Where to find VIN

I've been trying to find the VIN on my 1976 KZ400D. I have found the K4-XXXXXX numbers on the tag and stamped onto the steering column. Everyone keeps saying to find a 17 digit number, but I didn't think that came into effect until the 1980s. Would somebody be able to tell me the actual length of the VIN and where to find it. I am trying to get a title for the motorcycle.

Sounds like you found the VIN already and correct again that the 17 digit VIN became a thing in 1980 or thereabouts.

I'm pretty sure 1981 was the first year for the 17-digit vins. but don't quote me on that. hee.

HeiShadow10 wrote: I've been trying to find the VIN on my 1976 KZ400D. I have found the K4-XXXXXX numbers on the tag and stamped onto the steering column. Everyone keeps saying to find a 17 digit number, but I didn't think that came into effect until the 1980s. Would somebody be able to tell me the actual length of the VIN and where to find it. I am trying to get a title for the motorcycle.

Everyone that tells you that is wrong. As others have replied the VIN is stamped in the steering neck - you already found it. Ed

I think Kawasaki moved to the longer VIN with the intro of the KZ1000, in 1977.

From what I have read, the standardized seventeen digit vin became mandatory in the U.S. for 1981 model, road legal vehicles. Between 1954 and 1980, the gubmint required a vin, but let manufactures choose their own system.

hardrockminer wrote: I think Kawasaki moved to the longer VIN with the intro of the KZ1000, in 1977.

Must have been a bit later than '77. My KZ1000A1 has a 6 number vin KZT00A-XXXXXX

That looks like 12 to me! Nevertheless I was incorrect. My 1980 LTD is 12 like yours. My wife's 1981 KZ 550 is 17. Apologies!

Thank you guys for all the responses, with the DMV in Illinois still being closed until God knows when I was just trying to get a head start. I was 99.9% sure that the 17 digit Vin didn't come in until later but I figured I'd ask.

kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/613182-k-z200-confusion#826067