Kawasaki Superbikes: Z900

By Stefan R. Oehl

The End of a Legend
The era of the superbikes has just started, and it is already the end of a legend.
The last 903cc four cylinder four-stroke engine equipped Zed appeared on the stage.
The reader of this volume will get to know about the build-up of an almost perfect Zed. Almost because it didn’t have the 1-liter engine which the customers of that era now expected. The 903cc engine was fitted to the new Z900 series. These Kawasaki top models appeared in 1976. The sale numbers, however, were low and the series ended in 1977 with the Z900 A5. “Code Z” tells the story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369494998

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KAWASAKI

SUPERBIKES

Z900

STEFAN R. OEHL

Copyright © 2024 by Stefan R. Oehl. 856747

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Xlibris

AU TFN: 1 800 844 927 (Toll Free inside Australia)

AU Local: 02 8310 8187 ([phone] from outside Australia)

www.xlibris.com.au

Library of Congress Control Number:           2024901475

Rev. date: 04/15/2024

Figure 1. Z900 A4 (1976)

2nd Edition April 2024

Stefan R. Oehl

ABN 26 284 690 647

21 Bucknor Drive, Deception Bay 4508, Queensland, Australia

Code Z is a registered trademark (Australia).

Figure 2. Code Z Trademark

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission.

The Author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work, the right not to have a person falsely assert or imply that they are the author of this work and the right not to have his work subjected to derogatory treatment which is prejudicial to his honour or reputation.

Comments or suggestions for improvements

related to this book are always welcome.

Email: [e-mail]

Figure 3. Code Z Dragon

Contents

Copyright

Figures

Preface

Introduction

Layout of the Pages

Kawasaki Model Code

Date Markings

Kawasaki Part Numbers

Japanese Writing

Kawasaki Z/KZ900 A4 and A5

Development

Technical Data and Equipment

Colour Schemes and Markings

Motorcycle Identification Markings

Primary Markings

Secondary Markings

Major Subassemblies

Frame

Wheels

Engine

Carburetors

Exhaust

Meter Faces

Speedometer, Kilometer Counter, Trip Kilometer Counter and Reset

Tachometer

Alternative Speedometer Face

Decals and Service Information

Buildup

Vehicle Identification and Frame

Stands

Crash Brace

Front Wheel Assembly, Front Axle, and Front Fender

Alternative Front Wheel Assembly

Front Brake

Front Suspension

Fork Brace

Steering Stem

Steering Damper

Handlebar

Handlebar and Handlebar Controls

1972 and 1973

1974 and On

Meters

Meter Bracket

Speedometer, Kilometer Counter, Trip Kilometer Counter and Reset

Tachometer

Indicator Lamp Cover and Ignition Lock

Head Lamp

Front Turn Signal Lamps

Fuel Tank

Fuel Cock Assembly

Engine

Cylinder Head

Cylinder Head Cover

Cylinder Pistons and Crank Shaft

Crank Case, Transmission and Gear Change Mechanism

Oil Pan, Oil Pump and Oil Filter

Alternator

Starting Motor

Clutch Release Mechanism

Clutch Adjuster Cover

Engine Breather and Engine Oil System Connections

Engine Oil Cooling Option

Carburetors and Air Cleaner

Left Side Cover

Seat, Frame Fittings and Owner Tools

Swing Arm

Rear Wheel Assembly

Alternative Rear Wheel Assembly

Drive Chain System

Rear Suspension

Rear Fender Cover

Rear Fender Stay

Exhaust System

Exhaust Pipe Holder

Rear Fender and Rear Reflector

Tail Lamp, Tail Lamp Bracket and Fender Eliminator

Tail Turn Signal Lamps

Rear Brake System

Right Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Tool Case

Kick Starter Pedal and Kick Shaft Cover

Oil Fill Port

Clutch

Clutch Cover

Contact Breaker, Break Point Cover, and Ignition Coils

Foot Controls and Footrests

Photo Sets

Z/KZ900

Kawasaki KZ900 B1 LTD

Development

KZ900 B1 LTD

Technical Data and Equipment

Colour Schemes and Markings

Major Subassemblies

Frame

Wheels

Engine and Carburetors

Exhaust

Meter Faces

Decals and Service Information

Buildup

Frame and Vehicle Identification

Side Stand

Crashbraces

Front Wheel Assembly, Front Axle, and Front Fender

Front Brake

Front Suspension

Steering Stem

Steering Damper

Handlebar, Handlebar Controls and Meters

Fuel Tank

Engine

Carburetors and Air Cleaner

Left Side Cover

Seat and Frame Fittings

Rear Wheel Assembly

Drive Chain System and Swing Arm

Rear Suspension, Rear Fender Cover and Passenger Grab Rail

Sissy Bar

Exhaust System

Rear Fender, Tail Lamp, and Tail Lamp Bracket

Rear Brake System

Right Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Kick Starter Pedal and Kick Shaft Cover

Oil Fill Port and Clutch Cover

Break Point Cover and Contact Breaker

Foot Controls, Footrests and Side Stand

Photo Sets

KZ900 B1 LTD

Sources and Support

About the Author

Figures

Figure 1. Z900 A4 (1976)

Figure 2. Code Z Trademark

Figure 3. Code Z Dragon

Figure 4. American-Style Kawasaki Pin

Figure 5. Structure of the Pages

Figure 6. Sequence of Illustrations and Pictures

Figure 7. Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Table 1

Figure 8. Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Table 2

Figure 9. Manufacturing Date Markings (Examples only)

Figure 10. Part Number Decoding and Conversions

Figure 11. Parts Label Versions

Figure 12. Conversions and Abbreviations

Figure 13. Japanese Fonts

Figure 14. A Thought from the Author

Figure 15. Z900 A4 (1976) nicknamed the Midnight Prowler by Bill Haylock (Bike, Feb. 1976)

Figure 16. Production Motorcycle Z900 A4

Figure 17. Basic Technical Data

Figure 18. Technical Data and Equipment

Figure 19. Z900 A4 and Z900 A5 Diamond Dark Green

Figure 20. Z900 A4 and Z900 A5 Diamond Brown

Figure 21. Exceptional Example for a professionally painted Z900 A4 and Z900 A5 Body Sets and a matching Helmet in Diamond Brown

Figure 22. Z900 A4 (1976) and Z900 A5 (1977)

Figure 23. Fuel Tank Emblems and Side Cover Emblems Z900 A4 (1976) and Z900 A5 (1977)

Figure 24. Vehicle Identification Markings

Figure 25. Z900 A4 and A5 Frame

Figure 26. Front and Rear Wheels

Figure 27. 903cc Engine

Figure 28. Mikuni VM 26 SS Carburetor Assembly

Figure 29. 4 into 4 Exhaust System

Figure 30. Z-tacho Meter Face

Figure 31. Meter Face Layout & Warning Lamp Markings (Version 1)

Figure 32. Meter Face Layout & Warning Lamp Markings (Version 2)

Figure 33. Non-Original Meter Face Layout (Type 1 - 3)

Figure 34. Non-Original Meter Face Layout (Type 4 - 6)

Figure 35. Non-Original Meter Face Layout (Type 7 to 10)

Figure 36. Warning and Service Decal Set

Figure 37. Rear Fender Cover Document Tray, Service Information and Warning Decals

Figure 38. Owner’s Manual and Shop Manual

Figure 39. Parts Catalogue (Europe) and Exclusive Parts List Examples

Figure 40. Service Handbook Evolution

Figure 41. Warranty Handbook Evolution

Figure 42. Service Record Evolution

Figure 43. Z900 A4 (1976)

Figure 44. Frame and Vehicle Identification

Figure 45. Frame 32002-152

Figure 46. Frame

Figure 47. Frame Headstock

Figure 48. Frame Horn Mount

Figure 49. Frame Section Comparison KZ900 B1 LTD and Z900 A4

Figure 50. Main Stand and Side Stand

Figure 51. Z900 A4 with Crash Braces

Figure 52. Front Wheel Assembly

Figure 53. Front Spoke Wheel Assembly

Figure 54. Front Brake Drum Assembly

Figure 55. Front Wheel Spoke Set

Figure 56. Alternative to a conventional Spoke Wheel. Henry Abe (HA-Industries) Alloy Front Wheel on a Z900

Figure 57. Henry Abe (HA Industries) Cast Front Wheel Assembly

Figure 58. Speedometer Gear and Axle Mounting Set

Figure 59. Front Fender Brake Hose Brackets

Figure 60. Single Front Brake System

Figure 61. Dual Front Brake System

Figure 62. Front Brake System Components

Figure 63. Left and Right Front Brake Caliper

Figure 64. Front Brake Caliper and Caliper Holder

Figure 65. Front Brake Disk

Figure 66. Front Fork with Dual Front Brake System (Front View)

Figure 67. Front Fork with Dual Front Brake System (Right Side View)

Figure 68. Outer Front Fork Tubes

Figure 69. Front Fork Shock Absorber Assembly

Figure 70. Fork Brace Type 1

Figure 71. Fork Brace Types

Figure 72. Steering Stem Assembly, Front Lights, Meters, and Handlebar

Figure 73. Steering Stem Assembly

Figure 74. Steering Stem (Z900 A4 and Z900 A5)

Figure 75. 900 Super Four Z1 Steering Stem for Comparison

Figure 76. Steering Stem Versions for Comparison

Figure 77. Steering Stem Head

Figure 78. Handlebar Holder

Figure 79. Steering Stem and Handlebar Mounting Sets

Figure 80. Fork Top Bolt Versions

Figure 81. Fork Covers

Figure 82. Fork Covers for Comparison (900 Super Four Z1)

Figure 83. Fork Cover Mounting Set

Figure 84. Steering Damper (optional)

Figure 85. Handlebar, Controls and Meters (Note the French Head Lamp Bulb. Local Regulations require it to be Yellow)

Figure 86. Handlebar, Controls, Meters, Turn Signals and Head Lamp

Figure 87. Cockpit Layout

Figure 88. Meters, Meter Bracket and Meter Covers

Figure 89. Meters (Rear), Meter Bracket and Mounting Set

Figure 90. Meters (Rear) and Meter Cables

Figure 91. Indicator Meter Cover, Meter Bracket Cover, Locks and Keys

Figure 92. Handlebar and Handlebar Holders

Figure 93. Z1 Housing Assemblies for Comparison

Figure 94. Z1 A and B Housing Assemblies for Comparison

Figure 95. Z1 A and B Housing Assembly Markings as Examples

Figure 96. Z900 A4 and A5 Levers and Housing Assemblies

Figure 97. Z900 A4 and A5 Housing Assemblies

Figure 98. Left Rubber Grip and Clutch Lever

Figure 99. Forward Brake Master Cylinder and