2006 Kawasaki ZX14

2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 frame broke in the same location as recall defect, causing rear suspension collapse. Dealer denied recall coverage due to modifications, but failure matches official recall issue. My 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 suffered a complete frame break, causing the rear suspension to collapse while riding. This matches the safety defect covered under Kawasaki’s recall for 2006–2007 ZX-14 models. I was told to tow my motorcycle to a dealer for recall repair and provided a log number. The dealer later denied coverage, claiming my modifications (lowered and stretched) caused the failure. This is not reasonable, as many ZX-14 owners have similar modifications without failures, while documented reports online show identical frame breaks both with and without modifications. My bike has been in this setup for years without issues until the sudden failure. The break occurred in the exact location noted in the recall, with no warning signs beforehand. This was a life-threatening incident that could have killed me. Kawasaki customer service told me my case was still under review and that no photos were submitted, while the dealer claimed photos were sent and a California rep denied the claim. Even the customer service representative could not explain why it was denied. This is the same defect that was recalled, and Kawasaki should be held liable regardless of aftermarket parts. A frame should not catastrophically fail simply because of modifications unless Kawasaki had explicitly warned of such risks.

APPLIED BRAKES ON A 2006 ZX1400 KAWASAKI TO NEGOTIATE A TURN IN THE ROAD. AT THAT TIME THE FRAME BROKE 3 TO 4 INCHES BEHIND THE TRIPLE CLAMPS. THIS CAUSED ME TO BE THROWN OVER THE HANDLEBARS AND ONTO THE ROAD IN THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 DAYS. THE FRAME HAS 4 HOLES IN IT FOR AIRCLEANERS AND THE RAM AIR INDUCTION. I THINK THIS DESIGN MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRAME BREAKING AS IT MAY BE WEAK IN THIS AREA. THE BIKE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS IT WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 (NA) KAWASAKI NINJA ZX 1400. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE OUT OF A TURN, HE CAN HEAR A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE BEGAN THE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FRAME INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE RECALL NUMBER AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 12,503. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08.*JB