Kawasaki Superbikes: Z1000 A

By Stefan R. Oehl

Top of the Range

Five years after the presentation of the legendary Z1, the end is reached for a model range. Lessons learned from the development of previous models lead to another milestone of motorcycle history. Kawasaki presented a technological and optically mature superbike with a 1000cc engine for private use, which simultaneously dominated racing and also appeared in a legendary movie. Converted into a mean machine, its driver Jim took on a motorcycle gang equipped with high powered technology based on the same model. Unfortunately, he lost his fight to “maintain right” within a post-apocalyptic and lawless scenario, but his legacy lives on.

This volume tells both stories and also presents the work of some of the most talented bike builders in the world.

Have you ever wondered what the correct owner tools are for your vintage Kawasaki? You will find the answer here as well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: May 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369494967

Book preview

Copyright © 2024 by Stefan Oehl. 856748

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

www.xlibris.com.au

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024901474

Rev. date: 05/06/2024

CONTENTS

Copyright

Figures

Preface

Introduction

Layout of the Pages

Kawasaki Model Code

Date Markings

Kawasaki Part Numbers

Japanese Writing

Kawasaki Z/KZ1000 A1, A2 and A2A

Development

Technical Data and Equipment

Colour Schemes and Markings

Motorcycle Identification Markings

Primary Markings

Secondary Markings

Major Subassemblies

Frame

Wheels

Engine

Exhaust

Carburetors

Meter Faces

History

Speedometer, Kilometer Counter, Trip Kilometer Counter and Reset

Tachometer

Indicator Lamp Cover and Ignition Lock

Meter Evolution

Alternative Speedometer Face

Decals and Service Information

Buildup

Vehicle Identification and Frame

Stands and Horn

Crash Brace

Front Wheel Assembly, Front Axle, and Front Fender

Front Brake

Z1000 A1

Z1000 A2 and A2A

Front Suspension

Fork Brace

Steering Stem

Steering Damper

Meters and Meter Bracket

Handlebar

Handlebar and Handlebar Controls

1972 and 1973

1974 to 1977

1977 and 1978

Head Lamp

Front Turn Signal Lamps

Mirrors

Vetter Fairing and Lowers

Fairing

Lowers

Vetter Head Lamp

Vetter Fairing Mount

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Mounting Set and Fuel Tank Cap

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

Starter Motor

Front Chain Cover

Clutch Adjuster Cover

Clutch Release Mechanism

Engine Breather and Engine Oil System Connections

Engine Oil Cooling Option

Carburetors and Air Cleaner

Left Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Seat and Frame Fittings

Tool Case and Owner Tools

Tool Bags

Swing Arm

Rear Wheel Assembly

Chain Guard and Drive Chain System

Rear Suspension

Rear Fender Cover

Rear Fender Stay and Luggage Carrier

Vetter Saddlebags, Floating Mount and Luggage Rack

Exhaust System

Exhaust Pipe Holder

Rear Fender and Rear Reflector

Tail Lamp, Tail Lamp Bracket and Fender Eliminator

Rear Turn Signal Lamps

Rear Brake System

Right Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Kick Starter and Kick Shaft Cover

Oil Fill Port

Clutch

Clutch Cover

Contact Breaker, Contact Breaker Cover, and Ignition Coils

Foot Controls and Footrests

Photo Sets

Z1000 A1

Z1000 A2

Z1000 A2A & KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Z1000 A1 (1977) Kwaka

History

Photo Sets

Z1000 A2 (1978) Kwaka Replica

KZ1000 A4 Mk.II (1980) Goose Tribute

Sources and Support

About the Author

001_a_lbj23.jpg

Figure 1. Z1000 A1 (1977)

2nd Edition May 2024

Stefan R. Oehl

ABN 26 284 690 647

21 Bucknor Drive, Deception Bay 4508, Queensland, Australia

Code Z is a registered trademark (Australia).

002_b_lbj23.jpg

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]

002_a_lbj23.jpg

Figure 3. Code Z Dragon

FIGURES

Figure 1. Z1000 A1 (1977)

Figure 2. Code Z Trademark

Figure 3. Code Z Dragon

Figure 4. Z900 A4 (1976)

Figure 5. Z1000 A1 (1977)

Figure 6. Fuel Tank Emblem created in 1978 for the KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 7. KZ1000 A2A (1978) Spirit of America, Motorcycle #178 of 200

Figure 8. Helmet Replicas of two of the Main Characters of the legendary Movie

Figure 9. Scale-Model of Jim Goose’s Z1000 A1 Kwaka

Figure 10. Structure of the Pages

Figure 11. Sequence of Illustrations and Pictures

Figure 12. Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Ref. Table 1

Figure 13. Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Ref. Table 2

Figure 14. Manufacturing Date Markings (Examples only)

Figure 15. Part Number Decoding and Conversions

Figure 16. Parts Label Versions

Figure 17. Conversions and Abbreviations

Figure 18. Japanese Writing Versions

Figure 19. A Thought from the Author

Figure 20. Z1000 A1 (1977)

Figure 21. Basic Technical Data - Z1000 A1

Figure 22. Technical Data and Equipment - Z1000 A1

Figure 23. Basic Technical Data - Z1000 A2

Figure 24. Technical Data and Equipment - Z1000 A2

Figure 25. Basic Technical Data - Z1000 A2A

Figure 26. Technical Data and Equipment - Z1000 A2A

Figure 27. Basic Technical Data - KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 28. Technical Data and Equipment- KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 29. Body Set Diamond Wine Red - Z1000 A1

Figure 30. Body Set Diamond Sky Blue - Z1000 A1

Figure 31. Body Set Luminous Red - Z1000 A2

Figure 32. Body Set Luminous Green - Z1000 A2

Figure 33. Body Set Luminous Red - Z1000 A2A

Figure 34. Body Set Ebony - Z1000 A2A

Figure 35. Body Set KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 36. Fuel Tank KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 37. Fairing KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 38. Lowers KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 39. Saddlebags KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 40. Z1000 A1 (1977) – Diamond Wine Red

Figure 41. Z1000 A1 (1977) – Diamond Sky Blue

Figure 42. Z1000 A2 (1978) – Luminous Red

Figure 43. Z1000 A2 (1978) – Luminous Green

Figure 44. Z1000 A2A (1978) – Luminous Red

Figure 45. Z1000 A2A (1978) – Ebony

Figure 46. KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America (1978) complete

Figure 47. KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America (1978) naked

Figure 48. Fuel Tank Emblems and Side Cover Emblem Versions – Z1000 A1, Z1000 A2 and Z1000 A2A

Figure 49. Fuel Tank Emblems, Side Cover Emblems, Fairing Emblems and Saddlebag Emblems – KZ1000 A2A Commemorative model Spirit of America

Figure 50. Frame Number (VIN) and Engine Number

Figure 51. Total Cylinder Capacity (Total Displacement)

Figure 52. Engine Number, Oil Specification and Oil Quantity

Figure 53. Frame

Figure 54. Front and Rear Wheels

Figure 55. 1015cc A-Engine

Figure 56. 4 into 2 Exhaust System

Figure 57. VM 26 SS Carburetor Assembly

Figure 58. Z-tacho Meter Face (Replica)

Figure 59. Meter Faces & Warning Lamps - Z1000 A1 to Z1000 A2A

Figure 60. Meter Faces & Warning Lamps - KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 61. Warning and Service Decal Set - Z1000 A1 and Z1000 A2

Figure 62. Warning & Serv. Dec. Set - Z1000 A2A & KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 63. Vetter Type & Warning Decal Set - KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 64. Fuel Tank Decoration - KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 65. Saddlebag Lid Decoration - KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 66. Fairing Decoration - KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 67. Document Tray, Service Information and Warning Decals – Z1000 A1, A2 and A2A (UK Version)

Figure 68. Document Tray, Service Information and Warning Decals – Z1000 A1, A2 and A2A (US Version)

Figure 69. Document Tray, Service Information and Warning Decals – KZ1000 A2A Spirit of America

Figure 70. Model Recognition Manuals 1970 until 1985

Figure 71. Special Tool Catalog Versions

Figure 72. Service Manuals KZ1000 A1 and KZ1000 A2

Figure 73. Parts Catalogs KZ1000 A1 and Z1000 A1 European Version

Figure 74. Parts Catalogs KZ1000 A2

Figure 75. Assembly and Preparation Manuals Z1000 A1

Figure 76. Assembly and Preparation Manual KZ1000 A2

Figure 77. Owner’s Manuals KZ1000 A1 and KZ1000 A2

Figure 78. Service Handbooks from 1970 until late 1970s

Figure 79. Warranty Handbooks from 1970 until late 1980s

Figure 80. Warranty Handbooks from 2000 until Present

Figure 81. Z1000 A2 (1978)

Figure 82. Frame Segments and Vehicle Identification

Figure 83. Z1000 A Frame

Figure 84. Frame Front Section

Figure 85. Frame Front Section and Reflectors

Figure 86. Frame Front Section and Spine

Figure 87. Frame Middle Section

Figure 88. Frame Rear Section

Figure 89. Main Stand and Main Stand Mount

Figure 90. Main Stand and Side Stand

Figure 91. Horn Bracket and Horn

Figure 92. Crash Brace

Figure 93. Genuine Kawasaki Crash Braces with Footrests – Left Side

Figure 94. Genuine Kawasaki Crash Braces with Footrests – Right Side

Figure 95. Individual Parts

Figure 96. Footrests

Figure 97. Front Wheel Assembly with a single Disk Brake System

Figure 98. Takasago Front Wheel Assembly with Tokico Dual Brake Calipers – mounted to the Front of the Outer Fork Tubes (Z1000 A1)

Figure 99. Takasago Front Wheel Assembly with Dual Tokico Brake Calipers – mounted to the Rear of the Outer Fork Tubes (Z1000 A2)

Figure 100. Front Wheel Assembly

Figure 101. Front Brake Drum Assembly (Hub)

Figure 102. Front Wheel Spoke Set

Figure 103. Front Wheel Mounting Set & Speedometer Drive System – Single Disk

Figure 104. Front Wheel Mounting Set & Speedometer Drive System – Dual Disk

Figure 105. Front Fender and Brake Hose Brackets

Figure 106. Optional Rubber Mud Guard – suitable for the Rear and Front

Figure 107. Front Brake Master Cylinder and Brake Lever

Figure 108. Dual Tokico Front Brake Caliper Arrangement at the Front of the Outer Fork Tubes

Figure 109. Dual Tokico Front Brake Caliper Arrangement at the Rear of the Outer Fork Tubes

Figure 110. Front Single Brake Line System - 1977

Figure 111. Front Single Brake Line System - 1978

Figure 112. Front Dual Brake Line System - 1978

Figure 113. Left and Right Front Brake Caliper Assemblies

Figure 114. Front Brake Caliper Assembly Comparison

Figure 115. Internal Front Brake Caliper Components and Caliper Holder

Figure 116. Front Brake Disk

Figure 117. Front Fork - 1977

Figure 118. Front Fork - 1978

Figure 119. Front Fork (Rear View) – 1978

Figure 120. Outer Fork Tubes – 1977

Figure 121. Outer Fork Tube Components – 1977

Figure 122. Outer Fork Tubes – 1978

Figure 123. Outer Fork Tube Components – 1978

Figure 124. Fork Tube Assembly Components - 1977

Figure 125. Fork Tube Assembly Components – 1978

Figure 126. Fork Brace - Type 1

Figure 127. Fork Brace Versions

Figure 128. Steering Stem - 1977

Figure 129. Steering Stem - 1978

Figure 130. Steering Stem Mounting Components

Figure 131. Steering Stem Components

Figure 132. Steering Stem Comparison

Figure 133. Steering Head Components

Figure 134. Handlebar Holder

Figure 135. Steering Head and Handlebar Mounting Sets

Figure 136. Fork Covers – 1972 to 1975

Figure 137. Fork Covers – 1976 to 1978

Figure 138. Fork Cover Mounting Set

Figure 139. Steering Damper (optional)

Figure 140. Meter Mounting - 1977

Figure 141.