Thanks to John Brookes for the following:

The first Z2s to leave Ashaki were in late January 1973. Production of this first model continued up until October 1973 when it was replaced by the Z2A. In all, 3,611 units were built in this first production run. The bike went on sale in its home market for 418,000 yen, which at 1973 exchange rates was about £700 - not too far adrift from the price of a 1973 H2A.

Kawasaki claimed that the top speed was 200kph, with a SS quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds and a power output of 69bhp at 9000rpm.

Unlike the Z1 produced for 1973 in Brown/Orange and Yellow/Green, the Z2 was only produced in the Brown/Orange colours. In some ways the bike was a cross between the Euro and US versions of the Z1. For example, the switchgear was UK spec, as was the seat, but the rear mudguard was the US type, as were the shocks (albeit with orange reflectors rather than the US red ones). The sidepanel badges were identical to the 900 versions apart from the cc size. The only other change was a kph speedo with a "red line" of 80kph. Anything more than 80kph and a switch under the fuel tank is tripped and a warning light fitted on top of the headlight comes on! Yep, all you Z1 owners that wondered what should go behind that little bung are now informed...

In Nov & Dec,’73, 229 Z2A units were made in preparation for a Jan 74 launch. As with the change from Z1 to Z1A the Z2 to Z2A change was very similar. There were, however, some minor changes, the main one being that the engine remained black for the Z2A, this was in fact a feature that was to stay with the Z2 range throughout its history; the Japanese simply loved black engines! One other thing that would have been noticeable was that the reflectors on the rear shox changed from orange to the familiar red on the U.S.A models. Just like the Z2, the Z2A was only available in one colour scheme this being the green (Z1A) option

Production of the Z2A was long; up to the end of 1975. The reason for this two year production run was because there never was a Z2B. As mentioned earlier the Z2A was first launched in Jan’74’ at a price of 448,000 YEN (£750 using 74 exchange rates) It was then re-launched in June ‘75’ at a price of 465,000 YEN but still as the Z2A, it was however now available in the ‘B’ type colour options and for once it was available in both of the ‘B’ colour options. The side panel badges remained as the early style. There was never a ‘750’ badge made in the Z1B style

In all, there were just over 11,600 Z2A’s produced. Unfortunately I cannot provide frame idents for the Z2 range because this is something I’ve never seen published (accurately) or have been able to get out of K.H.I. in Japan if anyone knows these I’d be very pleased to here from them.

Still to come: the conclusion to the series on Z2 models, with the Z750 - A4 model (and later models) of 1976 onwards

John Brookes