Z1 - KZ Tail Section Geometry

Does anybody know what year the changed the tail section geometry? Seems like the Z1 had a pretty rounded section, and then sometime in the late 70s they switched it to more of a 'squared-off' section.

Thanks!

Maverick

1976 A4 and B1(LTD) changed to the square tail light from the earlier round tail light.

The 1979 KZ1000A3 went to a very different body style including the squarish tail piece.



Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/15 18:02

The tail sections used on the Z-1 pretty much stayed the same from 73 to 78 on the standard model bikes. The LTD's were the same from 76 till 1980. The first of the squared off tail sections was used on the 78 Z1-R and beginning in 79 the KZ 1000 Mark II had a squared off tail section as well.

Fully concur with Gringo's post.

Here's the 1978 Z1R

Patton wrote:

1976 A4 and B1(LTD) changed to the square tail light from the earlier round tail light.

The 1979 KZ1000A3 went to a very different body style including the squarish tail piece.

<br><br>Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/02/15 18:02

im with patton on this one,though it wasnt really squared it was kinda flattened out starting on 76 kz900

That's sort of what I was thinking... The change from 75 to 76 seems pretty subtle. I think the 76 is just slightly flatter on the top, whereas the 75 and earlier is more of a constant curvature. Then in 78/79 came the really drastic changes with the very squared off bodywork. Can anybody confirm the 75 to 76 change?

Maverick wrote:

That's sort of what I was thinking... The change from 75 to 76 seems pretty subtle. I think the 76 is just slightly flatter on the top, whereas the 75 and earlier is more of a constant curvature. Then in 78/79 came the really drastic changes with the very squared off bodywork. Can anybody confirm the 75 to 76 change?

Hereby confirmed. And it is subtle. As Wireman says, it was flattened out in '76.

Easier to notice when viewed from the rear. Curvature on Z1 conforms to the round taillight. Curvature on the '76KZ900 conforms to the square taillight.