Your Z – Don Potter – Z1

November 2021 – Article by Don Potter

This is the story of a classic early Kawasaki Z1, built in September 1972, with frame number Z1F-00265. Of the 20,000 1973 model year Z1s built, it is not known how many still exist. The early bikes (up to frame number #02200) had many differences from later bikes, including even paint colour, and are the most sought after by collectors and Z1 enthusiasts. #00265 was originally sold in Oklahoma, but was restored in California in 2002 by Greg Walker, one of the world’s foremost experts on early Z1s. 

​I have been the custodian of #00265 since 2016 when I bought it while living in California. In September 2020 I moved back to the UK taking it with me, where it is just as at home on the green hills and valleys of North Wales as it was in the parched wilderness of the San Joaquin Valley, California.    

17th September 2022
Update

Don sold the Z1 on eBay in September 2022 to a Japanese buyer.
If the new owner wishes to contact KawasakiZ1.com, a new page can be created.

Page added to website on 25th March 2022.
Most recent page update: 19th September 2022.