[Yelsarb]

got this bike for 200,

needed a carb clean I got it running but leaks gas from the carb I checked it and the flout needle was damaged, so I’m thing about buying a pwk38mm carburetor I’m thinking it will fit, also I’m thinking about painting the hole bike black and sanding down the gas tank and putting bondo in the dents, also need to now why the vin is 12 numbers on the front of the frame

also the guy said it was a 1977 but I’m not sure.

 

[1981GPZ550]

With a date of 5/77 it would be a 77. If the date were later in the year perhaps 11/77 or 12/77 it would be a 78. Don't remember the exact transition point but a 5/77 would certainly be a 77,.

 

[Yelsarb]

With a date of 5/77 it would be a 77. If the date were later in the year perhaps 11/77 or 12/77 it would be a 78. Don't remember the exact transition point but a 5/77 would certainly be a 77,.

ok thanks for letting me know, also do you know why the vin is 12 numbers

 

[martin-csr]

17-digit vins were first introduced/required in the United States in 1981.
Some countries didn't make the switch for a number years after that.
Some Kawasaki service manuals have the engine number range on the model application chart on the back cover, so in some cases you'll see two vin types for certain models, the now standard 17-digit & the other simpler type like yours.

ps: I think June is the cutoff date for a model year. anything mfg after that is next year's model.

 

[Yelsarb]

17-digit vins were first introduced/required in the United States in 1981.
Some countries didn't make the switch for a number years after that.
Some Kawasaki service manuals have the engine number range on the model application chart on the back cover, so in some cases you'll see two vin types for certain models, the now standard 17-digit & the other simpler type like yours.

ps: I think June is the cutoff date for a model year. anything mfg after that is next year's model.

Thank you!!