Kawasaki ZX-10R owners confident despite recall

The ZX-10R recall that required the replacement of valve springs, camshafts and valve retainers hasn’t put off MCN readers who have already placed deposits on the new 197bhp superbike.  

• Find a Kawasaki ZX-10R for sale

Despite the recall, the £11,699 ZX-10R is still due to appear in dealers on 27 January. Here’s how the new owners feel about the recall.

• Read the full 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R review

Harry Harrison, 49, North Yorkshire
Current bike: 2008 ZX-10R
When the leaked info was released about a recall I was genuinely gutted. My beloved MSS ZX-10R full race rep had already gone as part exchange and then this happens!
Despite feeling that as a financially committed customer I wasn’t being updated by Kawasaki, I was eventually pleased to see some official statements released. I am not worried about the technical issues now as they have been resolved and that is good enough for me. Despite the potential for a ‘new launch nightmare’ of epic proportions, Kawasaki stayed calm (on the surface) and pretty quiet, issued a statement, sorted the problem and are back on track for a full public launch late January. Just what you would expect from such a large company. Thumbs up.

Neil Wallis-Tennant, 37, Cambridge
Current bike: 2008 ZX-10R
I’ve had mine on order since before it was first announced, without even seeing it. I’m fairly philosophical about the spring valve problem; given that its a relatively new bike from the ground up, niggles in construction and materials are likely to occur and providing these are resolved then I don’t consider there to be an issue.
Kawasaki should be given credit for holding their hands up and delaying deliveries, especially in this world of now, now, now. The way they dealt with the problem has actually improved my confidence in Kawasaki and the bike.

Steve Benjamin, 64, Newport Beach, California
Current bike: 2008 ZX-10R
I put a deposit down on the new 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R on October 1, 2010 and I was the first one in line at the dealer to do it! The valve spring recall doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Kawasaki fixed the issue and there’s no problem now.

Geoff Whiter, 65, Melbourne, Australia
Current bike: 2009 CBR1000RR
At first the news of the recall worried me a lot, but now after one false start I don’t think Kawasaki would release it without being 100% confident there will be no more problems.
I picked up my Black 2011 ZX10R  ABS this morning and went for a 300km ride. It’s a fantastic bike, the steering is super quick, suspension out of the box is the same: fantastic.