loudhvx wrote: Great undertaking. Thanks a lot!
The 1986 Zx550A would have been an A3 if I'm not mistaken... and I'm not sure the U.S. got that model. I thought 85 was the last year in the U.S.
I know we all assume that Kawasaki increments the model designation one number every year, but I have found at least 1 model where that rule does not hold true according to Kawasaki's parts fiche. I don't remember exactly which bike model did not follow the rule. If I can find it I'll let you know.
Here's how I think the Zx550's break down.
1984 Zx550A1 (Gpz)
1985 Zx550A2 (Gpz)
1986 Zx550A3 (Gpz) available in the U.S.? Canada only?
Your info on the 84 and 85 confirms what I have found.
I found a source that lists a North American vin for the 86, so I have included it, but I have no confirmation whether it was Canada only or not.
This has been an interesting and informative task. I had no idea there were so many KZ models sold in North America. One of the interesting tidbits I found is that starting with a couple of models in 1977, then spreading to all of them, KZ engine numbers have the letter E in the middle, suggesting to me that this is an easy way to tell an engine number from the vin or frame number. This practice carried over into the early ZN and ZX bikes that used KZ engines. Also, the Lincoln vins are easy to spot. they all have a 5 as the first of the sequential numbers ---
JKAZXDE1_FB
5XXXXXX. I have found one exception (1980 440A2 LTD) , which raises some doubt in my mind about the accuracy of the source.