The 2018 Kawasaki ZX1002A has 3 recalls, all carrying the same severity level, with the most critical being a rear hub needle-bearing that can seize and lock the rear wheel without warning.
The bearing defect stems from insufficient grease and can cause an abrupt rear wheel lockup at speed, leaving the rider with little ability to control the motorcycle. A second mechanical concern involves the engine's control software: if a gear misengagement occurs, the ECU cannot suppress engine speed during the fault, allowing the engine to rev uncontrollably. This can damage the transmission gears and prevent shifting entirely, which may cause the engine to lock up while riding. There is also a separate engine stall risk that can cut power mid-ride, leaving the motorcycle decelerating unexpectedly with no drive to the rear wheel.
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 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
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.
