Kawasaki USA has issued a recall for the Ninja ZX-10R, due to faulty ECU programming that could cause the engine to backfire. In total, 1,529 units manufactured in 2019 and 2020 have been affected. 

The recall document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the US Department of Transportation, states that “On eligible units, the engine control unit (ECU) programming from the factory may cause the engine to backfire when the quick shift function is used at high engine load, resulting in deformation and/or breakage of the air suction valve. With continuous use, high temperature exhaust gas may blow back through the damaged air suction valve(s) and melt surrounding parts. In the worst case, it could result in a fire.”

The document also reveals that the issue was discovered by Kawasaki Motor Europe, in December of last year. In February 2020, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan confirmed the issue, and that the ECU programming was at fault. There’s still no word as to whether bikes in India have been affected by the issue.

To rectify the issue, Kawasaki USA is notifying affected owners, and dealerships will reprogram the ECU and inspect the air suction valves and surrounding parts, replacing them as necessary. The recall is expected to begin today, on June 8, 2020.