50th Anniversary Heads Up

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21 Jan 2024 11:41 #894269 by krazee1
50th Anniversary Heads Up was created by krazee1
I had a meeting Friday concerning the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the Kawasaki Factory in Beautiful, Lincoln NE. It will be towards the end of October, with some open house opportunities for the public. I volunteered my services to help prepare for the event, and it looks like my role will be helping to relocate the Product Display Area's contents to a newly remodeled Front Business Entrance. After looking at the display vehicles, I was a bit disappointed that there isn't much representation from the 1970s. 2 KZ400s, one of which is a blue 1975 model which represents the 1st bike off the line in January 1975, and a baby sh#t brown "Commuter" (fairing/saddlebags) model. There are 2 1984 900 Ninjas, one with 2 miles in a display case that was #500,000 off the assembly line, and the other with 144 miles. I suggested selling, or trading the 144 mile example for a 1976 KZ900, or a 70s 900 or 1000 LTD. Even a KZ650 would be cool, one of my favorites, because my first Kawasaki was a bright red 1977 KZ650.  I have 0 authorization to make any offers/deals at this point, but I thought I would ask this group if they thought such a "swap" might be feasible. I'm not even sure if the Ninja is a saleable vehicle, it may be a prototype/preproduction, I don't remember where it came from. 
I will post the exact dates for the open house for those who might be interested in attending, I would love to meet some Forum members. Unfortunately the plant no longer builds motorcycles, and has changed significantly since the heyday of M.C. production, but is nonetheless an amazing facility!

Mike

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)
The following user(s) said Thank You: KZQ, Mcdroid, slmjim+Z1BEBE, Nessism, Street Fighter LTD, Mikaw, Nerdy, 78kawltd and 1 other people also said thanks.

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21 Jan 2024 13:49 #894274 by Nerdy
Replied by Nerdy on topic 50th Anniversary Heads Up
Looking forward to the updates! :)

1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R

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21 Jan 2024 15:52 #894280 by !Seymore
Replied by !Seymore on topic 50th Anniversary Heads Up
PICs Mike... eye candy for those who don't have the ability to make the event? (raising hand...)

 

C.
79' KZ650-D2 [fsm] (Max)
83' KZ750-F1 LTD [clymers] (Kay)
82' KZ1100-D1 Specter (another project)
78' KZ650-B2a (J&H, A Project)
91' KZ1000-P (P = parts)

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21 Jan 2024 16:59 #894281 by Wheelhop
Replied by Wheelhop on topic 50th Anniversary Heads Up
Would it be possible to arrange for members to bring their bikes to the celebration and maybe have a gathering/ display / cruise out in the parking lot?

1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70
The following user(s) said Thank You: slmjim+Z1BEBE, Nessism

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21 Jan 2024 19:17 #894284 by krazee1
Replied by krazee1 on topic 50th Anniversary Heads Up

Would it be possible to arrange for members to bring their bikes to the celebration and maybe have a gathering/ display / cruise out in the parking lot?

I can run that idea past the "Boss".  It might be possible to reserve/rope off an area,  but I have noticed the parking lots being VERY full these days.  I personally think it would be very cool for some of the old bikes to "come home". 
Mike 
 

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)
The following user(s) said Thank You: slmjim+Z1BEBE, howardhb

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