1970's something Kawasaki KE 175
#1
1970's something Kawasaki KE 175
Well last Friday I bought a bike. It needs more work then I was led to believe (fat surprise on craigslist huh?). Well not too sure if I have buyers remorse. I know very little about this Bike. First off where do I locate the Vin#? I need to file for a lost title b4 I sink any money into it. Then hopefully i can find someone who has some extensive knowledge that can let me bend their ear. Thanks in advance for any help - Frank
#2
I think you have a Kawasaki 175 F7 rather than a KE175. I don't believe the KE175 had exhaust running on the left. I've been wrong before....
The red color and the "175" affixed to the oil tank indicates to me it is a 1972 model.
Motorcycles built prior to 1981 had proprietary serial numbers rather that VIN's. You won't find a 16 or 17 digit run of numbers that comprise a VIN on that bike.
Oh, and sorry, I left my social graces in the outhouse again.....welcome aboard.
There should be a frame number beginning with "F7-_______" on the steering stem visible from the right side of the bike, between the gas tank and the forks. There should also be a adhesive sticker / Federal Certification Label on the steering head stem, listing manufacturer info, date of manufacture, serial number, and a statement that the vehicle meets federal safety standards.
The red color and the "175" affixed to the oil tank indicates to me it is a 1972 model.
Motorcycles built prior to 1981 had proprietary serial numbers rather that VIN's. You won't find a 16 or 17 digit run of numbers that comprise a VIN on that bike.
Oh, and sorry, I left my social graces in the outhouse again.....welcome aboard.
There should be a frame number beginning with "F7-_______" on the steering stem visible from the right side of the bike, between the gas tank and the forks. There should also be a adhesive sticker / Federal Certification Label on the steering head stem, listing manufacturer info, date of manufacture, serial number, and a statement that the vehicle meets federal safety standards.
Last edited by Fuller_Malarkey; 10-21-2013 at 06:33 PM.
#4
Bikes with serial number F7-25706 to F7-50555 are 1972 models.
FYI: parts from 1971 to 1975 F7 models are interchangeable. The seats changed a bit on 74 or 75 models.
Last edited by Fuller_Malarkey; 10-21-2013 at 06:43 PM.
#6
#10
Thanks. Making progress on the F7. I have it starting, idling, front brake now works (probably a good idea) and going to pull clutch this weekend to fix a shifting issue. Its been a lot of fun so far bringing it back from the dead.