Replacement Seat Cover for 1978 Z1000 A2.

[Kev1R]

If anyone bought a UK z1000 new in 1978, still has it and not changed much this could be for you.
Regarding seat cover pattern. One is squares which go to D shapes at the edges - I think this is for 900’s and available at Z Power.

The other is basic square shapes (which is on my bike at the moment) but I cannot be sure it was factory fitted.


Also I wondered if seat straps were standard fitment to UK bikes as some of the replacement covers come without. My manual shows no strap. The bike that ‘Bike’ magazine tested in July 1978 did have one. I noticed that Philippes restoration last year had the square pattern like mine and fitted strap.
I know Kawasaki sometimes did not have hard and fast rules regarding what they fitted and could just use whatever was available at the time- so the end of one model run may have some earlier model bits, particularly so with the triples. Thanks for any info.

[CAT3]

UK bikes should have straps fitted to the seat, US bikes didn't have the straps. In the early days of "imports" it was one of the give-aways that denoted the bike was from the States along with the side refelectors & short rear mudguard.
These days it's harder to spot a UK bike from an import.

[Z1streetfighter71]

I think the one you have is factory a fitted A2 seat, black bodywork is American only, does the Vin number begin in with a 5?

[Kev1R]

The seat on the bike pictured is identical to my seat but not my bike. Mine is definitely a USA made KZ and was imported to the UK in 1993. When I replace the seat cover I would prefer a UK pattern seat but was not sure if that is different. Z Power site would suggest it is the same pattern as the previous 900's.
Seems that I should fit the seat strap though.
Cheers

[Kev1R]

Thanks for replies – I think the (even squares) pattern in the parts book and currently on my bike would be the one that a UK bike would have had – albeit with an accompanying seat strap. It may all be a bit academic anyway as these covers do not appear to be available to buy now. The ZPower Seat Assembly narrative actually states that their one is not the same as for the A2. As mine is not falling apart yet I will probably keep it as is for the time being. Pictures of original UK A2’s seem rare but found this on the Zedrider site for anyone interested.