Kawasaki 2011 ZX-10R problem found and solved, sales to resume in January

After much speculation (we’ve read about every problem possible under the sun), Kawasaki USA has revealed the problem that was afflicting the new 2011 Ninja sportbike and resulted in a technical hold earlier this month.
Kawasaki feared that the ZX-10R intake valve spring was surging, thus causing the intake valve to seat improperly, impacting on engine performance in certain conditions.

The camshaft, valve springs, and spring retainers are being replaced to prevent the valves from surging, without affecting engine performance and sales will resume late January.

Press release after the jump.
IRVINE, Calif.
(Dec.
29, 2010)—Kawasaki Motors Corp.
, U.
S.
A.
today announced that the recent sales hold placed on the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R sportbike is expected to be lifted in late January and that sales of the highly-anticipated unit will resume as normal.
According to Kawasaki engineers, the proactive sales hold resulted from a finding that indicated possible surging of the intake valve spring when the unit is operated under unique riding conditions, such as on a racetrack.

The surge could cause the intake valve to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.

The camshaft, valve springs, and spring retainers are being replaced to prevent the valves from surging, without affecting engine performance.
Kawasaki Motors Corp.
, U.
S.
A.
(KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,400 independent retailers, with another 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines.
KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at Kawasaki’s Irvine, Calif.
headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.
”, is recognized worldwide.
The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades.
Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.
kawasaki.
com.