Decoding a VIN

Hi guys, I'm in the market for my first bike in 25 years. But it will be at least 6 months. My back has to have time to heal and so does my wallet from being off work.
What I want to know, is there a resource to decode a VIN? On ebay for instance (can't get out much with the back injury but I can type and point a mouse) I see a motorcycle listed as an LTD but the side covers don't say LTD. Does it say on the title? Can that be discerned from the VIN? Anyway I am not sure this is the correct forum but I would appreciate any input you have. Thanks.

Pumps, all motorcycles have a VIN number. Different makes have there own "code" or configuration, that allows you to determine the manufacturing date and the model.

To list them all would indeed be a feat! However, If you know the make (This forum is Kawasaki) and you quote the VIN, we would be able to determine the model. It would be nice to know approx year and capacity, however, it can be achieved with simply the VIN by some experts here.

There is no code per-se, It is just that each model has a unique number with a unique prefix. most here, including myself, would not be able to identify a VIN outside our range of interest. For example, I know Z's from 1972 to say 1980, yet a Kawasaki 1972 H2 triple would leave me stumbling.

RegardZ

pumps:

Let me expand on Garn's reply (and he is correct about the info being specific to models/year/displacement). For example, between 1977-1980 [inclusive] the sixth letter in frame VIN of the KZ1000 model line told you if it was either a LTD model ( or a standard (A). I did not include the 'C' line (Police) as I don't know how they fit in this series, but certainly they all used the same engines. So, the type of info you need in the future is available, but it may differ with respect to displacement and year of production.

Pumps... if memory serves, Steve Zedder has vin numbers and engine numbers listed on his web site for various Kaw models. You could perhaps check it out and determine which model you are seeing on eBay. There usually isn't much difference between an LTD and standard model... a shorter front fender, seat, perhaps tank is a shade smaller, graphics/paint and pipes and carb tuning are usually the only differences. Sometimes brakes and forks/shocks but essentially, a standard and LTD are the same bike.

I pulled this from another forum and Jeff answered it better than I could (and I, once again, learned a little more):

There are 6 different major variants of the early KZ1000's and differences within each across the 4 years of the production run (77-80 with the 81
police bike being a holdover of design for that one year).

A is the Standard models
B is the LTD - stepped seat, pullback bars, Jardine exhaust
C is the Police bike - often with fairings, single seat and some different electrical
D is the Z1R - a semi-sportbike look with angular fairing and trim - many different and unique parts on these
E is the shaft drive version - although a few parts will interchange, many more do not
G is the Z1 Classic - fuel injected, some unique parts including the seat(no tail on the bike)

There are four variants of the engines.
77 & 78 (and 79 LTD) use the 15T crank with full flywheels
79 & 80 (except LTD) use the 16T crank (beefier center section of the crank) with a mix of full and half flywheels - aka MK II motor
79 & 80 shaft drive use the 16T crank and have a different clutch,transmission & final drive
80 Z1 Classic uses the MK II motor but it has a different cylinder head with injector ports and different intake manifolds

Jeff Saunders

Here is Zedder's link:

zedder.com/msg1.htm

The letter designation in the frame number will help you to determine what model the bike was originally. But over the decades, these bikes have been modified. LTD converted to standards, and vise versa. The bike may have some LTD parts, and some Standard parts because it's all interchangeable.

These letter designations mentioned above only relate to the KZ1000 models. For example, on the KZ750 line (1980-84), there is a whole different series of letters. The serial numbers starting with KZ750E are the "standard" models, and those starting with KZ750H are the "LTD" models. There are more, of course.

Also, at least in the KZ750 line-up, the frames and forks on the LTD line are significantly different that the Standard line. The LTD bikes have a greater rake at the steering head, and the forks are longer. The rear frame geometry is a little different as well. It is hard to tell unless you put them side by side, but since I have one of each, I have done that.

Thanks guys, you have given me a ton of info! I know I will enjoy being here. Thank you.