How can i tell what year this bike is?

I was given a 550 ltd that was shot as a parts bike from a friend. I used a few things on my 79 Kz650. but i am curious to know the year of the bike, as it was in their yard for years and had no title. If anyone has some telling points that give a year, it would be appreciated.

The vin, or frame number, is stamped on the steering neck. There should also be a decal next to it with the date of manufacture. Keep in mind that the model year production does not match calendar year. For example, Kawasaki began building the 1978 models in The summer of 1977.

There is a PDF copy of the 550 service manual under the Articles tab here on KZR. On the back cover, there is a chart showing the vin range for each model year.

But, the model year CAN match the calendar year, 1978 models would have also been built the first 6 months or so of 1978. Not a hard and fast rule, but our model year production many times ended at our summer 2 week shutdown, which was usually the end of June.

Mike

CycleChaos.com & Zedder.com are a couple of places to check the VIN.

Since the motorcycle doesn't have the bolted-on muffler stays, I'd say it's a 1980 model. just a guess.

Zedder does not have a listing for the 550s

I have attached the table from the back of a manual

Not being au-fait with all models but isn't that picture of a 440 twin belt drive?

Agreed. no doubt.

You know I just did not look at the pic close enough, it is a pic of a twin belt drive, not a double overhead cam 4 cylinder like the 550s are.

In this case you should be able to find the vin #s on this site kz400.com/

:whistle: