How to find out original colour

[Farmer Bob]

Almost ready to get the Z1B painted. It's currently in the Z1A Candy Tone Green, but I'd like to go for a Z1B colour this time. I don't really have any preference but I like the idea of taking it back to its original colour if I can. Is there any way to find this out, based on the frame number perhaps? Was one more common than the other?

On a different tack; is there any major preference out there for either colour? Wouldn't want to pick the colour that no one likes, I'll be selling it one day

[Zedorset]

Is there a wear on the paint that reveals the original colour, mine had worn through where the seat touched the tail piece, I could see blue paint underneath.

[davejames]

Is it a UK bike or import from US/Europe? If it's UK you can get the info from DVLA.

[pertonpc]

look for traces behind badges/ grommets/ rubbers or inside/ underneath tank & panels or fuel filler cap/ catches.
a lot of painters wont get right in around those and there may be some original bits to spot somewhere.
Such as where front tank to frame mounting rubbers go or threads above fuel tap.

[garyd]

Don't think the colour will matter...but I prefer the blue with the thick gold stipe.

Z1b Blue.jpg (13.52 KiB) Viewed 7469 times

[Gonzo]

Almost ready to get the Z1B painted. It's currently in the Z1A Candy Tone Green, but I'd like to go for a Z1B colour this time. I don't really have any preference but I like the idea of taking it back to its original colour if I can. Is there any way to find this out, based on the frame number perhaps?

If you enter your reg No into this it will tell you the proper colour..

https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk

[Farmer Bob]

Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...

[ADRIAN H]

If you enter your reg No into this it will tell you the proper colour..

https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk

Only tells you the colour the vehicle currently should be. Not original colour.

[ADRIAN H]

Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...

If it’s a Z1B - should be either a Candy Sky Blue or Candy Red. The blue is very difficult to match. Hutch (club members) at Pontefract Paint has done mine.

[wheelysteve]

Got to be red

20181010_112427.jpg (244.05 KiB) Viewed 7448 times

[ADRIAN H]

Got to be blue. Best colour.

[Gonzo]

Tsk, I hope that's your forecourt Adrian?

(BTW, I prefer the Candy Blue but to be honest, both Z1B colour schemes are absolutely stunning)

[Garry.L]

'Original' Candy Red.....

Picture037.jpg (423.96 KiB) Viewed 7425 times

[chrisNI]

DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

1974 is quite likely to be the build date for a Z1B...

[chrisNI]

Thanks for the replies. It's a US import and had already been repainted. DVLA says 1974 Green but the frame/Engine numbers come up as 1975/Z1B. I guess they just have whatever the importer gave them at the time.

I'll look for previous paint as suggested. If that doesn't work, I'm thinking the blue looks best. Or perhaps the red. No, Blue. Red. Hmm...