Post Sale Update: This rare KZ sold for the unorthodox BIN figure of $11,111.
In 1978, Kawasaki was the only Japanese manufacturer with a facility in the US. Kawi’s president (Dave Mehney) and Marketing Vice President (Dick Terrell) decided to highlight that with an “All-American Ride-away” – a program where Kawi customized 200 of their KZ1000s with an American paint job and then had dealers fly in to ride the bikes between the Kawi plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to St. Louis, Missouri. Then they got to take the bikes back to their respective dealerships. This is example #178 of 200.
Ignoring that this looks like what Evel Knievel would ride if he had to use a Japanese bagger, these KZ1000s were built in conjunction with Craig Vetter, who designed the front fairing. The bikes also got saddlebags, a luggage rack, engine guards, highway pegs, and the seat from a LTD model. For more information on these limited run, check out these series of scans from a magazine article provided by the seller.
This example (VIN: KZTOOA516278) has a bit over 11,000 miles and is being offered by the third owner (who has had it for about 5 years). It s claimed to be in well-preserved shape with light wear marks on the mufflers and reproduction tachometer cable and rear shocks (original shocks included in sale). The seller added a Dyna ignition system when he ran it but has reinstalled the original coils and points, and an automatic cam chain tensioner has been added as well. In the sellers words, “All of the difficult, time consuming, expensive parts and services have already been located and done for you” – and considering he’s the guy behind kzkrazy.com, he probably knows what he’s talking about.
Find this patriotic Kawasaki for sale in Spencerport, New York with a BIN of $11,111 or best offer