When riding the motorcycle I braked hard to test out the ABS system. The ABS system triggered as it should modulating the braking. When I let off the brakes, the rear brake did not release and the vehicle continued to slow coming to a stop in the middle of the road. The rear brake would not release and I could not go. Eventually I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on which solved the issue leading me to believe it is a faulty ABS system. I was in a location in order to specifically test out the motorcycle which is new to me. Had I been in an emergency braking situation on the highway in which I needed to only temporarilly slow and then go, I would have been forcibly stopped in the middle of the road to power cycle the motorcycle off/on to reset the ABS. All recalls to date have been performed on this motorcycle by the dealership. The issue is replicateable and several others have had the issue as noted on owners forums online.
The worst 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes6
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes6
Recalls 3
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Kawasaki is recalling 4,628 my zg1400a8f/a8fl, and zg1400b8f/b8fl motorcycles. Trapped road debris may interfere with free movement of the rear brake pedal, preventing full release of the rear brake which can lead to overheating damage and possible brake failure.
- Risk
- Brake failure could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Kawasaki will install a cover on the brake pedal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about january 8, 2008. Owners may contact kawasaki at 866‑802‑9381.
Recall number 08V623000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- Kawasaki is recalling 4,645 my 2008 zg1400a8f, zg1400a8fl, zg1400b8f, and zg1400b8fl motorcycles. The pivot pin for the latches that secure the saddlebags to the vehicle can break if force is applied to either saddlebag such as in the event the vehicle falls over while parked or if the saddlebag is improperly attached.
- Risk
- Continued use of the vehicle with either saddlebag latch broken can result in the saddlebag coming free of its mount during vehicle operation, creating the possibility of a crash resulting in injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the saddlebag latch assemblies free of charge with reinforced latches. The recall began on february 4, 2008. Owners may contact kawasaki at 866‑802‑9381.
Recall number 08V047000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- Kawasaki is recalling 3,611 my 2008 zg1400a8f, zg1400a8fl, zg1400b8f, and zg1400b8fl motorcycles. The rear carrier platform could break if a kawasaki genuine accessory luggage system is installed on the carrier platform and a passenger leans against it.
- Risk
- The carrier platform and luggage system could become detached from the vehicle, creating the potential for a crash which could result in injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rear carrier platform if necessary. The recall began on february 4, 2008. Owners may contact kawasaki at 866‑802‑9381.
Recall number 08V048000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Exiting exit 115 northbound on I-75 and went to apply the brakes I found I had no rear brakes whatsoever. Likewise, as I continued on to a safe spot to park the bike the back wheel would occasionally feel as if it was trying to lock up. It was as if the ABS was malfunctioning when I was making low speed turns. No ABS warning lights or fault codes appeared on my instrument panel to provide any warning that I had an issue. Luckily I was able to stop in time however the mechanic determined that the ABS module had failed. Researching the issue it appears that many other kawasaki concurs owners have experienced the same issue. While kawi appears to place the blame on brake fluid that isn't changed at 2 year intervals mine was flushed at 15-18 month intervals since I purchased it in 2010. Furthermore, the default mode for ABS failure should be loss of ABS, not loss of the entire rear brake system. The part number that malfunctioned is 16082-0023. *dt updated 10/5/18
Antilock brake unit failure, resulting in total rear brake loss. The ABS unit is composed of 2 separate half's. One half controls the front brakes, and one for the single rear caliper. The magnetic solenoid in the distribution block of the unit, stuck in it's bore. This results in a total fluid blockage, with zero line pressure on the output side of the unit. I was able to disassemble the unit, (considered a non serviceable part) and repair the issue. The frightening thing is, on a bike, what happens if the frt suffers the same failure? This failure happens when the vehicle is running, or switch off, and it's not speed related. The solenoid valves are visible in the enclosed picture, and are the problem componets.
Rear brake pedal does not depress. Rear brake does not engage.
The current brake pads had 9000 miles on them, very broken it with plenty of free play. Wheel spins fine when brakes not applied. Rear brake dragging almost to lock up. Burned the rotor and melted the brake pads. This happened very suddenly after one days ride. When noticed the rear wheel still was fairly free spinning. Something in the brake system caused this.
2008 kawasaki concours front brake rotor warp.
Compare the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f
Other model years
2008
Questions about the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f
Is the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f, close to a typical Zg1400a8f model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f?
Brakes, with 6 complaints, typically around 32,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f have?
3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and equipment.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Kawasaki Zg1400a8f brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 08V623000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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