[GeneralPatton35]

I recently bought a 76 KZ400 (images attached). It has a little over 8000 miles on the odometer but it should be mentioned the speedometer cable was disconnected for sometime before I owned the bike so I am not sure the exact mileage. The bike is mostly stock from what I can tell. There is one electrical part that is after market and I believe it's the regulator. I am also aware that one of the mirrors is not stock as can be seen in the second image. The reason I am posting is when researching the bike to find parts needed for it, I have been finding parts that don't seem to be correct. I was curious if that could be because of the OHC seen on the side cover. Not all KZ400s have this and was hoping for some clarification of what this meant as to help speed up my searching. I am in possession of the KZ Series Shop Manual which has been a great help. My only issue is that the shop manual does not give any part numbers or anything of the sort. Any advice about where to find parts would also be greatly appreciated. I apologize for such a winded post but hoping this gives enough information for people looking to help. Thanks for reading!

 

[WFO-KZ]

OHC refers to Over-Head Camshaft.
I think all KZ-400's had the OHC but maybe not all of them decided to feature this by advertising the fact on the side covers.

Part numbers and parts diagrams can be found in a number of places. Here is one:

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/1976/kz400-d3

 

[WFO-KZ]

Based mainly on the paint and markings it looks more like a 1974 or 1975 model. If you post your frame number we can try to ascertain exactly what it is and that will help you get the correct parts for your bike.

It appears that all 1974 and 1975 bikes had the OHC label on the side covers, and after that, they stopped.

 

[martin-csr]

The side covers or emblems could have been swapped.
probably not, but you never know sometimes. It's been almost 50 yrs.

I would check the frame & engine numbers at CycleChaos, Zedder or KZ400 dot com.
Not sure what manual you have, but the Kawasaki factory service manual is preferable but it won't have part numbers. The back cover of the FSM may list the models covered.

ps: in case you aren't aware, the luggage rack is aftermarket. Looks like a K&G or Aschco.

 

[GeneralPatton35]

The VIN number is K4E008849. I appreciate your help with this post and the other one regarding parts.

 

[GeneralPatton35]

The VIN number is K4E008849. I appreciate your help with this post and the other one regarding parts.

So the first number I posted was on the engine block. The number in the picture is the number on the steering stem (behind front forks).

 

[WFO-KZ]

Ok good. So 1974 was the first year of production of the KZ400, so all numbers started at 00001 according to Kawi.
In 1975 the first serial number used for the frame was K4-013800.

So if your frame is K4-009265 then you have a 1974 KZ400. It may have been sold in 1976 and titled as a 1976 but the numbers indicate its a 1974 and that could explain why you are having a hard time getting parts that match.

 

[GeneralPatton35]

Ok good. So 1974 was the first year of production of the KZ400, so all numbers started at 00001 according to Kawi.
In 1975 the first serial number used for the frame was K4-013800.

So if your frame is K4-009265 then you have a 1974 KZ400. It may have been sold in 1976 and titled as a 1976 but the numbers indicate its a 1974 and that could explain why you are having a hard time getting parts that match.

Thank you so much. That makes a lot of sense. Really appreciate all your help!

 

[martin-csr]

Parts & repairs. Something I do is get the part numbers at Partzilla, then head over to EB to see what's available. Or to see what something looks like >> NOS parts on EB are handy in that regard. Some maintenance items may still be available at the dealer. Z1Enterprises dot com is where I get most of my stuff. also, CycleTerminal for electrical repairs.

 

[GeneralPatton35]

Parts & repairs. Something I do is get the part numbers at Partzilla, then head over to EB to see what's available. Or to see what something looks like >> NOS parts on EB are handy in that regard. Some maintenance items may still be available at the dealer. Z1Enterprises dot com is where I get most of my stuff. also, CycleTerminal for electrical repairs.

Thank you, that’s good to know. Appreciate the advice.

 

[Kawasomething]

That's a beautiful bike. I'm trying to prevent myself from picking up one that is for sale locally. I have enough to keep me busy with my 305