Looks like a problem with the 2011 ZX10R.. Oopsie of some sorts.
All of them are going back to the factory, and if you already have one, bring it back for a full refund. Whooa.

In the words of 1bad:

"phuck."

Same story, different place.. electronics?

Yikes, did anyone here buy one ?

It's simple really...Kawasaki realized that their new model SOLD IN THE STATES was gonna be a lemon.....UNLESS...they resetted the ECU to achieve the touted HP and Torque numbers like the "OVERSEAS VERSION".Now...aren't you glad you waited? (look for em to begin to pull out all the stops on their new releases...fast,powerful WINNING bikes make Boo Koo dollas!).

Just wait till that NEW zx14 comes out...not this year,but.....ALL the high end sportbikes hit 186....that's a given.It's the hp and torque they're workin on.Kawasaki's linnin em up for sure.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 12/12/2010 @ 12:51 AM *

blue07 wrote:

It's simple really...Kawasaki realized that their new model SOLD IN THE STATES was gonna be a lemon.....UNLESS...they resetted the ECU to achieve the touted HP and Torque numbers like the "OVERSEAS VERSION".Now...aren't you glad you waited? (look for em to begin to pull out all the stops on their new releases...fast,powerful WINNING bikes make Boo Koo dollas!).

If it was as simple as swapping the ECU or even a few parts you think they would be recalling all zx10r's back to the mothership... even the ones already sold, being purchased back? KMC could get all that work done at a dealer level under warranty rules. No, this is something much more serious. Only my opinion of course. Can't wait until we find out what it really is that has triggered a complete sweep-up of the new 10r's. Very curious indeed!

There can't be many out there. I took delivery of a 2011 z1000 in mid November. The dealership told me it was the first 2011 they had sold yet. They had ordered special for me and they had no other 2011 motorcycles on the floor in Kawasaki, Yamaha or Honda. I doubt there are too many for them to round up. Seems only select dealers in States where it is still warm enough to ride during the winter months actually got 2011's on the floor. I certainly can't ride my new bike, cold and snow, and it's driving me nuts... anyway, can't be many out in the wild is all I'm saying.

* Last updated by: motoCycho on 12/13/2010 @ 12:56 AM *

I am predicting next year's ZX14 is like this year's ZX14, which was like last year's, and the year before.

The latest word I'm hearing from reliable sources is it is a mechanical issue, possibly related to lubrication and long term durability of the engine.

Kawasaki identified the problem and it's apparently not something easily fixed by a dealership so they want them all back.

Speculation is it may be related to the low tension piston rings KHI used on the 10R, similar to what Honda used on their '08-'10 CBR1000RR that was causing high oil consumption. When you're trying to extract the last ounce of engine power these things are going to happen.

I'm going to make a phone call this morning to a guy I know at Kawasaki and see if I can get the complete story.

I am predicting next year's ZX14 is like this year's ZX14, which was like last year's, and the year before.

.which is freakin awesome. Leave it alone for a few more years, IMO.

Speculation is it may be related to the low tension piston rings KHI used on the 10R, similar to what Honda used on their '08-'10 CBR1000RR that was causing high oil consumption.

Hmm...kawasaki having a major design flaw recall...why does this sound familiar...

They're just "keeping up with the Jones's"

If it's the rings, Honda had the same design issue in '08/'09 and has been unable or unwilling to fix it and decided to handle each high oil consumption case on an individual basis. Re-ringing at the dealer only helps for awhile and is apparently a band aid cure.

Kudos to Kawasaki if they have the same problem, they have decided to recall the whole lot aparently and save the purchaser major headaches in the process. If Honda had done this with the '08/'09 CBR1000RR I might have bought one.

I'm not sure what the fix is going to be, simply replacing the rings with higher tension units may not work. I have not heard if this affects the Euro spec 10Rs but this could potentially kill sales.

Still speculation at this point, my dealer told me this morning that KHI is being very tight lipped about the whole thing and won't even tell them anything.

this could potentially kill sales.

Which MIGHT mean we get a price break.....eventually.

"THEY ALL SUCK at one time or another..

Anyone on here got a 08+CBR1000RR that DOESNT use over a quart of oil in a weekend?

Anyone on here hear that BMW updated their S1000RR crank more than once..quietly.

how about the new R1 when it first came out and tensioners were failing and jumping time? (i posted a pic of stock one that did that, bent almost all valves)

How about the old CBR600 oil relief valves? etc.etc....

I have had suzuki's out of the crate with issues...same with yamahas...Im sure something came up and they will have it fine...

If i had the cash and was racing a new 1000 in 2011...i'd say you roll the dice with them all!! the BMW still chucks cranks and gearboxes..the yamaha is an uncomeptitive pig (unless you mod/sbk shit out of it!) the honda has no top end (again in ss trim)..the gsxr1000's are splitting cranks at the flywheel throw...etc...etc...

pick your 1000 based on price and color..all else matters not..."

and also:

"aprilia also had a stop sale and it was a recall as well, well recalls do mean stop sales, so does a service action if the bike is in inventory, just cant sell it until its fixed, i ended up with a new engine, was done before i even bought the bike..."

Hey Mass... 1+

No shit. That yam was jumping chain? I didn't think those 1000bmw would be weak at the crank though? Aprilia crank not in-house?

And all that was 'recalled' was a tip over switch from Kawi?

Geeeeeeeeeeeeee HAaaaaaaaaaa! << Icon

mass14 +2...it just sucks for timing when everyone thinks the BMW is the end all to the liter class. I just wanted the Kawi to start off right to challenge the beemer without the BS I'm going to hear now...At 6'4" no 1000 works for me.

Better of Kawi to call 'em back and re-release a bike that can compete than move any further forward with a bike that cannot.

Latest rumor is that the recall is due to a "stability" issue.... interesting.

Ya...they want er to be able to fly straight on one wheel safely with their new remap.

If you were a dedicated track guy...would YOU want to buy a neutered motorcycle straight outta the crate?Especially when....the EURO'S have their full on performer already.

I think the first "early sales" of the 14 proved to Kawasaki exactly what guys want in a "performance" bike.I think this latest revelation(shortly after their announcement of a whole new 10) of being "detuned" somewhat was just too much of a gamble with their sales people.2nd place doesn't sell bikes.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 12/14/2010 @ 3:59 PM *

At 6'4" no 1000 works for me.

Heck, I'm 6'3" and ride a 600, works for me.

Latest rumor is that the recall is due to a "stability" issue.... interesting

That one's been dispelled as pure BS already, several of the 2011 owners have been able to get information directly from sources within KMC and it's appearing to be an acclerated wear issue involving the rings, piston and cylinder plating. Nothing official yet from KMC but all of the information coming in from various sources is pointing strongly that this is the problem.

The 2011 owners are being offered a repalcement engine installed by the dealership or return the bike.

We were fortunate with the 14, bulletproof machine.

The 2011 owners are being offered a repalcement engine installed by the dealership or return the bike.

If that is true, wouldn't is suck to be them if their bike came back with a new engine -10 more hp?

This is amazing. Kawasaki creates a new product without testing it? I have a hard time believing the new owners of the 2011 zx-10 would have out their bikes through more rigorous use than Kawaski's own tests.

Rook, that's a good question and one that can only be answered by the only true motorcycling guru..and that would be the HubMeister.

Hubster, why did this not show up in KMC's supposedly rigorous testing program but only after the machines were already delivered to the end cusotmer? Plain English version please, I've already got a headache...LOL!

Ya, Hub...what's da answer? How many BTUs going be on that new 10 Hub? Now don't go possum on me!

Hubster, why did this not show up in KMC's supposedly rigorous testing program but only after the machines were already delivered to the end customer? Plain English version please, I've already got a headache...LOL!

Field-Fix:

Consider we, the owners, as a huge fleet; out testing in the field. It is that simple. Since day one, she was brand new and untested. Maybe one bike may have galled a piston; I haven't a clue. That means, very few other bikes will have that defect.

What are the odds because whatever was sold, every last one should have collapsed into that gall recall glitch. I'm just speculating mid-problems. No bottom end is grenading. No cam towers are losing oil and snapping cams. But, it might be well taken care of with the batch numbers. Remember, your bike has a paper trail from the crate to dyno, to assembly line QC tagger> Sending it off to be shipped out. Well, not in that order, but we keep crossing those t's for the "quality control."

How many received a tip-over-recall notice that needed no attention? Mine was tight. And with a recall handing back a potentially trouble free bike, having one or two bad apples show up out in the field, shows how Kawi handles it's recall.

Once released, it will be as bulletproof as the 14.

Whip, YOu should see my nephew drop his eye and start in. He almost reminds me of this bassboat guy. LOL