Need to ID my '78 KZ400 Engine

Hello All,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a 5 year Jeep owner. I have gained quite a bit of mechanical knowledge working on my Jeep, so that being said I have a decent amount of mechanical experience. Recently I have purchased a "some assembly required" '78 KZ400. This is my first motorcycle. As of today, using www.kz400.com , I have narrowed the frame and the engine down to a '78 model year. Seller claimed it was a '76. I've assembled some of the bike, but have yet to mount the engine to the frame. Before I can do so I feel its necessary to make the engine ready and complete. It is just about completely assembled. I still need to affix the stator cover, the clutch assembly, the clutch cover, intake manifold, and the carburetors. I have purchased a set of carburetors, though I do not yet know if they will fit, because I haven't bought a intake manifold just yet. This is where you lovely people come in. I need to positively ID my motor model so that I can make an informed order for the intake, then I can see if the carbs I bought fit the intake. I have the VIN off of the frame and the engine, and pictures of both that I will attach. If you are able to help narrow down my search, that would be of the utmost help. The VIN's are as follows.

Frame: K4-082545
Engine: K4-E-122658

If necessary, I am able to provide any part numbers and as many pictures as needed to help you all help me.

Thank you all,
78KZ400TX

COOL LITTLE MOTORCYCLE. I have one in back of my truck for ebay parts next winter! At least that is the plan! Capitalism.
Supply and Demand!

KZ400B.
Same carbs and intake boots as the KZ440.


.

What is it that makes it the B model? What model carbs am I looking for?

I haven't seen that tool in the Kawasaki Special Tools Manual. :laugh: Ed

78KZ400TX wrote: What is it that makes it the B model? What model carbs am I looking for?

The curvy oil line that feeds the valve train was added in 1978. The top banjo fitting and bolt are visible between the two inlets and just below the head. (Or find the center between the valve adjuster covers and look a few inches below.) The '78 KZ400 commuter bike is the KZ400B1, and the 1979 model is the KZ400B2.

On the carb front, if you want to stay stock you would be looking for Keihin VB32s. If you want to do any tuning or mods, you'll probably want a set of Mikuni VM32s. I have a spare set to sell - PM if you're interested.

What is it that makes it the B model?

Kawasaki uses a letter suffix to differentiate between models & styles. In your case a 400B is a standard model w pretty much the classic Z1-type styling. The 400A is kind of a touring model with a fairing & saddlebags. The 400C is similar to the B, but it has a front drum brake instead of a disk. The 79 400H is an Ltd. Ltd & CSRs typically have more chrome & 16" rr wheel w fat tire. etc etc etc