Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
515.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1443.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
618.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
618.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2007peak 4Sep 2018
Recalls on the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
12V343000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Concours 14 (ZG1400 A/B/C/D) motorcycles. Due to a gap between the brake pedal and guard, small stone or debris can become trapped, creating a brake drag. This can cause the rear brake to overheat, leading to rear brake damage and lock-up or failure of the rear brakes. The front brakes may also be affected on ZG1400C models.
Risk: If the brakes lock up or fail, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2009012580 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorcycles, small stones or other road debris can become trapped between the brake pedal and the rear brake master cylinder actuating rod. This can prevent full release of the rear brake. Continuous activation of the rear brake while the vehicle is being operated can result in overheating, damage, rear wheel lockup, or failure of the rear brake, creating the risk of a crash resulting in injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install a cover on the brake pedal. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2012248.
Recall 2008058325 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorcycles, the rear carrier platform could break if a Kawasaki Genuine Accessory Luggage System is installed on the carrier and a passenger leans against it. The carrier platform and luggage system could become detached from the vehicle, creating the potential for a crash resulting in personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear carrier platform.
Recall 2008057380 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorcycles, the pivot pin for the latches that secure the saddlebags to the vehicle can break if force is applied to either saddlebag such as in the event the vehicle falls over while stationary or if the saddlebag is improperly attached. Continued use of the vehicle with either saddlebag latch broken can result in the saddlebag(s) becoming detached from the vehicle, creating potential for a crash resulting in personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the saddlebag latch assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 1,000 milesDraper, UT1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE VEHICLE WAS A KYMCO, MODEL NUMBER PEOPLES250. WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT BRAKE FAILED. THE BRAKE IS CALLED THE FORK, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE HANDLE BAR. THE CONTACT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE AND INJURED HIS ANKLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #10254412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesMiami, FL1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. WHILE RIDING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME AND GAVE THE CONTACT A FIRST DEGREE BURN ON HIS RIGHT CALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPOSITIONED THE INSULATION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT RODE THE VEHICLE AND ONCE AGAIN SUSTAINED FIRST DEGREE BURNS TO HIS RIGHT AND LEFT CALVES AND BOTH INNER THIGHS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE MECHANIC RE-INSTALLED THE HEAT SHIELDS CORRECTLY. THE CONTROL KNOBS FOR THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE HEADLIGHTS. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10201612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesMiami, FL1 injured
EQUIPMENT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. WHILE RIDING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME AND GAVE THE CONTACT A FIRST DEGREE BURN ON HIS RIGHT CALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPOSITIONED THE INSULATION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT RODE THE VEHICLE AND ONCE AGAIN SUSTAINED FIRST DEGREE BURNS TO HIS RIGHT AND LEFT CALVES AND BOTH INNER THIGHS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE MECHANIC RE-INSTALLED THE HEAT SHIELDS CORRECTLY. THE CONTROL KNOBS FOR THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE HEADLIGHTS. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10201612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 43,680 milesLott, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
ON OR ABOUT JUNE 20, 2016 I NOTICED THAT MY REAR BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEGINNING TO GET HARDER TO PUSH TO APPLY BRAKE TO THE REAR ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. ON DECEMBER 20, 2017 I TOOK MY CONCOURS TO MY DEALER AND HAD 2 TIRES R&R AND ALSO REQUESTED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE REAR. THERE WAS NO NOTICE FROM THE ABS SYSTEM THAT ALERTED ME TO ANY MALFUNCTIONING HARDWARE VIA THE IDIOT LIGHTS. (SEE ATTACHMENTS) I FEEL THE LIGHT NOT WORKING AND THE DEFECTIVE ABS CORE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH KAWASAKI AND THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. ON MARCH 6, 2018 I WROTE THROUGH THE ONLINE KAWASAKI PRODUCT FEEDBACK TO KAWASAKI ABOUT THE LACK OF RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE BACK BRAKE PEDAL AND A NATE DEPAUW FROM KAWASAKI WROTE BACK TO KEEP WORKING WITH MY LOCAL DEALER FOR A RESOLVE. THERE HAS STILL BEEN NOTHING RESOLVED. I HAVE SCANNED IN AND ATTACHED THE INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN USING TO TRY TO GAIN SATISFACTION. -
NHTSA complaint #11130342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,500 milesPanama City, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR BRAKE ON MY MOTORCYCLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY GET STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN, I HAVE PRESS DOWN ON THE PEDAL WITH MORE THAN NORMAL OPERATING PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I AM NEVER SURE IF THE BRAKE IS GOING TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED DUE TO IT GETTING STUCK. IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP IN TIME WITH ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF MOTORCYCLE
NHTSA complaint #10851652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,922 milesHyde Park, MA
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 EQUIPPED WITH PIRELLI ANGEL GT TIRES (NA), SIZE 120/70ZR/17 (NA). WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT TIRE BECAME DISTORTED AND RESULTED IN A LOSS OF STABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRE DID NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BIKE WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURES. THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE SPEC MODELS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE LATTER PART OF 2015. THE TIRE WAS RE-BALANCED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,922 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100.
NHTSA complaint #10726273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,471 milesFT Myers, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BRAKE CEASED TO FUNCTION. PEDAL TRAVEL TO FULL DEFLECTION BUT NO REAR BRAKE. DROPPED BIKE AT NAPLES KAWASAKI DEALERSHIP, AND A WEEK LATER THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED UNDER THE RECALL MC12-05 (BRAKE ROD END). I PICKED UP THE BIKE ONLY TO FIND THERE WAS STILL NO BRAKE. THIS RECALL DID NOT ADDRESS THE BRAKE FAILURE BUT PERTAINED TO PREVIOUS ISSUES. I THEN LEFT THE BIKE AT THE DEALER FOR CORRECTION OF THE BRAKE PROBLEM. THEY RAN TESTS AND COULD NOT FIND ANY ABS OR BRAKE RELATED READ OUTS IN THE INTERNAL DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THAT WHILE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHY THE BAKE BRAKE DID NOT WORK, THE ONLY "FIX" WAS TO REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC UNIT AND ALL RELATED LINES AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $2500.00 (EST). AFTER THE SERVICE MANAGER TALKED TO KAWASAKI SERVICE SUPPORT, KAWASAKI SAID A COMPLETE REBUILD OF MASTER CYLINDERS, BRAKE CALIPERS, AND ALL LINES AT A NEW ESTIMATE OF $4000.00. I CALLED KAWASAKI SUPPORT DIRECT AND THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE I COULD NOT PRODUCE DOCUMENTATION THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 20,000 MILES, THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE OF THIS ABS UNIT LEFT ME WITH NO BRAKE AT ALL. SINCE THE ABS IS ACTIVE ONLY DURING A WHEEL SKID STOP, IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED "NORMAL" UNDER NON EMERGENCY STOPS. AGAIN, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING IN THE ABS SELF DIAGNOSIS COMPUTER GIVING ANY INDICATION OF A HYDRAULIC UNIT FAILURE. I HAVE COMPLETE FUNCTION OF THE FRONT BRAKE...THIS ONLY EFFECTED THE REAR BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10640187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,800 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE
OIL LEAKING FROM THE CAM POSITION SENSOR O-RING(S). FLUID LEAKS ONTO HOT CYLINDER BLOCK AND EXHAUST. I HAVE NOT HAD A FIRE YET, BUT THE POTENTIAL IS THERE IF ENOUGH FLUID ESCAPES ONTO THE EXHAUST. THE MOTORCYCLE IS CURRENTLY IN FOR THE SAME REPAIR FOR A THIRD TIME (AS OF 22 SEPTEMBER 2014). THE SECOND TIME WAS THE 14TH OF MAY 2014. CONVERSATIONS WITH SHOP PERSONNEL INDICATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT KAWASAKI AND THE LEAK PROBLEM IS CURRENT AND ONGOING AMONG OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10638408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN WARPING UNDER NORMAL RIDING CONDITIONS. PRESENTS UNSAFE, LESS THAN OPTIMAL BREAKING ABILITY. FRONT END LUNGES AT LOW SPEEDS AND VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS, UNDER BREAKING. KAWASAKI REPLACED WARPED ROTORS TWICE AND I AM NOW IN NEED OF MY THIRD PAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10538158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ALL THE DRIVER GEAR CASES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #10523093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,500 milesSylmar, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE WARPED UNDER NORMAL USE, CAUSING VERY NOTICEABLE STEERING VIBRATIONS. WHICH MAY LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. I FEEL THIS MATTER TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN TO THE OPERATORS OF THIS MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10491597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesReno, NV
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE BIKE 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE BIKE BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BOLT HOLE WAS MELTED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BIKE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE DEALER HAD TO INSPECT THE BIKE AND GIVE THEM A CONCLUSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 8/9/12
NHTSA complaint #10463054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesGolden, CO
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY SHAKE WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE WAS ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES WERE ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,400.
NHTSA complaint #10399981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesGolden, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY SHAKE WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE WAS ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE FRONT BRAKES WERE ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,400.
NHTSA complaint #10399981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,200 milesHavana, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
LEFT SADDLE BAG FELL OFF MOTORCYCLE AND WAS HIT BY FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THE BAG WAS DESTROYED. KAWASAKI REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THE BAG HAD LAST BEEN ATTACHED BY A TRAINED SERVICE TECH.
NHTSA complaint #10365293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,200 milesHavana, FL
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
LEFT SADDLE BAG FELL OFF MOTORCYCLE AND WAS HIT BY FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THE BAG WAS DESTROYED. KAWASAKI REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THE BAG HAD LAST BEEN ATTACHED BY A TRAINED SERVICE TECH.
NHTSA complaint #10365293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
STRUCTURE
I NOTICED THAT THE ORIGINAL LUGGAGE RACK ON MY 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 HAD CRACKED AND THE TOP CASE WHICH ATTACHES TO IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK LOOSE ON THE FREEWAY. THIS LUGGAGE RACK HAD BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED BY KAWASAKI BEFORE I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE BIKE IN JUNE 2008. HOWEVER, THE NEW DESIGN, WHICH IS PART NUMBER 53029-0076, IS WHAT WAS ON MY BIKE, AND IT FAILED AFTER ONE AND A HALF YEAR OF USE. THE REAR CASE WHICH ATTACHES TO THIS RACK IS THE KAWASAKI OEM EQUIPMENT, AND IT'S LOAD HAS ALWAYS BEEN BETWEEN 5 AND 10 POUNDS, BELOW THE KAWASAKI MAXIMUM RATING OF 15 POUNDS. THE CONSEQUENCES HAD I NOT NOTICED IT WHILE I STOPPED TO GET COFFEE, COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE. THE REAR CASE WOULD HAVE BROKE LOOSE WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, POTENTIALLY HITTING ANY VEHICLE BEHIND ME, OR CAUSING SUCH VEHICLE TO CRASH WHILE TRYING TO AVOID IT. THE BROKEN PART IS CURRENTLY AT THE KAWASAKI DEALERSHIP FOR A WARRANTY CLAIM. HOWEVER, A REPLACEMENT IS NOT ENOUGH. THE CURRENT DESIGN IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSE, AND A REINFORCED RACK SHOULD BE THE SOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10339028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
EQUIPMENT
I NOTICED THAT THE ORIGINAL LUGGAGE RACK ON MY 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 HAD CRACKED AND THE TOP CASE WHICH ATTACHES TO IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK LOOSE ON THE FREEWAY. THIS LUGGAGE RACK HAD BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED BY KAWASAKI BEFORE I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE BIKE IN JUNE 2008. HOWEVER, THE NEW DESIGN, WHICH IS PART NUMBER 53029-0076, IS WHAT WAS ON MY BIKE, AND IT FAILED AFTER ONE AND A HALF YEAR OF USE. THE REAR CASE WHICH ATTACHES TO THIS RACK IS THE KAWASAKI OEM EQUIPMENT, AND IT'S LOAD HAS ALWAYS BEEN BETWEEN 5 AND 10 POUNDS, BELOW THE KAWASAKI MAXIMUM RATING OF 15 POUNDS. THE CONSEQUENCES HAD I NOT NOTICED IT WHILE I STOPPED TO GET COFFEE, COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE. THE REAR CASE WOULD HAVE BROKE LOOSE WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, POTENTIALLY HITTING ANY VEHICLE BEHIND ME, OR CAUSING SUCH VEHICLE TO CRASH WHILE TRYING TO AVOID IT. THE BROKEN PART IS CURRENTLY AT THE KAWASAKI DEALERSHIP FOR A WARRANTY CLAIM. HOWEVER, A REPLACEMENT IS NOT ENOUGH. THE CURRENT DESIGN IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSE, AND A REINFORCED RACK SHOULD BE THE SOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10339028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesMustang, OK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT DISC ROTORS WARPED AS A RESULT OF RIDING THROUGH WATER DURING STORM. CARE WAS BEING USED DUE TO CONDITIONS SO SPEED AND BRAKING EFFORT WAS LOW. ROTOR WARPING CAUSED HEAVY PULSING DURING BRAKING REDUCING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY AND INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE. ODOMETER ONLY READ 8000 MILES. ROTORS ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY BUT KAWASAKI HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS AN ISSUE. RESEARCH OF WEB FORUMS FOR THIS MOTORCYCLE REVEALED THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 WITH MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OF ROTORS BEING REPORTED BY SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS. SUSPECTED CAUSE IS BRAKE ROTOR MATERIAL HAVING INSUFFICIENT HEAT RESISTANCE AND ROTOR SIZE FOR WEIGHT OF BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10290045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWest Chester, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARP DURING APPLICATION, THUS REDUCING BREAKING CAPABILITY. BRAKE FAILURE CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE COMPONENTS WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AS OF CURRENT DATE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/25/09
NHTSA complaint #10282784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,978 milesYuba City, CA
STEERING
I HAVE A 2009 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 WITH 3000 MILES ON THE OD. WHILE RIDING AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE STEERING STOPPED AT ABOUT 1/3 THE NORMAL RANGE OF MOTION AND WOULD NOT GO ANY FARTHER. I NARROWLY AVOIDED A CRASH BECAUSE I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT APPROX 20 MPH AND HAD PLENTY OF SPACE TO MANEUVER AND REGAIN CONTROL. I PARKED THE BIKE AND INSPECTED THE AREA AROUND THE STEERING STEM. I DISCOVERED THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE COWLING BRACKET (KAW PART # 92153-1877 ) HAD MOVED OUT OF PLACE TO THE LEFT DUE TO THE CAP NUT ( KAW PAR # 92210-0325 ) FALLING OFF. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT A HIGHER SPEED OR WHERE THERE WAS NO ROOM TO RECOVER, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10260068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesDraper, UT1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE VEHICLE WAS A KYMCO, MODEL NUMBER PEOPLES250. WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT BRAKE FAILED. THE BRAKE IS CALLED THE FORK, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE HANDLE BAR. THE CONTACT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE AND INJURED HIS ANKLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #10254412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesWatkinsville, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS MOTORCYCLE. THIS VEHICLE PRODUCES AN UNBEARABLE AMOUNT OF ENGINE HEAT WHICH BY MANUFACTURER DESIGN IN DIRECTED ONTO THE OPERATOR. THIS EXCESSIVE HEAT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING BLISTERS AND BURNS- ESPECIALLY IN THE SHIP AND KNEE AREA OF THE RIGHT LEG. I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE HEAT WILL CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO PASS OUT OR BECOME EXTREMELY HEAT FATIGUED DURING HOT WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #10246871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,500 milesBrentwood, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I OWN A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 MOTORCYCLE. I HAVE TWICE REPORTED A MALFUNCTION OF THE FRONT BRAKES TO THE DEALER, AND HAVE CALLED KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP IN IRVINE, CA TO NO AVAIL. I REPORTED AT THE 8 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE THAT WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE IS APPLIED THE MOTORCYCLE VIBRATES AND SHUDDERS. THE DEALER DECLARED THIS "NORMAL" DUE TO THE "RATCHETING" OF THE FLOATING CALIPER/ROTOR ASSEMBLY. I AGAIN REPORTED THE CONDITION AT THE 12 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE, ONLY NOW THE CONDITION HAS WORSENED FROM VIBRATION TO THE FRONT BRAKE "GRABBING" AT ALL SPEEDS AND IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED HEAVILY BETWEEN 45 TO 60 MPH THE MOTORCYCLE VIBRATES AND SHUDDERS VERY BADLY. THE FRONT BRAKE GRABS SO BADLY THAT AT SLOW SPEEDS DURING A LIGHT APPLICATION, WHEN THE BRAKE "GRABS", IT ACTUALLY COMPRESSES THE FRONT FORKS, CAUSING THE FRONT END TO "DIP". AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE KAWASAKI DEALER HAS STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL, AND CAN'T CONFIRM OR VALIDATE MY COMPLAINT. WHEN KAWASAKI MOTORS CORPORATION WAS CONTACTED, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED (AFTER I ASKED HIM TO CONTACT THE SERVICING DEALER TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL HELP) "IF I CONTACT THEM IT WILL ONLY MAKE THEM MAD". I THEN ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY TECHNICAL BULLETINS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, AND I DID NOT RECEIVE A REPLY. I HAVE TRIED TO GET KAWASAKI TO HELP ME WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. WHEN I SEARCHED ON-LINE FOR OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I FOUND THEM. THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE FRONT ROTORS. THEY WARP ON THIS MOTORCYCLE, AS THE ROTORS THAT ARE USED ARE PRODUCED FOR A LIGHTER MOTORCYCLE, NOT A HEAVIER "SPOT-TOURING" MOTORCYCLE MEANT TO BE RIDDEN WITH EXTRA LUGGAGE AND/OR AN EXTRA PASSENGER. THE MOTORCYCLE IS UNSAFE TO RIDE IN THIS CONDITION, AND KAWASAKI NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10242517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,200 milesDemotte, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I PURCHASED A NEW ROKETA 250CC SCOOTER IN JULY OF 2008. THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURES ON THIS BIKE. IF NOT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EACH INCIDENT. FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVES THE CYCLE STALLING OUT WHEN GOING PAST 50 MPH. THE BIKE IS ADVERTISED TO GO 70MPH. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 7 TO 10 TIMES. ONCE IT HAPPENED ON A BUSY 2 LANE RD. AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THE DEALER TRACED THAT PROBLEM TO A VERY CHEAP FUEL PUMP. THAT PROBLEM WAS REMEDIED BY INSTALLING A BETTER GRADE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS A CHINESE BIKE AND HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THAT CHEAP FUEL PUMP ON THEIR SCOOTER. 2ND MAJOR FAILURE WAS THE GASOLINE LINE ACTUALLY COMING OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK! THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON A 2 LANE ST. HWY WHILE A SEMI-TRUCK WAS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY I MANAGED TO GUIDE MY BIKE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT. I LOST TOTAL POWER AND IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE TO HAVE TO PULL OVER THAT FAST AND SEE GAS POURING ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE BIKE AND ONTO THE HOT MUFFLER. I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE AN EXPLOSION, THANK GOD THERE WASN'T. THE RUBBER HOSES ON THIS BIKE ARE PATHETIC. VERY THIN AND POOR QUALITY. THE 3RD MAJOR FAILURE WAS WHEN I WAS COMMUTING HOME FROM WORK. I STOPPED AT A 4-WAY STOP BEHIND A SEMI-TRUCK. AS TRUCKS ACCELERATE SLOWLY, I DECIDED TO PASS ON THE LEFT. AS I DID THIS, THE BIKE WOULD NOT PICK UP IT'S USUAL SPEED AND I WAS BARELY BEING ABLE TO PASS THE SEMI. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS APPROACHING AND I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET AROUND THE SEMI JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE! I PULLED OVER WHEN I COULD AND NOTICED THAT MY FRONT BRAKE PAD WAS STUCK UP AGAINST THE FRONT ROTOR SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT A RECALL BE INSTITUTED ON THIS BIKE. IT IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10241182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,200 milesDemotte, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
I PURCHASED A NEW ROKETA 250CC SCOOTER IN JULY OF 2008. THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURES ON THIS BIKE. IF NOT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EACH INCIDENT. FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVES THE CYCLE STALLING OUT WHEN GOING PAST 50 MPH. THE BIKE IS ADVERTISED TO GO 70MPH. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 7 TO 10 TIMES. ONCE IT HAPPENED ON A BUSY 2 LANE RD. AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THE DEALER TRACED THAT PROBLEM TO A VERY CHEAP FUEL PUMP. THAT PROBLEM WAS REMEDIED BY INSTALLING A BETTER GRADE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS A CHINESE BIKE AND HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THAT CHEAP FUEL PUMP ON THEIR SCOOTER. 2ND MAJOR FAILURE WAS THE GASOLINE LINE ACTUALLY COMING OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK! THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON A 2 LANE ST. HWY WHILE A SEMI-TRUCK WAS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY I MANAGED TO GUIDE MY BIKE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT. I LOST TOTAL POWER AND IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE TO HAVE TO PULL OVER THAT FAST AND SEE GAS POURING ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE BIKE AND ONTO THE HOT MUFFLER. I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE AN EXPLOSION, THANK GOD THERE WASN'T. THE RUBBER HOSES ON THIS BIKE ARE PATHETIC. VERY THIN AND POOR QUALITY. THE 3RD MAJOR FAILURE WAS WHEN I WAS COMMUTING HOME FROM WORK. I STOPPED AT A 4-WAY STOP BEHIND A SEMI-TRUCK. AS TRUCKS ACCELERATE SLOWLY, I DECIDED TO PASS ON THE LEFT. AS I DID THIS, THE BIKE WOULD NOT PICK UP IT'S USUAL SPEED AND I WAS BARELY BEING ABLE TO PASS THE SEMI. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS APPROACHING AND I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET AROUND THE SEMI JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE! I PULLED OVER WHEN I COULD AND NOTICED THAT MY FRONT BRAKE PAD WAS STUCK UP AGAINST THE FRONT ROTOR SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT A RECALL BE INSTITUTED ON THIS BIKE. IT IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10241182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,200 milesDemotte, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I PURCHASED A NEW ROKETA 250CC SCOOTER IN JULY OF 2008. THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURES ON THIS BIKE. IF NOT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EACH INCIDENT. FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVES THE CYCLE STALLING OUT WHEN GOING PAST 50 MPH. THE BIKE IS ADVERTISED TO GO 70MPH. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 7 TO 10 TIMES. ONCE IT HAPPENED ON A BUSY 2 LANE RD. AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THE DEALER TRACED THAT PROBLEM TO A VERY CHEAP FUEL PUMP. THAT PROBLEM WAS REMEDIED BY INSTALLING A BETTER GRADE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS A CHINESE BIKE AND HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THAT CHEAP FUEL PUMP ON THEIR SCOOTER. 2ND MAJOR FAILURE WAS THE GASOLINE LINE ACTUALLY COMING OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK! THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON A 2 LANE ST. HWY WHILE A SEMI-TRUCK WAS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY I MANAGED TO GUIDE MY BIKE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT. I LOST TOTAL POWER AND IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE TO HAVE TO PULL OVER THAT FAST AND SEE GAS POURING ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE BIKE AND ONTO THE HOT MUFFLER. I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE AN EXPLOSION, THANK GOD THERE WASN'T. THE RUBBER HOSES ON THIS BIKE ARE PATHETIC. VERY THIN AND POOR QUALITY. THE 3RD MAJOR FAILURE WAS WHEN I WAS COMMUTING HOME FROM WORK. I STOPPED AT A 4-WAY STOP BEHIND A SEMI-TRUCK. AS TRUCKS ACCELERATE SLOWLY, I DECIDED TO PASS ON THE LEFT. AS I DID THIS, THE BIKE WOULD NOT PICK UP IT'S USUAL SPEED AND I WAS BARELY BEING ABLE TO PASS THE SEMI. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS APPROACHING AND I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET AROUND THE SEMI JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE! I PULLED OVER WHEN I COULD AND NOTICED THAT MY FRONT BRAKE PAD WAS STUCK UP AGAINST THE FRONT ROTOR SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT A RECALL BE INSTITUTED ON THIS BIKE. IT IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10241182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70 milesGlendale, AZ
EQUIPMENT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V047000 (EQUIPMENT) ON AUGUST 11, 2008. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE SADDLEBAGS DETACHED FROM THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70.
NHTSA complaint #10237662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.