KZ-1

The KZ-1 was built with a lightweight and tough Cro-Moly frame and fork with components from SunTour, Dia-Compe, Ukai and Taihei. The KZ-1 and KZ-2 frame and fork were the same with the exception of a few small components (Crank, pedals and stem)

The ET model was different that the KZ-1 and KZ-2. (ET model used a loop tail with the KZ double gussets)

Components
Frame and Fork: Cro-Moly
Bars: Redline V-bar
Grips: OGK
Stem: SunTour
Wheels: Ukai
Hubs: SunTour (Large flange open bearings)
Crank: SunTour V/X crank 170mm
Pedals: KKT Lightning alloy pedals (KKT FMX)
Seat: Taihei Elina Nylon seat
Seat post: Fluted Alloy (Nagaoka)
Seat clamp: SunTour
Brakes: Dia-Compe MX1000

Some pictures of various KZ-1 models from E-Bay. To see a whole lot more of pictures of KZ bikes than you will have to check out the RIDERS GALLERY section. Cheers !!
From E-Bay, absolutely beautiful !! 62K Click for full size, owner: unknown
From E-Bay, incorrect fork stickers and other parts - 132K Click for full size, owner: unknown
From E-Bay, some incorrect parts 27K - Click for full size image, owner: unknown

An old KZ-1 ad from the June 1981 issue of BMX magazine.
120K Click for full size image.
Old KZ-1 ad - 120K Click for full size image

Be sure to check out the RIDERS GALLERY section of this site for more beautiful KZ-1 bikes.

How to identify most KZ serial numbers
 Special thanks to James O' Donnell
For Example:

FIRST DIGIT:
K represents a KZ Kuwahara BMX. Early frames are stamped with a T mark for Tange.

Above example shows letter K for Kuwahara KZ

SECOND DIGIT: This is a number and not a letter. It is the year of production. In the example above you can see it says 1 (one) which means it is a 1981 model

Above example shows number 1 for 1981

THIRD DIGIT: This is the month of production

Above example shows letter A for January month of production

FINAL FOUR DIGITS: represent the frame number of the monthly lot manufactured.

Above example shows number 0118 for serial number one hundred eighteen of the January (A) lot.

First Digit (Alphabet) identification
K
Kuwahara stamped frame
T
Tange stamped frame
Second Digit identification
0
1980
1
1981
2
1982
Third Digit (Alphabet) identification
A
January
B
February
C
March
D
April
E
May
F
June
G
July
H
August
I
September
J
October
K
November
L
December

Other examples
T0L0383
Tange Frame, 1980 model, December lot, serial no. 0383
K2B0154
Kuwahara KZ frame, 1982 model, February lot, serial no. 0154
T0K0275
Tange Frame, 1980 model, November lot, serial no. 0275

Other notes
From my experience I have found that the early model frames that start with a T (for Tange) have a large hole in the front gusset. The K stamped bikes seem to come with a slightly smaller hole in the front gusset as Kuwahara probably changed to that design for slightly better strength. I have also noticed welding seems to be better on the K stamped bikes too. The above serial number identification does not apply to all KZ model bikes. KGB is also a number found on some KZ-1 frames as well.