KAWASAKI KZ1000 Recalls

The Kawasaki KZ1000 has 3 recalls spanning the 1975 to 1989 production run, with the most serious affecting 1989 Police (P8/P9/P10) trim models, where restricted oil delivery to the clutch mechanism can cause the clutch to stick engaged even when the rider pulls the lever, making it difficult to stop cleanly and raising the risk of a crash. The 1981 model year has a drivetrain sprocket bolt that may not have been tightened sufficiently at the factory. If it works loose, the sprocket or drive chain can wedge into the frame and lock the rear wheel without warning. Going back to the earliest production, 1975 models can develop handling instability at high speeds due to damaged or out-of-specification suspension components or the fitment of tires not recommended for the motorcycle, either of which can cause the rider to lose control.