Kawasaki dealers have been sent a ‘Technical Service’ bulletin relating to the issue. It says the problem could be caused by bungs concentrating vibrations in the brackets – but also says that an early design of genuine Kawasaki crash protectors can also cause the problem.
The document instructs dealers to remove old design mushrooms and replace them with revised bungs – and to remind customers with aftermarket protectors that any problems relating to their fitting would not be covered under warranty.
Crash protector manufacturer R&G Racing has witnessed what is being called ‘pinching’ first hand. Sales Director Simon Hughes told MCN:
“We had to change our kits because it didn’t fit the 07’s. When you take the engine bolt out the frame does ping out, but that happens on a lot of bikes to allow you to get the spacer in. “
“When we were told our previous kit didn’t fit the 07 frame, we looked at the lug on the frame, and it’s been beefed up massively. There’s no other reason why you would beef up that weld other than to strengthen the frame – it’s obvious looking at it that it’s much stronger.”
Kawasaki marketing director Martin Lambert said: “I think you will find that the frame has not changed. The bulletin was related to ER-6n as this what was highlighted in the European experience related by MCN in the original story.