Six Kawasaki Z2 and Mecum auction

Is there a visual difference between VM26 and VM28 carbs?
Please report.
 

Great Question 73! Outwardly once mounted, really no distinguishing differences. Therein lies the problem, unless you're supplied with the casting numbers. One shown is a 213 over 00 whereas a Z1 had the 217 over 0. The intake side venturi on the VM26SC's were about 25.6, 28's about 27.6. Engine side VM26 was 26.6, Z1 28's were 28.6. Have to realize these were NOT line bored as a straight thru finished product, only the portion where the slide sits. There are differences noted once bowl is removed. The jet holder/emulsion tower threaded section is a bit deeper before the threading starts. But 1976 Z2 carbs used the same jet holder as the Z1. Jetting on earlier Z2 carbs was waay different. All the ramp-lifters and bracket/choke mechanism remained the same as the Z1.       How much more info do You want..I can keep rattling on, hehe.

They look the same to me, thanks for the report.
Do you have a Z2?
I had a chance to buy a Z2 in 2010 for $1200, old, worn out, many rusty parts, saw no reason to buy
I was surprised last year when the Z2 sold for $85k.
There are thousands of Z2 running around Japan

Do i own a Z2 technically, no. But i'm restoring a couple for a Friend in Virginia. And bits for a member here. Why buy a bike when one can work on others, ha. As said before, i know that Gent with the 85K oddity, he sent me his wiring harness to redo. The crap that goes into redoing these birds makes those coming up for auction look paltry. I don't use "aftermarket" bits. Everything is re-used and accounted for. Datecodes and all.  

I am not a expert in Z1 or Z2, but I did see a Z2 engine being rebuilt at my local Kawi engine guys shop years ago.

The Z2 carbs are VM28 bodies bored to 26mm from the factory, they look super weird because of the smaller bore. The cylinder liners are also weird because they have a super thick wall, they use the 900 liners bored for a 750 piston. These are basically the only major differences the engines have over a Z1.

So it's possible there might be some guys out there with sleeper 750's that are now actually 1015's or 1075's.  Hmm...
(Once a hotrodder, always a hotrodder)     

While they share the similar DNA Injected, the Z2 26mm carb bodies come from a completely different mold. Two completely different birds. And Yes, could pop out a Z1 liner and transfer to the Z2 cylinder. KZ1000 stock liners are different.

What I remember is that the crankshaft was an independent development, with a different stroke as i n the Z1-900 engines...

January 30, 2025
www.mecum.com/lots/1137455
Z2F-14435

Absolutely Joe, completely different crank assemblies. Came in two versions to boot, keyed and non-keyed rotors, just like the Z's and KZ's. 13031-044 keyed and 13031-1007 just tapered friction fit. Both 58mm stroke though. Yet another one 73Z1? I'll have a look..  

Looks nice but yet again..an aftermarket parts magnet. Carbs are correct this time though, ha.