total_chaos
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posted November 27, 2010 12:07 PM
 Edited By: total_chaos on 27 Nov 2010 22:42
ZX14's are Death Traps
This is going to be a copy of my lost post in my original topic. I started a new topic to discuss your opinion on it being a death trap plagued with Life threatening failures. Please respond honestly and do not bash this post for it's intended purposes of simply educating owners/riders from a real life threatening experience on my ZX14 Motorcycle.
Model 2006 Zx14 No mods
My Post:
Parking Attendant
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posted November 27, 2010 12:54 PM Don't know if anyone cares about my post since it seems all you guys wanted to do was bash a guy trying to get a little help. After all this time it's finally finished. They asked me to pay $560.00 in extra labor stating that I took things apart that did not need to be when removing the engine. I don't get that really since I took it to them well organized and properly tagged and only remove the engine itself and left everything else( even throttle bodies) in place. Who knows....... But anyway they rebuilt the engine with over $4500.00 in new parts. The service advisor had a Kawi rep come look at the case to approve it's replacement but they said it would be fine. We fought on this for a while and they simply Said if i don't like it then buy my own cases. Real nice guys there. But anyway I'm filing suit against Kawasaki for potential loss of life due to Manufacturer Defect. I bounced off a tractor trailer and almost got sucked under it when it locked up. They stated that they would replace the parts but would not just pay off the bike. I stated I wanted it paid off so I could get something else because My service Advisor said he will just have to tear it down and build it again because the oil pump housing was scratched up. So it's a crazy fight and they paid $4500.00 in parts and god knows what in Labor but wouldn't pay $5000.00 to just pay it off and throw it away? What a fight with these guys ya know. I simply said that I don't feel it's safe to ride anymore and they said oh well we replaced everything we felt we needed to.
So............In summary, if you guys get locked up due to mechanical failure it's best that you just lay the bike down and take a few bumps and bruises before they take you seriously. The fact that i survived without getting killed or hurt only makes my case weak that it was life threatening. I loved Kawi until this happened. I love that frame and fairing setup so maybe we need to find out how to fit a Busa motor into it. Anyone ever done that? I'd rather spend$8000.00 building one than buying another death trap which is exactly what that bike is. So guys the next time you're going down the track or the interstate and you thinking your bike is going to knock or give warning before it blows well think again. You better pull your pan and check your bearings or have a professional do so before you risk your life like I did so carelessly. I think we need a class action lawsuit for this bike, who's with me and what's your claim? I'm preparing a case and filing Pro Se. Evidence Speaks for itself and I have been without the use of this bike since August when all this happened.
My claim is this. Kawasaki's obvious negligence in building this motorcycle correctly is risking lives without warning. They have frame cracking issues(defect), tip over sensor issues(defect) and now severe rod bearing and crank failure and even possible oil pump failure issues(defect). Any of these 3 could get you seriously injured and or killed and they have yet to issue a warning and recall all 2006 Models for inspection. Does anyone agree we need a mass recall? If you would like to add your name to the list or tell your story please email me at Pressley_Marine @ yahoo . Without the spaces ofcourse and add dot com lol .
As far as you guys bashing me and saying I'm stupid how dumb do you feel now? Sure I misspelled words and messed up in a few places but my complaint is the same. All 2006 Models need to be recalled and other models as well perhaps. This is a $13,000.00 Machine that should not be having such life threatening major complications. Good Luck and be careful on these bikes guys.
P.S. If you want more info or details just email or ask and I will be glad to answer. I'm 30 yrs old and have been riding for 10 years safely. This is my first life threatening experience on a motorcycle and it came from a Manufacturer Defect.
  
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smokinZX14
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posted November 27, 2010 12:33 PM
You think other brands don't lock up and kick rods out ? This is not new to any motorcycle engine ..Sorry for your luck and i'm glad you came out ok ..
As far as your dealer being a total pick , well that is the way most of them are .. If i ever blow my motor i will be doing the repairs NOT a Dealer ..I would not trust them to change my plugs muchless anything else ..My 06 zx14 was and is a great bike , 5000+ 1/4 miles passes and untold top end runs .. I sold it a while back and it's still running strong with its new owner ..
If you feel the need to go after Kawi please do , this is America after all .. I wish you all the luck in the world ..
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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total_chaos
Novice Class
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posted November 27, 2010 12:41 PM
Smokin ? how do i get u off my ignore list to see your msg. I got an email that you replied but I can't see it. Email me with how you change that please. Thanks
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smokinZX14
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Posts: 10197
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posted November 27, 2010 12:46 PM
quote:
Smokin ? how do i get u off my ignore list to see your msg. I got an email that you replied but I can't see it. Email me with how you change that please. Thanks
Once you put me on Ignore you Can NOT get me back off Ignore ...Ignore is forever.. That is Fishs rules not mine ..
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 01:00 PM
You should be able to see his posts if you log out?
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smokinZX14
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posted November 27, 2010 01:03 PM
quote:
You should be able to see his posts if you log out?
I sent a copy if it to him by email ..ZX14 are death traps ? All motorcycles are death traps ... I'm pretty sure we all know that ... 
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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INTIMIDA2OR
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RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted November 27, 2010 01:07 PM
Nearly 70k flawless miles for my Passion red 06 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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total_chaos
Novice Class
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posted November 27, 2010 01:25 PM
Me and smokin spoke through email and this is my response. The fact is they Neglect to accept the facts in this case. These failures that are obviously defects will get you killed quick. People need to know that these bikes have 3 major potential failures and just because it didn't happen to you doesn't mean it won't happen. They should have just paid it off and shut me up but since they refused I'm doing my research and legal work and I am going after them. My dealer is actually a bunch of guys i personally know from constantly buying parts from them to build bikes for others. Yes they all can have failures but failures like this with no type of warning? Basically I'm saying that these bikes need to be recalled and inspected to ensure loss of life is at best reduced. Slinging a rod is one thing but total lock up due to manufacturer defect? That's a whole different story. Your opinion is welcome but please don't make it seem like it's not worth looking into. Please don't give these new owners a reason to just neglect the fact that this could occur at any time with this particular motorcycle. I was lucky, what about the next guy? Atleast now he has a chance to read and learn and consider not purchasing that bike or atleast have it checked out. As far as your number of passes goes and all that , well this bike was driven on the hwy for long rides and was not just a 1/4 toy. You keep your bike very well maintained to do what you do but you must admit that rush hour driving, hwy driving and other factors apply here. Like let's say i can ride a turn better than others and that caused the failure. Should ppl be penalized because they can ride better than others? Should they lose their life because Kawi thought this bike would spend most it's life straight up? There's alot of factors here in this case. Just be willing to accept it is a problem. Good Luck to ya and thanks for your response.
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oilfieldtrash
Zone Head
Kawasaki enthusiast
Posts: 506
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posted November 27, 2010 01:32 PM
Sorry to hear of your bad luck with Kawi. I don't want to piss anyone off but there is some truth to the problems the 14 is having. That is part of the reason I got rid of my 14. I have a Kawasaki zx6r and of all the forums I've read I've never heard of an engine failure on a zx6r and you know how badly 600cc's get ragged on. Not to say it doesn't happen cause I'm sure it does. Also remember that there are probably 10 zx6r's made to one zx14.
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'09 zx6r lime green bone stock
'07 white S.E. ZX-14 sold
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 01:45 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 27 Nov 2010 21:47
Since my opinion is "welcome", I have to agree with Smokin. Many bikes from many manufacturers have a variety of defects. Remember the Suzuki frames that had to be epoxied? That didn't come out for quite some time.
These are machines. They are, by nature, subject to imperfections and failures. That is why they have a warranty. In this case, your statement that "They should have just paid it off and shut me up" indicates that saving humanity is not really your primary goal here.
My 14 has had hundreds of dragstrip passes, and miles of WOT top speed runs. I decided I wanted even more power, and the engine has been taken apart and inspected. Everything inside was in excellent condition. I think it is fair to say that I am harder on my engine than most. In the case of the 14, engine failure is certainly the exception and not the norm. I'm sure that your extensive research indicates this as well. In fact, the frame failures were also relatively rare, despite the fears of many.
I didn't hear a definitive cause of your seizure. Obviously it is likely related to an oiling issue...but what have been able to conclusively determine? And what makes you think that this is such a common issue that everyone needs to inspect their bearings?
Shane
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dakota9498
Pro
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posted November 27, 2010 01:50 PM
Edited By: dakota9498 on 27 Nov 2010 23:50
I have to agree with you Shane, it is the exception not the rule. Hell, I remember hearing someone on this forum talking about spraying a 100 wet shot on their stock motored 06 and still haven't had any problems.
I also agree with Smokin, all motorcycles are death traps, how much fun would it be if they weren't.
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2008 ZX14
Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference. ~Mark Twain
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total_chaos
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posted November 27, 2010 02:12 PM
Edited By: total_chaos on 27 Nov 2010 22:15
In response to Shane in his statement :"These are machines. They are, by nature, subject to imperfections and failures. That is why they have a warranty. In this case, your statement that "They should have just paid it off and shut me up" indicates that saving humanity is not really your primary goal here."
How dare you say such a thing? This is exactly what i was talking about when I asked that you not bash me for my honest experience here. When I made that statement I was referring to the legal aspects. Meaning If they paid it off then I would not be able to sue because i would have to sign a waiver. But I did not mean anything to the affect of being quiet in the forums or the community even if they did pay for it. I just can't believe you just came out and said that like I have insulted you in some way. You just insulted me and everyone in this forum with speech like that. You just showed a pure ignorance to insult a guy and attempt to define his intentions by taking a statement out of context and present it in an undignified manner.
I couldn't be more insulted by what you just said. My whole reason for posting this was to atleast educate riders on what could happen with these machines. How would you like it if I just went around checking all your posts and trying to find a reason to Insult you ? You can share your opinion but don't insult people just because you feel like it. Please disregard this mans statement and know that my intentions on that were not as assumed.
So Kawi pays $8,000.00 plus in repairs and you think my claims are not valid? Ok I need to just move on from this and accept that for what it was. An ignorant statement.
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 02:14 PM
quote:
How dare you say such a thing?
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zx14fan
Zone Head
Posts: 547
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posted November 27, 2010 02:15 PM
I agree with shane (your statement that "They should have just paid it off and shut me up" indicates that saving humanity is not really your primary goal here) You sound a alot like a lawyer.I guess I would be pissed if I hit the ground because of what happend.maybe they didnt take care of it like they should but the idea of 14 motors locking up just dosent happen anymore than getting struck by lightening.Your dealing with a shop to not kawaski.
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total_chaos
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posted November 27, 2010 02:19 PM
I'm not just dealing with a shop. They sent a Kawisaki Rep from Cali to inspect everything before they proceeded with repair because of the cost. They said they do not do crate motors but they will repair it. There was some questions on the case by the Tech. But Kawi rep said it was fine and approved all repairs. They replaced over $4500.00 In parts alone.
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 02:22 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 27 Nov 2010 22:22
quote:
I couldn't be more insulted by what you just said. .
If you are going to be combative and super-sensitive about every comment made...believe me, this crowd is just getting warmed up.
So, please explain the exact cause of your engine failure...and why you believe everyone needs to check their bearings.
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INTIMIDA2OR
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posted November 27, 2010 02:28 PM
quote:
quote:
I couldn't be more insulted by what you just said. .
If you are going to be combative and super-sensitive about every comment made...believe me, this crowd is just getting warmed up.
So, please explain the exact cause of your engine failure...and why you believe everyone needs to check their bearings.
+1 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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eklipse636
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ZX-14
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posted November 27, 2010 02:30 PM
quote:
I agree with shane (your statement that "They should have just paid it off and shut me up" indicates that saving humanity is not really your primary goal here) You sound a alot like a lawyer.I guess I would be pissed if I hit the ground because of what happend.maybe they didnt take care of it like they should but the idea of 14 motors locking up just dosent happen anymore than getting struck by lightening.Your dealing with a shop to not kawaski.
I agree with zx14fan here.(o shit... We have agreed on something).
It's a machine. If you think you need to put a Busa motor in it, go ahead. Your going to get laughed at by kawi fans and Busa fans.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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total_chaos
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posted November 27, 2010 02:41 PM
Edited By: total_chaos on 27 Nov 2010 22:46
Not trying to be sensitive, trying to remain professional here. Shane I have nothing more to say to you and you can post all you like but i refuse to even comment on such ignorance. Your opinion is noted. I ask that the majority refer to my response to that statement and let it be on record that was not my intention with that statement. I simply called them up and asked for the highest level of customer support and spoke with a gentlemen for over a half hour about this particular situation.
Service Advisor: " I think they should replace the case and they'll just have to pay me to tear it down again when it fails."
My Statement to Customer Service: " How can I be confident about riding this motorcycle, or even selling it to someone to ride, knowing that a professional who see's these bikes everyday makes such a statement and that this failure could occur again after the rebuild?"
Their Statement: "If you don't like it then buy the cases and we'll pay for the techs to replace them, but we do not feel it will cause any failures in the future." " This is why we sent a rep to approve these repairs to ensure the best possible course of action."
My statement: "Rather than spend $8000.00 In repairs , I currently Owe $5000.00 on my loan, would you be interested in just paying it off since there is an issue in dependability and safety here?"
Their Statement: " No sir we can only do repairs, we will not pay the bike off simply because you feel it's unsafe."
My Statement: " Can I please speak to your legal department?"
Their Statement: " No sir, You can not. " " Our attorney's will only respond when a case is filed and if you truly feel this motorcycle is unsafe to ride and the repairs are not properly being performed then we suggest you do so."
My final statement: " It's not for me to say whether it's safe or not, but if the technician doing the repairs, per your instructions, feels this is not going to be sufficient ,then can I have the repairs done at another Kawasaki Repair facility?"
Their Final Statement: " We will not send the parts to another facility" THAT'S VIOLATION OF THE WARRANTY POLICY IN ITSELF!!!!! Policy states I can have these repairs performed at any Kawasaki dealer world wide. They further stated. " We will not be extending the warranty on this model either."
To Close : I received a letter in the Mail Today stating My goodtimes protection plan runs out on June 21, 2011.It gave me a voucher to send in with payment to extend the warranty for up to 2 years. Now why did I receive that? Why would they not want to further warranty this motorcycle? It sounds like they know they should have replaced the cases but they just simply could not justify $10,000 dollars in repairs.
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 02:44 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 27 Nov 2010 22:45
quote:
Shane I have nothing more to say to you and you can post all you like but i refuse to even comment on such ignorance.
No offense, but you come off like a complete tool. 
If you deal with Kawasaki like you present yourself on this board, it is no wonder that you didn't get the results you were looking for. 
So, again...what was the exact cause of your engine failure, and why do you think everyone needs to check their bearings??
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total_chaos
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posted November 27, 2010 03:00 PM
Edited By: total_chaos on 27 Nov 2010 23:02
Shane look man I'm not trying to be a "tool" . You insulted me man. I lost 3 amazing guys this year on bikes and death on a bike is very serious to me. One had a car pull out in front of him and his front brakes locked up even when he was pumping them and pumping them and his best friend watched as he kept trying to stop them from locking up until he t-boned a car killing a 5 yr old little girl and himself  .He was the club's best rider and Raced Semi-Pro every weekend. He was well known at Talladega. Look man it's personal ok, Would it really be so hard for you to apologize for that statement?
So what was the cause? You tell me. They still did not tell me exactly what occurred and can only speculate. They (the techs) believe it failed mysteriously and can not guarantee it won't happen again. Do you see my problem now? How would you feel if they said, " We're doing 8k in repairs but really don't know if it's going to hold up til we ride it." They did say it very well could have been to tight from the factory and the rod was warped pretty bad. They replaced 1 rod, 2 pistons,1 crank, all bearings, and all parts inbetween such as seals and shims and thrust washers.This problem occurred out of nowhere at 12,543. So how can anyone know when, where, how, or why this is going to occur again. That's why i wanted it paid for because I don't see it as safe and dependable. What would you do? Ofcourse I can just sell it to somebody and I'm sure it will bring a good bit, it's a beautiful Blue Bike with flawless fairings. But I just don't feel good about it is all. I think everyone should have their bikes inspected to just make sure number 1 rod isn't failing on other bikes because it never knocked, never shaked, never had oil light on, Nothing. It just stop dead cold on the interstate while cruising half way on the throttle. I Did ride through a storm just before it happened and told them that. I asked if the strain on treading all the water and the severe wind pressure would warp the internal components and they almost laughed and said no way. So i ruled that out to. But i really think that had something to do with with the final failure. Like saying it was almost ready to fail then the added stress just caused it to blow. No wheelies no hard riding other than storm riding ofcourse.
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted November 27, 2010 03:00 PM
Shouldn't the title be motorcycles are death traps?
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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Shane661
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posted November 27, 2010 03:06 PM
Edited By: Shane661 on 27 Nov 2010 23:09
quote:
So what was the cause? You tell me. They still did not tell me exactly what occurred and can only speculate. They (the techs) believe it failed mysteriously and can not guarantee it won't happen again. Do you see my problem now?
It sounds to me like you are dealing with questionable technicians. "Failed mysteriously" is equal to "I dunno". That is not the kind of thing that a good tech would likely say.
Perhaps the bearing clearances were tight, perhaps the engine was run low on oil, or under harsh conditions that led to an oil film issue that caused damage. Without examining the motor, it is hard to say.
If the engine seized, they should clearly know what cylinder seized. A lack of oiling should be apparent on the journals.
I see Kawasaki offering to fix the engine damage under warranty...but also the information they are getting is not conclusive as to the cause. Without a conclusive cause, it can even put their liability in question.
Shane
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1badzx12r
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posted November 27, 2010 03:06 PM
KHI customer support as a whole is a fucktard ..my KHI days are over too with new bike purchase
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06nIz4scvI
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eklipse636
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ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted November 27, 2010 03:14 PM
Putting strain on the motor by treading water? WHAT?!
If you said that to me and I was a tech, I would have fell on the floor laughing.
Most of us here abuse these bikes to the max with ZERO problems. Mines got 4,000 miles and most of it at the dragstrip.
My 06 14 had somewhere around 8,000 miles, mostly 1/4 mile at the time.
I can't say I dont disagree with the way they handled this, but I would have to say it might of been the way you approached it.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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