Recall 10V323 affects 6,764 2009-2010 Kawasaki EX650C9F and EX650CAF motorcycles for lower-cowling brake interference. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 6,764 2009-2010 EX650C9F and EX650CAF Ninja 650 motorcycles under recall 10V323 because the lower cowling can interfere with the rider's foot while applying the rear brake. That interference can reduce brake control or distract the rider, raising the risk of a crash, injury, or death; the Kawasaki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The lower cowling on the 2009-2010 Kawasaki EX650C9F and EX650CAF motorcycles is the bodywork panel along the lower side of the bike. Its job is to cover and shape the lower body area while leaving clear space for the rider's foot controls. The rear brake pedal sits in that foot-control area and applies the rear brake when the rider presses it.
On affected motorcycles, the right rear portion of the lower cowling sits where the rider's foot moves during rear brake application. As the rider moves a boot toward the rear brake pedal, the boot can contact the cowling instead of moving cleanly onto the pedal. That interference can make rear brake use harder at the moment the rider is trying to slow the motorcycle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to the cowling shape and foot path, not a part that gradually wears out or gives an advance alert.
Who's affected?
Spans 2 EX650 model codes across the 2009-2010 model years, both tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2009 Kawasaki EX650C9F | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Kawasaki EX650CAF | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 6,764 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced control over brake force or distraction during braking increases the risk of a crash with injury or death. If the footrest guard or fairing bracket interferes with braking, slow down, stop in a safe place, and arrange dealer service. Repair will be free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Kawasaki EX650C9F or EX650CAF motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to ask about the free footrest guard and fairing bracket update that keeps the lower cowling from interfering with rear-brake use.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V323 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Keep your right foot clear of the lower cowling when applying the rear brake.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician installs an updated footrest guard and fairing bracket. The work addresses interference between the right rear portion of the lower cowling and the rider's foot during rear brake application. This service is performed free of charge under the recall. The technician should confirm the updated guard and bracket are installed before the motorcycle is returned to the owner.
Timeline
| July 9, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V323?
Recall 10V323 covers 6,764 2009-2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycles, including EX650C9F and EX650CAF models, where the lower cowling can interfere with the rider's foot while applying the rear brake. Kawasaki dealers install an updated footrest guard and fairing bracket free of charge.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Kawasaki EX650C9F or EX650CAF is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 10V323. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule installation of the updated footrest guard and fairing bracket. Reference recall number 10V323 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and Kawasaki's remedy states that dealers will install the updated footrest guard and fairing bracket free of charge at a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The lower cowling can interfere with the rider's foot while the rear brake is being applied. That can reduce control over brake force or distract the rider, increasing crash risk with injury or death. Check your VIN, then schedule the free Kawasaki dealer repair if your motorcycle is included.
What if I bought my Kawasaki Ninja 650 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If Kawasaki never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V323000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V323 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V323000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →