Rear rim identification?

[Andrew_s]

My A4 (built Feb 76) is fitted with rear rim date marked 303 882. I believe that dates it to August 1982 - any ideas what it’s originally off? It’s round and still works, so just curious.

[ADRIAN H]

Probably a replacement rim. I believe 303 rims were only on the Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and H1, H2 - bikes with a drum brake.

305 Rim on Z1000 - when the Spoke hole angle changed for the rear disc added.

[Andrew_s]

Thanks Adrian, although would Kawasaki have still been manufacturing replacement rims for the Z1 - Z900 in 1982 as I thought all their high capacity bikes had moved to cast wheels?

Interestingly, it’s also got a Z1B brake drum cover fitted, so at some point Phil had replaced the rear wheel set up.

[ADRIAN H]

Thanks Adrian, although would Kawasaki have still been manufacturing replacement rims for the Z1 - Z900 in 1982 as I thought all their high capacity bikes had moved to cast wheels?

Interestingly, it’s also got a Z1B brake drum cover fitted, so at some point Phil had replaced the rear wheel set up.

Replacement rim seems the only possibility as no other bikes have a 303 rim. 1982 is only 6 years on, I would expect to be able to get replacement parts for at least 10 years.

[Andrew_s]

Thanks Adrian, although would Kawasaki have still been manufacturing replacement rims for the Z1 - Z900 in 1982 as I thought all their high capacity bikes had moved to cast wheels?

Interestingly, it’s also got a Z1B brake drum cover fitted, so at some point Phil had replaced the rear wheel set up.

Replacement rim seems the only possibility as no other bikes have a 303 rim. 1982 is only 6 years on, I would expect to be able to get replacement parts for at least 10 years.

Oh, of course - 1982 seemed so much further away from 1976 Adrian!