The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX has 6 recalls, with the most serious risks being rear wheel lockup, sudden loss of drive, and engine stall, any of which can cause the rider to lose control.
Two recalls address the rear wheel. A shortage of grease in the rear hub needle-bearing or the rear wheel bearing can cause either bearing to fail over time and lock the rear wheel without warning. A related pair of recalls covers the engine control unit's handling of gear misengagements: if the transmission jumps out of gear, engine speed can spike before a gear re-engages, damaging that gear and potentially leaving the rider unable to shift or causing the engine to lock up. There is also a recall for an engine stall that can occur while riding. On the structural side, the center stand spring can detach and allow the stand to drop to the ground while the motorcycle is moving, which can catch the pavement and cause a sudden loss of control.
At a glance
What can fail
The plunger in the camshaft chain tensioner can lock up, causing the engine to stall while you're riding.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel bearing may have insufficient grease, which can cause it to fail over time. A failed bearing could cause the rear wheel to suddenly lock up.
What the fix does
Kawasaki will mail you instructions to visit a dealer who will replace the rear wheel bearing and any damaged parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear hub needle-bearing may not have enough grease, causing it to fail and the rear wheel to lock up.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the needle-bearing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the engine control unit may cause the transmission to slip out of gear. When the engine revs before the transmission re-engages, gear teeth can be damaged, potentially preventing gear shifting or locking the rear wheel.
What the fix does
Kawasaki will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will update the engine control unit software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When shifting into 4th or 5th gear, if the transmission gears don't engage properly, the engine control unit cannot limit RPM, causing the output gears to fracture when they re-engage.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit software to suppress high RPM during transmission gear shifts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring holding up the center stand may come loose, allowing the stand to drop and drag on the ground while riding, which could cause you to lose control.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the left center stand bracket to secure the stand properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
