Chronological history of the Kawasaki Concours.

Unless otherwise noted, specifications apply to the 49 state version of the US model Kawasaki Concours. Similar changes are made to non US models, colors often vary though. "No production US model" often denotes excess manufacturing, which is often sold the following model year. The information is deemed reliable, but can not include all modifications or changes.

You may also find the following pages informative:

Serial numbers by year, courtesy of Bryan Moody, on the SE pages.
Kawasaki Literature and brochures by year, maintained by Randy Bishop.
Power and torque values by year.

1986

• ZG1000-A1
• Introduction
• Color: Pearl Gentry Gray, aka silverdammit among COG members :)

1987

• ZG1000-A2
• No US production
• Candy Wine red (Canada)
• Bars and windscreen raised approximately 1"

1988

• ZG1000-A3 and A3a
• Color: Candy Wine Red

1989

• ZG1000-A4
• No US production
• Color: Candy Persimmon Red (Canada)

1990

• ZG1000-A5
• Color: Candy Persimmon Red
• Cam chain tensioner design changed to ratcheting type.
• Case half modified in several locations for larger case half bolts.

1991

• ZG1000-A6
• Color:Candy Persimmon Red

1992

• ZG1000-A7
• Color: Ebony
• Clutch and brake lever reach now adjustable on some models.

1993

• ZG1000-A8
• Color: Ebony. (Black with red pin striping)

1994

• ZG1000-A9
• Color: Luminous Vintage Red and Cosmic Gray (Wineberry, gray)
• New design instrument cluster (ZX-10).
• New design dash cowl and inner fairing panels.
• Wider front rim width.
• New design wheel pattern, front and rear.
• Dual piston front calipers, with semi floating front rotors.
• New design 'stepped' seat profile.
• Air adjustable front suspension replaced by spring preload forks.
• Brushed chrome exhaust canisters replaced with bright chrome.

1995

• ZG1000-A10
• Color: Luminous Vintage Red and Cosmic Gray.

1996

• ZG1000-A11
• No production US model.

1997

• ZG1000-A12
• Windsor Green, Cosmic Gray lower

1998

• ZG1000-A13
• Windsor Green, Cosmic Gray lower

1999

• ZG1000-A14
• Candy Amaranth Red, gray lower.
• Fork tube protectors added, fork seals 'double' lips
• Clutch 'star spring' redesigned mid year

2000

• ZG1000-A15
• Candy Persimmon Red, Cosmic Gray lowers
• Recall notice to replace star spring nut on several Kawasaki models. Engine numbers ZGT00AE025431 through ZGT00AE028058 (1999 - 2000 model years)

2001

• ZG1000-A16
• Metallic Sonic Blue, Cosmic Gray lower

2002

• ZG1000-A17
• Metallic Phantom Silver, Cosmic Gray lower

2003

• ZG1000-A18
• Candy Cardinal Red, with dark bronze lower
• The news here is, Kawasaki finally ran out of "Cosmic Gray" paint for the lower

2004

• ZG1000-A19
• Pearl Black, Chateau Gray lower

2005

• ZG1000-A20
• Pearl Luster Beige, dark bronze lower.
• 20th Anniversary :)
• The pipe into the muffler is now chromed.

2006

• ZG1000-A21
• "Metallic Nocturne Blue", "Metallic Graystone" lower
• 21 years now. Like a Timex, the Concours keeps on ticking ;)