Issues shifting... Im suspecting its the brake in oil causing this because at least 15 times up until my first oil change you would be shifting gears and the gear wouldn't fully engage unexpectedly causing the bike to rapidly slow down with cars behind me having to slam on brakes. And also at least once a day when attempting to down shift the shiftier will feel solid as a rock like its in first gear and then you'll try again and then is goes into gear fine. Also on several occasions when trying to start bike ill turn ignition on, then half click shiftier up to get it in neutral and with the shift indicator saying its in neutral I'll hit the start button and the bike will ride the starter causing the bike to leap forward like its still in gear. Ive contacted kawasaki and was tiold to take it to the dealer, I told them that ive already done that and was told they didn't find an issue and ahvent heard a response from kawasaki since
The worst 2018 Kawasaki Ninja problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission2
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission2
- Engine1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.
- Risk
- Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1‑866‑802‑9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.
Recall number 20V676000 · Recall details
Structure: motorcycle: kickstand/center stand
- What is wrong
- Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (ZXT02BJ) motorcycles. The pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.
- Risk
- The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1‑866‑802‑9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC18-05.
Recall number 18V580000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2018 Kawasaki Ninja owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
On my way home from the dealer it popped out of gear and acted like it missed a gear twice. Have had it about 20 days now and its missed out popped out of gear at least 20 or 25 times now. This shouldn't be happening on a new bike
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Questions about the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja
Is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja, close to a typical Ninja model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and structure.
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