If you're a US-based rider and you've recently bought a 2024 or 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, I'm afraid that Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA has some bad news for you. The company is recalling 2024 and 2025 Ninja ZX-6Rs, including the 40th Anniversary Edition and KRT liveries, due to the possibility of the engine seizing while in use. An engine seizure while riding could clearly increase the risk of a crash and possible injury.
Approximately 17,792 Ninja ZX-6Rs in total could potentially be affected, which represents around 1% of the population according to Kawasaki's records. Potentially affected Ninja ZX-6Rs were produced between April 3, 2023 and April 28, 2025.
What's the issue? The #5 metal crankshaft bushing may be damaged due to overtorquing of the bolts that hold the crankshaft together within the crank case of affected motorcycle units. There is no warning that may occur prior to this potentially serious problem presenting itself, according to Kawasaki.
Because of the potential serious safety issue this recall poses, Kawasaki USA advises owners not to ride their motorcycles until a recall repair has been completed by an authorized Kawasaki technician. Unfortunately, while the company has officially announced this recall and filed paperwork with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it has not yet provided a schedule for recall notifications to be sent to owners and dealers.
However, in the meantime, owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Additionally, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov. NHTSA's recall campaign number for this issue is 25V376.
If you live in a market outside the US, it's unclear whether this recall affects units sold in your country. However, given the global nature of motorcycle production, it can't hurt to contact your Kawasaki Customer Service to ask. Also, given the seriousness of this issue, checking seems like a good idea before you go out for that next ride.
Ride safe, everyone.
