Recall 20V723 affects 84 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J motorcycles for a missing front brake master-cylinder component. Do not drive. Free repair at a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Reduced braking effectiveness increases the risk of a crash. Do not drive or ride the motorcycle, even for short trips. There is no warning sign listed before failure, so arrange towing or transport if it has to move before the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 84 2021 ZX1400J motorcycles because an internal component in the front brake master cylinder is missing on affected bikes, which causes inconsistent front braking force. Do not drive until a Kawasaki dealer completes the free repair, because reduced braking effectiveness can increase the risk of a crash.
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What's wrong?
The front brake master cylinder on the 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J is the handlebar brake part that turns lever pressure into hydraulic pressure. When the rider squeezes the front brake lever, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid through the front brake system so the calipers clamp the brake rotors. The front brake depends on that pressure building in a steady, predictable way.
On affected motorcycles, the front brake master cylinder is missing an internal component from assembly. That missing piece changes how pressure builds inside the cylinder. The lever can travel too far, and the system can produce inconsistent front brake pressure instead of steady braking force. The result is reduced front brake actuation, reduced braking force, or reduced lever pressure.
There is no warning sign before failure. Kawasaki's filing describes no owner-noticeable symptom before the front brake pressure problem happens, so a normal-feeling lever does not confirm that the motorcycle is outside this recall.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 84 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking effectiveness increases the risk of a crash. Do not drive or ride the motorcycle, even for short trips. There is no warning sign listed before failure, so arrange towing or transport if it has to move before the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the motorcycle until the front brake master cylinder repair is complete.
- Arrange a tow or dealer pickup if the motorcycle has to be moved; do not ride it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free front brake master cylinder replacement that fixes inconsistent front braking force.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V723 and Kawasaki recall MC20-11 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the front brake master cylinder. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Do not ride the motorcycle until the repair is complete. If you already paid to correct this same failure before receiving the owner letter, Kawasaki's reimbursement plan asks you to send current owner and VIN information, repair orders, and payment confirmation to Kawasaki Customer Care.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 4, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 4, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 7, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 7, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V723?
Recall 20V723 covers 84 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J motorcycles with a front brake master cylinder that lacks an internal component. The defect can cause inconsistent front braking force, and reduced braking effectiveness can increase crash risk. Kawasaki dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Kawasaki ZX1400J is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V723. If it is, do not ride it until the repair is complete. Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free front brake master cylinder replacement, and reference Kawasaki recall MC20-11 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kawasaki dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder free of charge, including parts and labor, for motorcycles included in recall 20V723.
What does "do not drive" mean for this Kawasaki recall?
Do not drive the motorcycle until the dealer completes the recall repair. Kawasaki advised owners not to ride because the front brake master cylinder defect can reduce braking effectiveness. If the motorcycle needs to move, ask the Kawasaki dealer about the safest transport option.
Who do I call about Kawasaki recall MC20-11?
Call a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free repair and reference recall 20V723 or Kawasaki recall MC20-11. Kawasaki customer service is also listed at 1-866-802-9381 for owner questions about this campaign.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V723000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V723 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V723000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →