Front disk issues : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

the stig · 12-29-2007, 12:01 PM

Hi there folks, greetings first, Fantastic site with loads of answers and links to things I don't need but can't live without!! I have the GTR since Sept last, and 3500 miles up, and loving it. Had the Z14 before it, loved it too, but the GT is far more realistic!

Anyhoo, the crux of the issue I had was the front rotors. I've read the last 9 or so pages in this section and can't find anyone with the same probs, so apologies if I'm repeating anyone.

They started feeling like they were warped at about the 2800 mile mark, but I didn't pay much attention to them. Then it started bugging the sh1t out of me, and after a bit of pressure on the dealer, he replaced the disks under warranty.

Tech stuff; run out on disks checked, nothing registered. Temp changes had no effect. Pads were cleaned and retested, still the same feeling.

Just a heads up for those it might happen to.

Hitman · 12-29-2007, 12:41 PM

Don't recall any talk about faulty rotors on this forum but there is a bit on warped rotors on another site but no real conclusions; link here
http://concours.org/forum/topic.asp?...ms=front+brake

Could it be an ABS issue?

the stig · 12-29-2007, 03:17 PM

Nope, not ABS at all, was an issue with differing levels of friction on different parts of the disks. Just noticable on slowdowns on the approach to junctions where you'd be easing off the lever. No pulsing in the lever, only difference was that it could sometimes stop a bit sooner than anticipated!!!!

johnnyb4031 · 12-30-2007, 10:25 AM

I had the same problem, front rotors where warped, I had posted it in here somewhere. I took to the dealer and they replaced both front rotors with no problem and no charge.

the stig · 01-22-2008, 12:53 PM

Second set of disks have just started the same problem. Getting annoyed with it now.

Chez · 01-22-2008, 04:14 PM

Thinking or Porcelain Rotors, no warp factor here and excellent braking results. Little pricey? It's only money, they print more everyday....

Hitman · 06-06-2008, 11:26 AM

Just had both my front discs replaced under warranty together with a full set of new pads. Bikes only done 4500. Left rotor was quite badly warped. right was OK. Kawasaki are obviously aware of a fault but don't seem to know what has caused it yet. No recall as it isn't a safety issue. Heads up all.. just keep an eye on your rotors.

Boomer · 06-09-2008, 09:42 AM

I read somewhere (too many bloody forums) where someone had a problem with sticking button-slides on the rotor. The rotors are semi-floating and if one of the slides sticks it would cause this feeling. He had his rotors replaced under warranty.

the stig · 06-11-2008, 08:00 AM

Just about to get set 4 of the disks fitted......

Kawasaki still saying there is no problem it seems....... I beg to differ.....

Hitman · 06-11-2008, 10:30 AM

Strange!! After replacing the discs my dealer said..."Don't do it again cos Kawasaki won't change the discs under warranty again"..... as if it was my fault

One thing the dealer said was.. "don't sit at the trafic lights with your front brake on because it causes hotspots that can warp the disc". OK .. I'll just put the bike on the sidestand then

the stig · 06-13-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitman

Strange!! After replacing the discs my dealer said..."Don't do it again cos Kawasaki won't change the discs under warranty again"..... as if it was my fault

One thing the dealer said was.. "don't sit at the trafic lights with your front brake on because it causes hotspots that can warp the disc". OK .. I'll just put the bike on the sidestand then

......... yeah, it'd be a shame for you to use the brakes to stop the bike!!!

Hitman · 09-27-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the stig

Just about to get set 4 of the disks fitted......

Kawasaki still saying there is no problem it seems....... I beg to differ.....

Stig, How did you get on with Kawasaki regarding the warped disc issue. I had my front two replaced plus new pads at 4500miles. Now done 8500 and it seems to be developing the same pulsing fault again indicating another warped disc.
I am going to give mine a strip down and thorough clean to see if that sorts it, otherwise it is back to the dealer for new ones

I read on the UK forum that Kawasaki are aware of this issue and are trying to sort a long term remedy. My dealer doesn't seem to happy about doing the job a second time let alone 4 times like wot u had!!

patrickawa · 11-04-2008, 02:14 PM

Hi
This seems to be a worldwide problem. Disc and pad quality ar esimply not up to standards for this kind of bike. I have been reading same comments on the Belgian - Dutch forum. Kawa has to pai untill they solve it and get a longlasting solution. That's what warranty is all about, no dealer is deciding this. Like in most industrys, I'm sure they are looking to solve this problem and in the meantime they will hold the manufacturer of thelow quality components responsable and try to get the money from them. As long as it takes untill they produce good products, it is not the end user who has to suffer from this. Kawa has to take responsibility

tenbears · 11-04-2008, 04:08 PM

Are you using OE pads?

I imagine you are since anything but would invalidate your warranty, but if you're not it could be that... I had a problem with EBC pads warping OE rotors on the zzr1100, and ended up having a fallout with Kawasaki UK over it.