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

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....

http://media5.picsearch.com/is?kAPTb...bZU&height=212

http://www.marblesmotors.com/images/stolen/stolen08.jpg

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.

Does this look right? It probably starts with a F but this is what we wrote down. R7-30742

Yes. That is a serial number, not a conventional VIN as we know it today.

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.

Well that is very helpful. Now the hard part finding parts and information. Thanks very much!

Ebay is your friend.....

F7 in Motorcycle Parts | eBay

Kawasaki f7 manual - free eBooks download

You are awesome! Thank you!

Have you used that free ebooks? It is asking for a free credit card verification before I can download. I don't know whether I can trust that.

Welcome to the forums. Dual Sport ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.