Kawasaki’s origins are much the same as those of other successful Japanese companies, with a visionary leader who took advantage of opportunities to enjoy sudden and sustained prosperity. Today, Kawasaki is a global behemoth, with divisions located in every corner of the world. The diversified Kawasaki includes energy, aerospace, ship and offshore, hydraulic components, robotics, and Powersports.
In 1962, Kawasaki’s aircraft division, in cooperation with Megura Manufacturing, released the B8 model, their first foray into the world of motorcycle production. The B8 featured a single-cylinder, two-stroke air-cooled engine, and it was known as the Red Tank and was manufactured for competition.
Before 1981, the NHTSA mandate required every American vehicle to incorporate a 17-digit alphanumeric code. In that era, Kawasaki used a variety of production numbers, either a seven-—, eight—, or twelve-digit code, to identify a specific model. Other bikes may have had a six—or nine-digit code.
Kawasaki VIN Decoder
Vin decoding is the first step that offers prospective buyers, owners, fleet managers, insurance companies, and others basic information on any vehicle. Use the Free GoodCar VIN Decoder tool to decode each character in the 17-digit sequence and return basic data on a specific vehicle, such as the model, year, and manufacturing locations.
Deciphering an Kawasaki VIN
The vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and mules are 17 digits, while watercraft HINs (hull identification numbers) are 12 digits. Each Kawasaki product has a distinct VIN or HIN location, which can be found in the owner’s manual.
Kawasaki utilizes the SAE standard for classifying a VIN code into three distinct sections. The first three digits are part of the World Manufacturer Identifier. The WMI uniquely identifies the manufacturer of a motor vehicle.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
Locating a Kawasaki VIN Location
- ON all Kawasaki motorcycles, the VIN is stamped and located on the steering head below the handlebars.
- ATV VINs are found on the frame rail behind the wheel.
- VINs on Kawasaki side-by-side are on the right frame rail behind the wheel.
- In late-model mules, the VIN is located on the forward frame rail below the seat.
Popular Kawasaki Models
Ninja® ZX™-14R
In 1984, Kawasaki gave a line of sports bikes the name Ninja, which means something like “superhuman.” Through the years, the Ninja has evolved into something similar: a superbike. The Ninja® ZX™-14R supersport @16,599 is dominating the quarter mile with a digital fuel-injected, inline 4-cylinder 1,441cc engine with selectable power modes. The aluminum frame, Brembo brakes, 3-mode traction control, and much more make this Ninja a rocket on the road. A responsive and agile motorcycle, the Ninja® ZX™-14R has been wind-tunnel tested to deliver performance unlike any other bike on the road.
Ninja H2®R
Take a big step up the food chain with Kawasaki’s limited production, supercharged Ninja H2®R at $58,100. Breathtaking acceleration and top-end speed are suitable only for the track, making this model of the Ninja one to dream of. A supercharged four-cylinder 998cc engine and high-performance racing frame is not for the faint of heart. Advanced state-of-the-art electronics, including intelligent anti-lock brakes, self-healing paint, and Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), among many other refinements.
Teryx® KRX4™ 1000
The Teryx® KRX4™ 1000 is a 4-passenger side-by-side that can go anywhere or do anything. Enlarged chassis, beefy wheels, and tires maintain Kawasaki’s reputation for top-of-the-line adventure. A high-torque 998cc engine, integrated roll-over protection, and massive ground clearance give the Teryx a dominant look and performance.
The Kawasaki VIN
Before 1981, Kawasaki used either a five- or twelve-digit code on its motorcycles and ATVs. In 1981, the company began using the 17-digit alphanumeric VIN code mandated by the NHTSA. When the bikes were built or heavily imported into the United States, Kawasaki exclusively used a 13-digit code.
Kawasaki VIN Lookup
A VIN Lookup is beneficial when beginning your search to purchase a used Kawasaki motorcycle, ATV, or side-by-side. A VIN (vehicle identification number) lookup is a way to get highly detailed vehicle information from each character in the assigned 17-digit alphanumeric code.
The VIN Lookup tool provides specific information, such as the model year recalls, exact engine sizes, and type, and complete historical timelines of every significant event that has happened to the vehicle. Use a quality application such as the GoodCar VIN Check tool to gather every piece of data available on a specific Kawasaki.
GoodCar Kawasaki VIN Checks
A GoodCar history report goes well beyond a basic VIN check. The tool digs into thousands of local and federal databases to give its users a complete picture of a specific vehicle.
It has never been easier for criminals to remove thousands of miles from a bike's odometer and misrepresent the current value. GoodCar provides odometer readings whenever possible, making it easier to detect any odometer fraud.
There are dozens of title brands that many consumers are not aware of, such as salvage and rebuilt. A salvage title tells the potential buyer that the motorcycle or ATV has been in a severe accident and is deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A GoodCar report tells the prospective buyer if the vehicle has a clear title, and that legal ownership can be transferred.
Recalls of any Kawasaki vehicle is a valuable service of a GoodCar VIN check. The recall alert tells the owner or buyer the exact cause of the recall, the models affected, and any action consumers must take. GoodCar also reports on vehicles that have been tagged “Do Not Drive,” meaning they should be taken to the nearest dealership immediately.
Technical Service Bulletins
Kawasaki and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission are voluntarily recalling the 2024 Mule Pro-FX, FXR, and Pro-FXT 1000 models due to a fire hazard. This issue is caused by improper combustion during engine startup. Contact the closest Kawasaki dealer to have the ECU reprogrammed and a sub-harness installed Free of charge.
Recalls
Recall notice RP230415, October 2023. Kawasaki USA has recalled several engine types that were sold on Ariens, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Redmax Riding Lawn Mowers due to burn and fire hazards. There is a possibility that a fuel tube in the engine may have been damaged due to improper workmanship while removing the part for repair, which may cause a fuel leak and possible fire. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected product and call Kawasaki or a dealer to schedule a free repair.