1972 Kawasaki Z1 900 Low VIN Outstanding Original Example

1972 Kawasaki Other

Price: US $14,600.00
Item location: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States
Make: Kawasaki
Model: Other
Type: Sport Bike
Year: 1972
Mileage: 37,345
VIN: Z1F-00380
Color: Orange & Brown
Vehicle Title: Clear
Contact seller: Contact form
Description

Z1F-00380 a rare opportunity to acquire The Original Superbike from The Vintage Motor Toys LLC Private Reserve

Note: This is an investment quality low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 being offered. Bidders with less than 10 feedback must email me before bidding. DO NOT bid if you are not in a financial position to complete this transaction. DON’T ask the reserve amount-it is reasonable for this example.

Up for auction from my personal collection, he Vintage Motor Toys Private Reserve, s my outstanding, ltra-low production 1972 Kawasaki Z1. This low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 is the cornerstone of my collection and is hands down the most valuable and collectible production vintage Japanese motorcycle ever produced. This early and correct Z1 features the early and correct date codes on its core parts. Please consider this investment opportunity carefully as these extremely low VIN examples are few and far between. International bidders struggling with the strong US Dollar please remember this is a very rare chance to acquire a Z1 that is impossible to find.

The frame number appearing on this Z1 is Z1F-00380 and the engine number appearing on this Z1 is Z1E-00405 making this a numbers matching correct original, ltra-low production 1972 Kawasaki Z1. The frame and engine numbers are just 25 digits apart and this example was no doubt built in the first weeks of production and was one of the world’s first Z1’s and consequently one of the world’s first and Original Superbikes.. The odometer currently reads 37,345 actual and original miles. The build date reads 9/72. The frame tag is in excellent, riginal and untampered condition and the actual stampings on the steering neck are in perfect, riginal condition as well. The engine number stamping is also in original, ntampered and perfect condition. Other date codes and stampings will be outlined below.

This Z1 is an outstanding condition early VIN 1972 example that I purchased some time ago when excellent examples like this were already getting very difficult to locate. The low VIN Z1’s have always been challenging to find. I targeted this particular example because of its unbelievably low VIN, ts overall completeness, orrectness, he correct date codes and originality. I purchased this Z1 from the original owner who used it very gently and purchased it new from a local Michigan Kawasaki dealership-this Z1 has resided in Michigan its entire life until I purchased it. Included with the sale are the original Michigan dealer plate backer and original Michigan license plate showing the last registration in 1989. I also have a clear title that matches the VIN exactly on this Z1. This Z1 is ready for international export and all paperwork is in order. I am also including the original owner’s manual and original Kawasaki tools that came with this Z1 from the dealer.

With so many vintage Japanese motorcycles in my collection, do not have time to enjoy them all and I know the new owner of this outstanding, ltra-early VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 is going to be receiving not only the highest quality and most correct example being offered but also an investment quality example as these early VIN bikes keep appreciating quickly and are at this point nearly impossible to find with the correct parts. As you know, n outstanding low VIN 1972 Z1 like this that has not been molested is very, ery difficult if not impossible to find. This Z1 should not be confused with the other Z1’s commonly offered by amateur and unreliable sellers that have been improperly tampered with or ruined in some way over the years. This Z1 is in the top 1% as far as rarity, orrectness and originality are concerned. I am sure that the new owner is going to have a superb early production Z1 Superbike to enjoy as is, dd to a collection or complete a show quality restoration with.

Date Codes & Early Production Parts on Z1F-00380

-Rear bottom shock stamping (left &right): 29

-RH Kill switch: 28

-LH Bar Switch: 28

-Brake Rotor: 7H

-Front Rim: TAKASAGO 185BX19 2H 303

-Rear Rim: TAKASAGO 25BX19 2G 303

-Rear Swing Arm: Correct ultra-early 1972 un-stamped swing arm. The swing arm installed is the correct original on this example that came on the Z1 when purchased new.

-Rear Brake Stay: Correct ultra-early 1972 un-stamped rear brake stay. The brake stay installed is the correct original that came on this Z1 when new..

-Early Mikuni VM28SC 28mm rib less carburetors featuring the early choke lever with red lettering, arly choke plungers, 7mm drain plugs, ngular carburetor tops with 2 attachment screws each and original fuel line and clips.

-Small emblem fuel tank

-Black petcock with fuel ports out the rear.

-Early speedometer and tachometer featuring correct small “ND” on the bottom of the faces. Early speedometer is in 20 mph increments up to 160 mph and the 20 is offset as well. Tachometer redline is from 9000 rpm to 12000 rpm.

-Dashboard reads “NEUT”, FLASH”, BEAM” and “OIL” as is expected on an early Z1.

-Rear brake has no wear indicator or wear range on rear brake backing plate

-Engine covers does not have shift pattern or “Kickstart” embossed in the correct original early covers.

-Early front brake master cylinder cap and ribbed brake hose boot

-Ignition switch has no stampings and no keys. The seat lock has a 755 stamp and the fork lock also has a 755 stamp

-903 CC on cylinder lower right hand corner as well.

As you can see, erial number 380 has the correct factory stampings and original parts that were date coded and installed at the factory. It is obvious that none of the core parts have never been tampered with or replaced on this example. Date code stampings became more prevalent on the later Z1’s so if I have missed any stampings you need please let me know and I will look. All the core components on this Z1 are factory correct to this example and have not been changed.

Z1F-00380 Cosmetics

Cosmetically, umber 380 features all of its original body work and original paint. No paint has been touched up anywhere on this example. The body work is the original set that came on this example. The fuel tank is outstanding and features the nicest original paint I have come across on an early Z1. The tank does have a few nicks and scratches from age but nothing major. The original paint on the fuel tank is deep, ich and still has a high gloss shine and minimal to no fade. The fuel tank itself is very solid and would only need a rinse from sitting so many decades. The rear tail section is outstanding as well and has no cracks. Inside the rear tail section is the owner’s manual tray as would be expected. The original paint on the tail section glows. The original side covers and emblems match the condition of the rest of the nice original body work and do not have any cracks or broken tabs. The frame has not been touched up either and what you see is original, actory paint.

The original owner of this example used number 380 as a weekend cruiser for him and his wife. The original owner always garage kept this early Z1 and always had it maintained at the local Kawasaki dealer where it was purchased thus its nice overall condition. This Z1 was also never crashed, aid down or involved in an accident. This example did have a set of running boards, ftermarket seat and aftermarket exhaust installed at the dealer as it was much more comfortable for the original owner and his wife. When I acquired number 380 I removed all the incorrect items and installed a new, orrect reproduction seat, orrect reproduction exhaust and hardware, orrect reproduction front and rear fenders, orrect reproduction foot pegs (front only), ear brake pedal, hift pedal, urn signals and the front and rear long engine bolts as well as the right bottom engine bracket bolt (these engine fasteners were replaced as a result of the hardware used to install the running boards), eproduction rear grab bar, ide stand with spring and hardware and reproduction hand grips. All these new reproduction parts are in absolute perfect new condition and have not been used. If the new owner plans to do a complete restoration most of the needed parts are already present and in new condition.

The original gauges are present and feature the correct early faces with the small “ND” on the bottom and features the early speedo with the offset 20 and the 20-160 mph gauge face. The gauge faces do have some slight oil staining from age. The trip meter also functions correctly. The dash board is the early correct version reading “NEUT”, FLASH”, BEAM” and “OIL”. The correct master cylinder and original handlebar switches are mounted on the straight and original handlebars. All 4 original cable ties are also present on the handlebars. The original left and right levers are also present. The original mirrors are mounted and nice. The headlight bulb looks to have been replaced at some time as well. The chrome fork ears are present and feature nice, riginal factory chrome and they are not bent. As we make our way down we see original date coded shocks are mounted with original reflectors (original on the front forks as well). The rims are the correct original date coded rims and do feature replacement tires that were replaced before I acquired number 380. If the new owner plans to ride number 380 you will no doubt need new tires. The front forks and fork lowers are straight and original as well. Original electrical components are present under the side cover and the original chain oiler is present and has never been removed from this example. The engine features original factory alloy finishes on the engine side covers in nice condition with no nicks or gouges and the engine features its original black factory paint. There are no damaged engine covers and no damaged or broken fins anywhere on the engine. Also the frame on this example is original, orrect and has not been damaged or altered.

Z1F-00380 Mechanics

Mechanically, his low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 was last on the road sometime in 1989. The original owner used this Z1 as a casual cruiser and put on a few thousand miles with his wife yearly. It was stored in his heated shed during winters and finally the fuel was drained from the tank and carburetors prior to storage in 1989. When I acquired this example, decided to leave its original components totally original/untouched as possible and just add the few correct parts it was missing. This was the right thing to do as the carburetors have never been off this example and the engine has never been out of the frame or opened up. It’s obvious by looking at the screws and bolts on the engine, arburetors and carburetor clamps that the carburetors have never been off and the engine has not been opened as fasteners are crisp with no indication of ever being removed and re-installed. The carburetors also still have their final yellow check markings intact. This is very difficult to find on a low VIN 72 Kawasaki Z1.

This early, ow VIN example is a testament to the quality and durability of the Z1. This early model has just over 37,000 original miles and the engine or carburetors have never been off this example. I did remove one carburetor drain plug and the inside of the bowl appeared near new. The carburetors smoothly open and close and the choke lever smoothly slides. The engine also turns over smoothly with excellent compression. This Z1 ran very strongly at some point and if the new owner plans to drive this Z1 it will no doubt need a going over and all general maintenance as recommended by Kawasaki. This would be the perfect low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 to add to a collection or investment portfolio as is or the perfect starting point for a complete and show quality restoration or can be enjoyed as is. As long as I have owned this example, have not tried to start or ride it and look at it as more of an investment rather than transportation. I am convinced the engine is mechanically sound as the original owner said it was and because he always had it maintained at the Kawasaki dealer and properly drained this example prior to storage.

Z1F-00380 in Review

I would like to stress once more that this low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 should not be confused with the others that the general public typically has to choose from. It has nothing to do with and never will have anything to do with the average Z1 example or even a restored example. It is so clean, riginal, orrect and well preserved/maintained it would be very, ery difficult to find another one in this sort of condition especially from a reliable collector with outstanding feedback from selling New Old Stock parts and vintage Japanese motorcycles. As mentioned earlier, his example is ready for international export, omes with a clear title that matches the VIN exactly on this Z1 and comes with the correct original owner’s manual and tools. A very rare opportunity to acquire an investment grade 72 low VIN Z1 900.

Please feel free to ask any general questions about this Z1. I am also happy to email any serious bidders pictures upon request. If I have missed any date codes please let me know and I am more than happy to look into them and I am always happy to send any additional pictures that may be needed. As mentioned earlier, his is a very rare opportunity to acquire a real investment grade low VIN 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900-the Original Superbike.

Z1F-00380 Payment & Shipping

Regarding Payment and Shipping, will accept a wire transfer or a certified check for the Z1. Payment must be received within 10 days of the close of the auction. I will and can assist with shipping this motorcycle anywhere in the USA or any other country in the World. I have shipped many classic Japanese motorcycles to Australia, apan and Europe and have many different channels to get motorcycles exported for a reasonable cost. I can also work directly with your shipper if you are outside the U.S.A to get this motorcycle to you as well. I can help with the paperwork and any customs forms free of charge as well. We can work together and get this motorcycle to you if you are outside the USA-it is no problem at all. I can also deliver this bike to Forward Air free of charge or may be able to deliver within 500 miles of Minneapolis, N for a fee. The bike is sold as is.

Please feel free to contact me via the ask seller a question link on this auction listing or call me (Kurt) directly at 651-895-5155. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this Z1. Also, lease look at my feedback and bid with complete confidence. I only offer the finest NOS parts and rare motorcycles from my collection and I have thousands of happy customers around the world.

Kurt Pfender

Vintage Motor Toys LLC


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