2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 brakes problems

Filed Sep 20, 2018 · Brakes · 43,680 miles · TX

On or about june 20, 2016 I noticed that my rear brake pedal was beginning to get harder to push to apply brake to the rear ABS braking system. On december 20, 2017 I took my concours to my dealer and had 2 tires r&r and also requested the dealer to check the braking system on the rear. There was no notice from the ABS system that alerted me to any malfunctioning hardware via the idiot lights. (see attachments) I feel the light not working and the defective ABS core is a known issue with kawasaki and they have chosen not to address this safety issue. On march 6, 2018 I wrote through the online kawasaki product feedback to kawasaki about the lack of response to pressing the back brake pedal and a nate depauw from kawasaki wrote back to keep working with my local dealer for a resolve. There has still been nothing resolved. I have scanned in and attached the information I have been using to try to gain satisfaction. -

Filed Mar 25, 2016 · Brakes · 29,500 miles · FL

The rear brake on my motorcycle will intermittently get stuck in the up position. In order for me to get it to work again, I have press down on the pedal with more than normal operating pressure. The vehicle is in motion when this happens. I believe this is a safety issue because I am never sure if the brake is going to function as designed due to it getting stuck. It could cause a crash because of not being able to stop in time with only the front brakes. I am not the only one to have this same issue with this model of motorcycle

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Brakes · 35,471 miles · FL

Rear brake ceased to function. Pedal travel to full deflection but no rear brake. Dropped bike at naples kawasaki dealership, and a week later they said it was fixed under the recall mc12-05 (brake rod end). I picked up the bike only to find there was still no brake. This recall did not address the brake failure but pertained to previous issues. I then left the bike at the dealer for correction of the brake problem. They ran tests and could not find any ABS or brake related read outs in the internal diagnosis system. I was told that while they did not know why the bake brake did not work, the only "fix" was to replace the hydraulic unit and all related lines at an approximate cost of $2500.00 (est). After the service manager talked to kawasaki service support, kawasaki said a complete rebuild of master cylinders, brake calipers, and all lines at a new estimate of $4000.00. I called kawasaki support direct and they said that because I could not produce documentation that brake fluid was changed at 20,000 miles, they had no responsibility. The failure of this ABS unit left me with no brake at all. Since the ABS is active only during a wheel skid stop, it is hard to believe that total loss of braking should be considered "normal" under non emergency stops. Again, it should be noted that the dealer could find nothing in the ABS self diagnosis computer giving any indication of a hydraulic unit failure. I have complete function of the front brake...this only effected the rear brake.

Filed Aug 30, 2013 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · CA

Brake rotors have been warping under normal riding conditions. Presents unsafe, less than optimal breaking ability. Front end lunges at low speeds and vibrates at high speeds, under breaking. Kawasaki replaced warped rotors twice and I am now in need of my third pair.

Filed Jan 6, 2013 · Brakes · 18,500 miles · CA

Front brake rotors have warped under normal use, causing very noticeable steering vibrations. Which may lead to a loss of control and a possible crash. I feel this matter to be a safety concern to the operators of this motorcycle.

Filed May 11, 2011 · Brakes, Suspension · 1,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 kawasaki concours 14. The contact stated the front end of the vehicle would violently shake when the front brake was engaged while driving approximately 60 MPH. The failure recurred whenever the front brakes were engaged while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 2,400.

Filed Oct 27, 2009 · Brakes · 8,000 miles · OK

Front disc rotors warped as a result of riding through water during storm. Care was being used due to conditions so speed and braking effort was low. Rotor warping caused heavy pulsing during braking reducing directional stability and increasing stopping distance. Odometer only read 8000 miles. Rotors are being replaced by dealer under warranty but kawasaki has not acknowledged this is an issue. Research of web forums for this motorcycle revealed this is a recurring issue with kawasaki concours 14 with multiple replacements of rotors being reported by several individuals. Suspected cause is brake rotor material having insufficient heat resistance and rotor size for weight of bike.

Filed Sep 3, 2009 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 kawasaki concours 14 motorcycle. The contact stated that the front brake rotors warp during application, thus reducing breaking capability. Brake failure can cause an increase in stopping distances, which increases the risk of vehicle crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a technician stated that the components would not be replaced under warranty. As of current date the vehicle has not been repaired.the failure mileage was 12,000. The current mileage was unknown. Updated 09/25/09

Filed Jan 9, 2009 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · UT · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 kawasaki concours 14. The vehicle was a kymco, model number peoples250. While slowing down the vehicle, the left brake failed. The brake is called the fork, which was connected to the handle bar. The contact fell off the vehicle and injured his ankle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was still able to be driven to the dealer and was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 1,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Brakes · 6,500 miles · CA

I own a 2008 kawasaki concours 14 motorcycle. I have twice reported a malfunction of the front brakes to the dealer, and have called kawasaki motors corp in irvine, ca to no avail. I reported at the 8 thousand mile service that when the front brake is applied the motorcycle vibrates and shudders. The dealer declared this "normal" due to the "ratcheting" of the floating caliper/rotor assembly. I again reported the condition at the 12 thousand mile service, only now the condition has worsened from vibration to the front brake "grabbing" at all speeds and if the brakes are applied heavily between 45 to 60 MPH the motorcycle vibrates and shudders very badly. The front brake grabs so badly that at slow speeds during a light application, when the brake "grabs", it actually compresses the front forks, causing the front end to "dip". An accident waiting to happen. The kawasaki dealer has stated that this is normal, and can't confirm or validate my complaint. When kawasaki motors corporation was contacted, the customer service representative stated (after I asked him to contact the servicing dealer to provide technical help) "if I contact them it will only make them mad". I then asked if there was any technical bulletins regarding this problem, and I did not receive a reply. I have tried to get kawasaki to help me with this safety issue to no avail. When I searched on-line for other owners with the same problem, I found them. There is a known defect in the front rotors. They warp on this motorcycle, as the rotors that are used are produced for a lighter motorcycle, not a heavier "spot-touring" motorcycle meant to be ridden with extra luggage and/or an extra passenger. The motorcycle is unsafe to ride in this condition, and kawasaki needs to be held responsible.