intro and 1st question to determine my exact kawasaki

Hello all. My name is Allan and I just bought a 1981 Kawasaki Z750 LTD. I am trying to figure out if the bike is a "z" or "kz" 750 LTD. The VIN starts with "KZ750H". The guy that sold it to me said it was a "z"750 but the model number suggests to me that it's a "kz". What is the difference? What does the LTD signify. Any info is appreciated.

Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:51

Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:52

Allan wrote:

Hello all. My name is Allan and I just bought a 1981 Kawasaki Z750 LTD. I am trying to figure out if the bike is a "z" or "kz" 750 LTD. The VIN starts with "KZ750H". The guy that sold it to me said it was a "z"750 but the model number suggests to me that it's a "kz". What is the difference? What does the LTD signify. Any info is appreciated.

Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:51<br><br>Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:52

Hello and welcome!

The "KZ name was for the U.S., the "Z" name was for everywhere else. Same bike with only minor regional reuirement differences.

LTD was often used as a style indicator. Most bikes called LTD have a more laid-back look, stepped seat, higher bars, more fork angle. Sort of a corporate custome idea.

Enjoy!

Hey, thanks for the info. Here some pics

Welcome Allan.

We got KZs up here in the Great White North as well.

The Zs were the early model 900s as well as some of the late model (2000+) 1100, 1200.

Oh also the Z750 and Z750S 200?

Post edited by: rstnick, at: 2005/10/25 19:13

Allan wrote:

Hello all. My name is Allan and I just bought a 1981 Kawasaki Z750 LTD. I am trying to figure out if the bike is a "z" or "kz" 750 LTD. The VIN starts with "KZ750H". The guy that sold it to me said it was a "z"750 but the model number suggests to me that it's a "kz". What is the difference? What does the LTD signify. Any info is appreciated.

Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:51<br><br>Post edited by: Allan, at: 2005/10/25 18:52

the old kawasaki codes are like alphabet soup.

KZ750H is the "model code" (used in the VIN, workshop manual and parts list)and KZ750LTD is the "marketing code" (used in advertising and brochures).

More on the KZ750 bikes: There are two cylinder, and four cylinder models. The KZ750E (the "Standard") and the KZ750H (the "limited") were both the four cylinder models for the 1980-1983 years.

The four cylinder KZ750 bikes share most of the parts and running gear. The differences that I have noted: KZ750H has a slightly raked front steering head, and longer forks. It also has different (larger) gauges, and a fuel tank low level indicator light. Further, the KZ750H has a smaller diameter, wider rear wheel (16 inches, as opposed to 19 inches for the KZ750E). The rear sprocket sizes are different, too. As for styling differences, the KZ750H tank is smaller and more sloped toward the rear, it has a "Stepped" two piece seat, no plastic tail piece, and instead a chrome rear fender. The KZ750E has the larger tank, a single piece nearly flat seat, a plastic rear fender, and a squared plastic tail piece and tailight assembly similar to that used on the KZ100ST model. The KZ750H has round turn signals, a chrome headlight bucket, and chrome chain guard. The KZ750E has "flattened round" turnsignals, a black painted headlight bucket, and a black plastic chain guard. Also, the handlebars on the KZ750H are the "mini-apehanger" type, and have been replaced by most owners with something lower, straighter, and more comfortable.

The engines on both bikes are identical, except for paint (the KZ750E engine is mostly black). They are equally powerful and fun to ride, but ride a little diferently due to the differing steering geometry and seat placement. I am very happy to own and ride both.

I hope you enjoy your new ride.