A friend sent me info on a early ZX-14 recall.
Problem was very similar to your break.
http://kawasaki.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ZX1400-FRAME-RECALL.pdf
Bottom of page 1 sez;
On some eligible units, the engine mount adjusting collar(s) may be over-tightened at factory, creating excessive stress on weld bead on sides of lower cross pipe of frame. With this condition, if high load is applied in such a way that motorcycle is operated on rough road surfaces or through the potholes, the weld bead on lower cross pipe of frame could crack. Continued use can cause separation of frame, resulting in potential of a crash.
Image on page 6 shows similar crack.
Ride safe, Ted
A friend sent me info on a early ZX-14 recall.
Problem was very similar to your break.
http://kawasaki.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ZX1400-FRAME-RECALL.pdf
Bottom of page 1 sez;
On some eligible units, the engine mount adjusting collar(s) may be over-tightened at factory, creating excessive stress on weld bead on sides of lower cross pipe of frame. With this condition, if high load is applied in such a way that motorcycle is operated on rough road surfaces or through the potholes, the weld bead on lower cross pipe of frame could crack. Continued use can cause separation of frame, resulting in potential of a crash.
Image on page 6 shows similar crack.
Ride safe, Ted
A friend sent me info on a early ZX-14 recall.
Problem was very similar to your break.
http://kawasaki.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ZX1400-FRAME-RECALL.pdf
Bottom of page 1 sez;
On some eligible units, the engine mount adjusting collar(s) may be over-tightened at factory, creating excessive stress on weld bead on sides of lower cross pipe of frame. With this condition, if high load is applied in such a way that motorcycle is operated on rough road surfaces or through the potholes, the weld bead on lower cross pipe of frame could crack. Continued use can cause separation of frame, resulting in potential of a crash.
Image on page 6 shows similar crack.
Ride safe, Ted
I'm not quite ready to say his was overtightened.I'm ready to say overtightened. I have two frames where the adjusters were a lot harder to undo than they should have been. And lookee what I found. Maybe I should have looked harder the first time.
I'm just saying the two are related.
My point is; that area of the frame has failed there before.
He has rough roads, speed, heavy rider, and Tail Raisers.
(I believe MOB is correct that the Risers increase stress to that area of the frame)
I feel the frame design may be borderline on strength, or maybe the weld on his bike was not quite up to par.
So, my thought is the combination caused the failure...
Ride safe, Ted
I'm ready to say overtightened. I have two frames where the adjusters were a lot harder to undo than they should have been. And lookee what I found. Maybe I should have looked harder the first time.
I'm ready to say overtightened. I have two frames where the adjusters were a lot harder to undo than they should have been. And lookee what I found. Maybe I should have looked harder the first time.
Im curious why you mentioned the above; did you disassemble and reassemble those 2 bikes?
I truly hope you see and understand the dilemma I have with making all these claims to Kawasaki corp, based on all of the variables I am supplied with. If I go to them, and throw this down, and each incident had "issues" as you now describe,(crashed, dropped, i dunno, aftermarket suspension in stalled.. blahh etc.,) it would hold no credit-ability on my part, as I have not seen/owned/touched/examined each and every one of them.. crashed bikes? and now bad frame? I cannot present pristine examples of failures based on any of this..
I truly hope you see and understand the dilemma I have with making all these claims to Kawasaki corp, based on all of the variables I am supplied with. If I go to them, and throw this down, and each incident had "issues" as you now describe,(crashed, dropped, i dunno, aftermarket suspension in stalled.. blahh etc.,) it would hold no credit-ability on my part, as I have not seen/owned/touched/examined each and every one of them.. crashed bikes? and now bad frame? I cannot present pristine examples of failures based on any of this..
I truly want to make sure we are all covered for the multi thousand dollars we have spent on this bike.. but when it's all on the same page, and EVERY thing is truthfully written up, like a letter, which I intend to read to Kawasaki... don't make me look like a fool.. as if anything is missing, anything at all... you all will be the responsible parties that made my credit-ability with this company worthless.
for the last 12 years, I have endeavored to preclude many issues, and persevered in that "hidden" task... this by far is the most demanding one I will pursue. and mind you, I will do it. but just don't make me look like an ass when I do.
everyone involved with broken frames, p/m me with your email, name, address, and also your vehicle VIN number.. also, if it was bought as a "used bike", everything you know about its past.. anything regarding any services done, which may include some sort of descriptions to "engine/frame" removal, and or replacements and adjustments, all apply also.
you want it.. I'll do it.. but DO NOT LIE to me.
over.
I truly hope you see and understand the dilemma I have with making all these claims to Kawasaki corp, based on all of the variables I am supplied with. If I go to them, and throw this down, and each incident had "issues" as you now describe,(crashed, dropped, i dunno, aftermarket suspension in stalled.. blahh etc.,) it would hold no credit-ability on my part, as I have not seen/owned/touched/examined each and every one of them.. crashed bikes? and now bad frame? I cannot present pristine examples of failures based on any of this..
I truly want to make sure we are all covered for the multi thousand dollars we have spent on this bike.. but when it's all on the same page, and EVERY thing is truthfully written up, like a letter, which I intend to read to Kawasaki... don't make me look like a fool.. as if anything is missing, anything at all... you all will be the responsible parties that made my credit-ability with this company worthless.
for the last 12 years, I have endeavored to preclude many issues, and persevered in that "hidden" task... this by far is the most demanding one I will pursue. and mind you, I will do it. but just don't make me look like an ass when I do.
everyone involved with broken frames, p/m me with your email, name, address, and also your vehicle VIN number.. also, if it was bought as a "used bike", everything you know about its past.. anything regarding any services done, which may include some sort of descriptions to "engine/frame" removal, and or replacements and adjustments, all apply also.
you want it.. I'll do it.. but DO NOT LIE to me.
over.
I must be missing something? How is it that you feel that this issue falls on you and that it's your responsibility to bring all of this to Kawasaki?