TOPIC:

Hello everyone,

I am considering the purchase of a 77 KZ1000. Nice bike that should need little 'love' to become a head turner. I have a number of questions.

The bike has the following VIN's:

Frame: PHKXXY012745

Engine: KZT00AE019004

I was hoping someone could help me with these numbers. I have never seen a frame number like that. What info can I gather from these numbers.

The bike is black and the current owner feels the paint is original. Black is not listed as an option in 77. Green and Red from I recall.

Any help, references to sites that can help is appreciated.

All the best,

Paul

Paul...make sure you have a clear title that specifically makes note of the frame number. The frame number is not a Kawasaki VIN and either has been reissued to a replacement frame or it is a hot bike with a washed title. In either case, you would have to know where the title was originally issued that first had these different frame VIN #'s to attempt to verify authenticity. The motor VIN is within the series used in KZ1000A1 series ( www.zedder.com ). Paint is not original. Use the fact the the frame is not original to negotiate a considerable drop in price.:)

Thanks for the advice. Anybody have any idea what brand of frame I may be dealilng with? I thought the XXY portion seemed a little odd.

Paul

Unless the frame looks markedly different from a stock frame (Egli, etc), it is likely made by Kawasaki as a replacement frame (and as such, was not numbered)...or it is the original frame with altered numbers (rare, but I've seen it done). Are these numbers stamped into the headstock (where one would normally find the frame VIN)?

The frame looks like the right one. The Vin is stamped on the steering column on the right hand side. If this were a frame from another model of bike, wouldn't it be an odd (and obvious) misfit. I mean, if this were a Honda CB frame, how could it possibly fit?

Paul

this is a 78 but the frame is pretty much same as a 77,if it has the stamped steel footpeg brackets on frame for rear pegs like these chances are its a 77-78 kz1000 frame

Assuming this is not the original frame and that it's anybody's guess where this frame came from, what can you suggest this would do to the value of this cycle?

I want the bike, but this frame leaves me with too many questions . . .

Suggestions?

Paul

I've been keeping my eye open for a '77 for about 3 years now. It's the first year for the one-liter bike, and it's one I've always wanted, and never owned.
I personally wouldn't sweat the frame, as long as the seller has a good title, and the VIN matches the number on the bike.
Hard to say what the bike is worth. Just like any vehicle, it's worth more if it's been pampered. The frame's not original, so the bike was probably crashed and re-built. So, look for signs of damage, road rash, bent forks or handlebars.
Colors for the '77 KZ1000 Standard were Red and Blue. Colors for the '77 KZ1000 LTD were Dark Blue and Mahogany (dark brown). So the body parts were probably repainted.
If you can post a pic of the bike, you'll get LOTS of opinions.
Does it run?

There are no clear indications that the bike has been put down. Engine is free of markings although it will need polishing. Starts up and idles nicely. It does not have original pipes. Lower end 4-1 that would need replacing to make it a head turner.

I'll work on getting a picture. He wants $1700 U.S., non negotiable. For sure it will need new paint, new seat, new pipe, cleaning and probably need the carb clean and tune up. Some minor cosmetic upgrades would be in order as well but could happen over time. It does not have turn signals.

I appreciate the opinions I am receiving.

Paul

Sounds like the seller's pretty proud of that bike.
A repaint can be pricey. You'll probably have $3000 in the bike by the time you're happy with it.
If you're looking for a 70s/80s KZ1000, you'll find cheaper bikes with better frame pedigrees if you keep looking.
If you're looking for '77, then you may have bit of a wait if you walk away from this one.

Good points. I like the 77 and 78 1000's. Obviously I can appreciate the 74 - 76 900's but they can be a little trickier to track down.

Fuel for thought.

Paul

ltdrider wrote:

If you're looking for '77, then you may have bit of a wait if you walk away from this one.

And im just lettin this one collect webs and dust!! Thats Kawa-Abuse....I should be punished!!! Somebody?......Hit me wit a pair of BoBBies...I'll learn one day!!!!

Post edited by: JUSTICE114, at: 2007/03/29 16:00