'finished' bike having forks dropped thru the trees 3" or so, also the side cover with the gaping hole looks way out of place, fill it in. I'd assume that's actually a bodyset they had laying around, that they decided to use on that H2 instead.

There also was no need to modify a set of k2tec chambers, I would have just bought a kit from 'walms' and had something designed that way (3 pipes together, exiting out the same side) properly set up to an H2 porting, and not chance mucking about with pipe ratios for a look.

Still not a bad bike, but hardly finished

This is a good site on the subject.
Steve
www.kawasakiz1.com/

This thread is referenced in answer to a recent inquiry, and is one of six topics with similar information as included in the following link:

Click here > www.kzrider.com/forum/search?query=FRONT...te=all&childforums=1

Good Fortune!

GregZ wrote: Also A 75 and 76 speedo may look similar but the rectangular cut out for mileage and trip on the 75 is beveled.

Orig 75 gauges, 4/75 build date