TOPIC:

I am looking at a Diamond Dark Green 1976 KZ900. It is supposed to be original minus exhaust (old school Kerker now). It appears to me that the stripes are decals rather than being painted on the tank, I have a 1978 KZ1000 with an original Luminous Red sun baked to orange tank. It has painted on stripes from the factroy. I also have an original 1977 KZ1000 tank (Diamond Wine Red) with painted stripes. I am of the understanding that the Z1's had painted on stripes also. Based on these tanks, am I correct to assume that the 1976 KZ900 is a re-painted bike?

Thanks for any advice.

They are decals.
Steve
z1parts.net/complete-decal-set-kz900-a4-1976-green/

So is it correct that all the Z1's had painted stripes? Do you know why the KZ900 went to tape, or why they then went back to painted stripes on the 1000's?

Z1's weren't painted on.
Steve

KZ A4 and B models were decals be ware of where you buy them, cost and who put them on or they will peal like my nose after 3 days on the road.

76, 77, 78 were all decals from the factory. 75 tail was decals, but the only decals on the tank were the white stripes outlining the black. 74 only had the white stripes done with decals. 73 was all paint. Reproduction Decals (Diablo.com) has the best quality decals.

ok. Thanks everyone.

So as not to spread any untruths, I will stop using my 60 year old memory (possibly aged further by a trip through the 70's). I took a fresh, and close, look at the 78 KZ1000 tank today. The factory stripes are decals, as was stated here by the man from PaintWorkz. I will refresh my memory tomorrow with a close look at the 77 KZ1000 tank, and post the expected results of that adventure. Facts are good!!!

Paintworkz is our / my go to guy here on KZRider for paint advise .
Go to his website and look at all the beautiful paint jobs he has done .
He sells paint that will match factory original paint schemes
and can tell a customer how to apply it properly
Dave