Recall 16V535 affects 1,282 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro motorcycles for leaking rear shock absorbers. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 1,282 2017 Z125 Pro motorcycles because the shock absorbers can leak oil and lose function. When the shock absorbers stop working as designed, the motorcycle's handling is affected and crash risk increases; Kawasaki dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear shock absorber on the 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro is part of the suspension that controls up-and-down movement at the back of the motorcycle. It uses internal oil and seals to damp bumps, keep the rear tire planted, and help the bike stay composed over rough pavement.
On affected Z125 Pro motorcycles, improper grease was used during the shock absorber manufacturing process. That grease interferes with the oil seal, so oil escapes and sticks to the piston rod instead of staying inside the shock. As oil leaks out, the shock absorber loses its ability to control rear suspension movement.
The warning sign is excess oil on the oil seal area of the shock absorber. If you see oil there, the shock has begun leaking and needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,282 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Failed shock absorbers can change how the motorcycle handles and increase the risk of a crash. Excess oil on the oil seal is the warning sign Kawasaki identifies, so treat visible oil there as a reason to stop riding and schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free shock absorber replacement that restores rear suspension function.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. Reference recall number 16V535 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid rough roads and leave extra space for braking and turns.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the shock absorbers covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for shock absorber repairs related to this condition, Kawasaki's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring the repair order and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Kawasaki customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 22, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 26, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 26, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V535?
Recall 16V535 covers 1,282 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro motorcycles with rear shock absorbers that can leak oil and lose function. Kawasaki dealers will replace the shock absorbers free of charge under recall number MC16-04.
What should I do if my 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V535. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the rear shock absorber replacement. Reference Kawasaki recall number MC16-04 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kawasaki dealers will replace the affected rear shock absorbers free of charge. Kawasaki customer service is available at 1-866-802-9381.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced motorcycle handling if the rear shock absorbers leak oil and lose function. Kawasaki states that this condition increases the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free shock absorber replacement with a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
When were owners notified about this recall?
Kawasaki began the recall on July 26, 2016. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies. Check your VIN and reference recall 16V535 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V535000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V535 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V535000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →