Kawasaki ZX-14R Problems People Complain About the Most
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS entered 2020 as the motorcycle that maintains its mission to represent the non-H2 Ninja flagship. Experienced riders can make this machine do amazing things. Nicknamed the “14R,” this Ninja sportbike has been the Ninja ZX-14R since the 2012 release of its current generation. The 2020 Kawasaki ZX-14R is one of the most powerful production bikes on the planet. Consequently, it’s speed tops out at 186 miles per hour, because that is as fast as it’s allowed to go.
“[It] brings almost a liter and a half of four-cylinder supersport-goodness to the table along with the ride-quality and safety subsystems you’ll need to keep it under control. Make no mistake; this is a serious ride meant for experienced riders, and not another one of these racebike-looking commuters so popular with the masses right now.”
TJ Hinton | TopSpeed.com
A popular bike like this isn’t perfect all the time, though. There have been problems with the ZX-14R for some owners. Let’s take a look at the most common Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R problems people complain about the most.
Shaky brakes
In this thread on the KawasakiWorld forum, an owner complains of shaky or “shuttering” front brakes. The forum member bought the ZX-14R new from the dealer. They explained that the problems began around just 800 miles. Repeated trips to the dealer and attempts to fix were not initially successful.
The response to his complaint is mostly confusion. It doesn’t seem that many others have experienced similar problems. Apparently, the vast majority of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R motorcycle owners have been riding for thousands of miles with no problems whatsoever.
At the close of the thread, the original poster returns to let everyone know that the issue was finally resolved. The owner of the bike in question never did learn what it was for sure that was wrong with his 14R. Some replies thought it might be fluid from leaky forks or dust and debris. Many others said that taking up the issue directly with Kawasaki would get it handled. In the end, though, all we get is “I suspect it has something to do (with) the matching of the pads with the rotors.”
2012 and 2013 model years of the Kawasaki ZX-14R
Another thread asks about the reliability of the 2012 and 2013 model years. If you read the thread, keep in mind that some of the comments have some adult language. Just in case you have anyone looking over your shoulder as you read this. The replies to the original post are overwhelmingly positive.
The owners of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R are happy with their choice of sportbike. At least the 2012 and 2013 models. It definitely looks as if this is an extremely reliable motorcycle, and problems are rare.
Electrical issues on a 2017 ZX-14R
Another thread in the forum starts with post about a 2017 Ninja ZX-14R having electrical issues. When riders sit on their Ninjas, sometimes the gauges begin to flicker. It’s an easy fix typically and covered under warranty. But this is the most common problem experienced by Ninja owners on ZX Forums.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
Evidence reveals that this power hungry motorcycle produced by the “green team” is a reliable sportbike. Few problems are reported on any forums. In fact, it took alot of digging just to find what was listed here. All in all, this is a motorcycle appears to have excellent reliability and few complaints. Owners love their second-gen Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R motorcycles.
