#155 of 200 Kawasaki KZ1000 Commemorative. Made in Lincoln, Nebraska sold to Kawasaki Employee Ron Heyen.
Probably ever since World War II, “Made in America” has been very important to Americans, showing national pride and keeping as many jobs as possible here in our 50 states. So Kawasaki beat Honda by about a year in establishing a motorcycle manufacturing facility in the states, to show they cared, show they have invested here, have true roots on American soil.
The bikes were essentially production KZ1000’s with Vetter saddlebags, fairing and luggage carrier that were supplied to Kawasaki with all graphics in place, plus engine guards, highway pegs and a special seat by Kawasaki.
Kawasaki personalized the 200 KZ1000’s for their dealers to ride in convoy from their manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, to a reception in St. Louis, Missouri, and then to their respective dealerships. About 100 dealers were on the ride. The new 300,000 square foot Lincoln, Nebraska plant was open for dealer tours. The “Americanization of Kawasaki” ride drove home the message that Kawasaki was the only Japanese motorcycle company with a manufacturing facility in the US at the time.
A total of 200 of these commemoratives were made for the 1978 model year. The story goes that a few were left after dealers had placed their orders, so Lincoln-based employees got a chance to buy one. Ron Heyen’s name was drawn and he bought #155 and gave it to his Father, Robert. It stayed in the family all these years. Wishing for the machine to be on display for all enthusiasts to enjoy, the family sold #155 of 200 to John Parham in 2016. It’s on display at the National Motorcycle Museum with a variety of related documents Robert Heyen kept all these years, plus many more great Kawasakis.
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I did not know that Kawasaki had a assembly plant in the USA. Great story and thanks to all the folks who love old and historic motorcycles and preserve them for the next generation.
I, Randy, am the proud original owner of the 68th Kawasaki kz1000 to come off the line. In 1998 I rode the bike back to Lincoln, NE to tour the factory. It was a great experience.
My friend bought one of these Kawasaki 1000, Spirit of America #166 of 200, June 1978, Veter fearing with lock on satle bags, 252 miles. Original 252 miles. Looking for someone who my be interested. This bike is owned by a man with the name park
Looking at that big ol’ Vetter Fairing sure takes me back to the look of the 70’s road bikes. That was the style back then but, you sure don’t see many today .
( At least not here in Southern California )
I had the pleasure of riding this bike across the country in 1981, after discovering it (covered by a tarp) in an old Honda repair shop.
Wonderful bike, and fun to see all your the Californian’s “clear the lane” as I approached from behind on the highway.
I have the “Spirit of America” Kawasaki that I inherited from my dad. He passed in 2010 and it’s been sitting in may garage. It needs some work, but I would like to sell it, possibly?
Hello Marsia,
Where is the motorcycle located? Do you have any pictures of it?
Thank you,
Bill
If you still have the kz1000 I’d like to talk to you.
Kawasaki 1000, Spirit of America #166 of 200, June 1978, Veter fearing with lock on satle bags, 252 miles.
If its for sale send me some pictures
Can i see some pictures
I’m looking for one of these for my father. He owned #150 and would love to get one of these now.
I have a one owner, previous to my purchase two years ago, that I’m going to be listing soon. Please contact me if you are still interested.
My bike was number 139….but had a standard seat on it and it came with matching helments…it came from rehmerts cycle sales in versalles ohio….it was stolen from me and sold…police found it but i was never able to get it back…i wish i had it back…it was in mint condition and only had 9,560 miles on it back in 2004
my grandfather has number 13 1 owner all original in mint condition with all paper work and everything not a scratch on this thing looking for someone who can put a value on it email info plz.
Anyone that has or knows where one of these commemorative bike is please feel free to send me a message
Give me a call
I HAVE NUMBER 46
If its for sale send me some pics and a location.
I have No. 160 without the fairing or boxes
Send me some pics.
Kawasaki 1000, Spirit of America #166 of 200, June 1978, Veter fearing with lock on satle bags, 252 miles.
We were a Kawasaki dealer in 1978 when this bike was rolled out. My father and younger brother flew to Lincoln Nebraska to participate in the ride from the factory on #29 of 200. They rode the #29 bike all the way back from Nebraska to Michigan. We ordered and stocked another one…I believe #134. That one was sold and we haven’t seen it since. But, we still have in original unmolested condition, # 29. Dad has passed this last summer, but the memories of riding my ’75 Z1B, while he rode # 29 SOA bike on Sunday afternoons, will never leave me.