Recent ZX14 forum input w/detailed picture attachments showing ZX14 Frame Failure at the rear shock mount cross frame attachment. No metal expert or mechanical engineer but appears that a frame doubler was used in that area, don't know what kawasaki calls it but when used in the aerospace industry it is usually done to strengthen an area that has demonstrated weakness or failure under testing or FINITE analysis. In such applications the particular area is worked (stressed) a certain number of times to simulate different types of loading (eg.Torsional etc.). This testing is done to simulate loads over the expected lifetime of a particular or group of parts and also to provide engineering with some idea as to wether or not a part needs to be strenghtened or improved. Don't know what the outcome will be to this but more than one ZX14 has suffered the failure. I have an 07 ZX14 and will be keeping a close watch. I am debating removing the suspected parts and having an NDI X-RAY inspection performed as we do in the aerospace industry to check for cracks before a complete failure occurrs. If any one else has experienced this failure then please get the word out as theZX14 is too fast and too powerfull to have a potential frame design fault that can prove to be disastrous. At the very least i think that we should hear from Kawasaki on this issue and have some type of valid inspection setup at the dealers. RODDISM 2/20/08

 

[sm=interesting.gif]i would like to see these pics roddism. this is a first ive heard about it

 

Check these out.

http://www.zx14ninja.com/phpbb2/view...k+recall+break

http://zzrbikes.com/modules.php?name...t=frame+recall

 

thanx chuck! thats crazy stuff[&:]

 

The recall came out last week. It was determined that failures were due to overtorquing at the factory of an engine mount bolt causing excessive frame flex affected by the torque. Get down to nearest Kawi dealer and they can perform the check. If the torque is past spec then they tear down to inspect for cracks visually. If any are found then a new frame is in order.

 

Which years does this affect? I just bought an 08 brand new, and I (of course) didn't hear anything about it.

 

The first failure was an 06!