Kawasaki is recalling its 2024 and 2025 model year Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles worldwide because the crankshaft bolts may have been overtightened and can lead to the engine suddenly seizing. This recall only applies to around 17,800 in the US, but more are potentially affected in Europe, UK and elsewhere.
Do Not Ride Advisory Declared Without Delay
The consumers of the affected motorcycles have been directly cautioned against riding the bikes until the problem is attended to. The defect is a result of crankshaft bolts that were tightened too much during assembly, leading to the possibility of sudden and catastrophic engine failure.
The defect could decrease oil clearance in the crankshaft bearing, potentially resulting in engine seizure during operation. This is a serious safety concern, as loss of power can lead to accidents that put riders (and others on the road) in harm’s way.
All Variants Affected – No Exceptions
All the models of the 2024 and 2025 Ninja ZX-6R are recalled, these being:
- Standard model
- KRT Edition
- 40th Anniversary model
The recall pertains to motorcycles produced from April 3, 2023, through April 28, 2025. In the US, the 10,948 units of the 2024 model year and 8,548 units of the 2025 model year are affected.
What Owners Must Do Now
Kawasaki will notify affected owners directly and advise them to take their bikes to authorized dealers. At service centers, technicians will:
- Inspect crankshaft bolt torque levels
- Replace any defective bolts, without charge
- Ensure proper oil clearance restoration
For new motorcycles sitting at dealers, the cure is to re-tighten external crankcase fastening bolts. But the engines of customer-owned motorcycles could mean greater engine disassembly.
India Status Remains Unclear
Priced at Rs 11.53 lakh ex-showroom, the Ninja ZX-6R is now on sale in India that is propelled by a 636cc inline-4 capable of producing 129 hp and 69 Nm of torque. It is not clear yet whether Kawasaki India has recalled the affected models from the Indian market.
Owners of both 2024 and 2025 Ninja ZX-6R models in India have been told to reach out to the authorized dealerships for updates and refrain from riding the motorcycle until they receive further intimation.
Read Also: 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 Launched With Segment-First Features – Check Price
Beyond The Immediate Fix
The recall served to underscore broader worries about recent cost-cutting efforts. For the 2024-2025 years, high-quality aluminum valve spring retainers were replaced by a stamped steel version. While there haven’t been any outright failures blamed on this change, performance tuners caution it may make high-RPM performance and long-term durability suffer.
Technical Specifications
| Engine | 636cc inline-four DOHC |
|---|---|
| Power | 129 hp |
| Torque | 69 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| India Price | Rs 11.53 lakh (ex-showroom) |