[Pmack]

The data recording is interesting, I wonder if Kawasaki will use it to deny warranty for bikes that do track days?
I am tempted to ask them to show me the data when I take delivery to make sure the tech doing the test ride didn't bounce it off the rev limiter.

Kawasaki

 

[Ken_from_Hawaii]

Most of the time, I'd say that any issues that arise as a result of track use would normally be denied warranty. However, Toyota did a 180 after initially denying a GR86 owner their warranty for a well-known oil issue all because they found evidence that the car was used on the track. If you don't already know, these cars have shown oil starvation issues because the pickup tube can get clogged from pieces of excess RTV sealant breaking loose in the oil pan. It can happen regardless of application, street or track. Toyota markets the GR86 as a car that is 'track-tested', and gives owners a complimentary NASA track day as a promo.

That being said, Kawasaki's website says, "On the track or on the street, experience the exhilaration of the Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition supersport's unprecedented power, intoxicating high-rpm wail, and sharp, nimble handing that will awaken the dormant supersport within you."

I imagine if there is an issue caused by faulty manufacturing methods or materials, I would hope that Kawasaki would honor the warranty, regardless of the application, much in the same way that Toyota ended up honoring theirs. I'm probably being overly optimistic, considering how racing vehicles, especially motorcycles, can get pretty abused. Toyota Spins Around, Approves GR86 Owner's Blown Engine Warranty Claim

 

[ithaca00]

Interestingly, my first thought for the collected data was for information surrounding the time of a collision. A good lawyer could subpoena this data and claim a rider was doing X, Y, or Z at the time of an incident.

 

[Archany]

The ninja 400 has this as well, I see it as mainly a tool for traffic collisions to help you win a claim

 

[Florida lime]

The ninja 400 has this as well, I see it as mainly a tool for traffic collisions to help you win a claim

Manufacturers do not have "features" like this for YOUR benefit.

 

[ME-Motorsports]

Interestingly, my first thought for the collected data was for information surrounding the time of a collision. A good lawyer could subpoena this data and claim a rider was doing X, Y, or Z at the time of an incident.

The ninja 400 has this as well, I see it as mainly a tool for traffic collisions to help you win a claim

This is exactly what it is for.

This isn't something relatively new or for monitoring riders or having a way for the dealership to wiggle out of warranty coverage. This is strictly for evidence gathering purposes used in the event of an accident where likely someone either unfortunately passed or was seriously injured and there is pending litigation. It's been a while since I've used the KVCS system at the dealership, but the last time I was in there I don't recall there even being an option to pull up past history like that. Just the main stuff like read real time data, test sensors, code VINs to new replacement ECUs, register FOBs on immobilizer equipped bikes, update ECUs with new revisions, etc.

We have had a few law offices reach out to us to pull this EDR data - and we outright refuse this and don't even bother responding.

 

[Pmack]

The ninja 400 has this as well, I see it as mainly a tool for traffic collisions to help you win a claim

I did not know that.
There is no statement in my 2019 N400 owners manual, there is in the 2022 N400 manual.

Interestingly, my first thought for the collected data was for information surrounding the time of a collision. A good lawyer could subpoena this data and claim a rider was doing X, Y, or Z at the time of an incident.

That was my first thought too, but saving money on warranty work, or viewing emissions(regulatory requirements?) may come in to play.

 

[Pmack]

This is exactly what it is for.

This isn't something relatively new or for monitoring riders or having a way for the dealership to wiggle out of warranty coverage. This is strictly for evidence gathering purposes used in the event of an accident where likely someone either unfortunately passed or was seriously injured and there is pending litigation. It's been a while since I've used the KVCS system at the dealership, but the last time I was in there I don't recall there even being an option to pull up past history like that. Just the main stuff like read real time data, test sensors, code VINs to new replacement ECUs, register FOBs on immobilizer equipped bikes, update ECUs with new revisions, etc.

We have had a few law offices reach out to us to pull this EDR data - and we outright refuse this and don't even bother responding.

What do you take the "regulatory compliance" and "research and development" to mean?

 

[ME-Motorsports]

What do you take the "regulatory compliance" and "research and development" to mean?

I equate it to the same/similar thing as the ToS/EULA you inadvertently 'agree' to by use of your Smart TVs built in apps where they monitor your usage and sell your data off. If you look through the KVCS system (the replacement for KDS v3) there is no option to pull this kind of data down at the dealership. This is what KVCS allows you to see/do...
(a) Diagnostics, (b) Unit registration, (c) Reprogramming, (d) Write VIN

Within Diagnostics (a)

• Display FI Faults, fault history - and save faults to CSV along with any comments you may have|
• Display current vehicle information lets you real time monitor things like Gear Position, Starter switch status, inlet air sensor data, so on so forth as well as actuator tests and operation log as well as view and record these tests/live data and export to CSV
• Actuator tests lets you manually test individual injectors and coils, fuel pumps, radiator fans, calibrate balance ETV TPS/APS, stuff like that
• ABS ECU has diagnostics available to show current and past fault codes related to ABS as well as fire the ABS actuator to ensure the ABS piping is intact and working

Within Unit Registration (b)
- Smart ECU operation lets you register the immobilizer key cylinder on immo equipped units, register/clear FOBs, register replacement TPMS sensors, register replacement Smart ECUs, view real time Smart ECU data like how many FOBs are registered, TPMS sensor ID values, immo related errors as well as view and save those logs to CSV format

Within Reprogramming (c)
- Open and save the current ECU image, pull down the most recent ECU update and apply it as well as report the status of the update to the main server

Within Writing VIN (d)
- Lets you enter in a new VIN coding the ECU to the proper frame VIN and view past VIN numbers written to that ECU


This isn't something new. I've seen similar verbiage in the 300 and 400 manual (shown under EDR). If this was a 'tool' to get out of honoring warranties because of track usage, even the occasional entry level track day - then you would see, and hear, about A LOT of pissed off 300/400 owners whos warranty were yoinked because they went and did a track day. cricket cricket

All my bikes I currently have, or have had in the past, with the exception of my H2, Z H2 and H2 SX have had track duty be it in full out sanctioned racing or a typical track day. Even my little Z125 was in a mini-moto race at one point in time. All my bikes - still in warranty. In my opinion, this is all much ado about nothing. Grab a tinfoil hat and read the Apple, Facebook/Meta, Android, etcetera ToS and dig into those a bit if you want some really oddball s***.

 

[Florida lime]

You can say your bikes are all under warranty, but that's not your call, it's Kawasaki's. The warranty specifically prohibits racing or competition use.

EXCLUSIONS FROM COVERAGE
1. Failures which are not due to a defect in material or factory workmanship.
2. Repairs performed by and parts and service received from an entity other than an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
3. Rental products and Products engaged in racing or competition.

Kawasaki CAN void your warranty if they decide to.

 

[ME-Motorsports]

Blah, blah, blah

Oh Jumping Jesus Hussein F***in' Christ... I am not getting into the longest, stupidity filled, debated topic on internet motorcycle forums. Magnuson Moss Act be damned.

Yeah, they "COULD" also void it for simply putting on a slip on exhaust. They're not going to void your warranty if you don't give them a reason to.

Long time ago, in another internet forum far away - a guy made his motor go pop redlining/racing and stunting the piss out of his bike, but had an Akra exhaust that Kawi offered as an official accessory. Warranty voided citing the exhaust because he made a big stink out of it in person claiming it was nothing he did, yet openly gloated about what he did and put it (proof) up on social media. Another guy didn't change his oil for I can't remember however many miles. Spun a bearing. Brought it in - covered under warranty as a manufacturer's defect. Your mileage may vary. On that note, I'll see myself out as I see this thread circling the drain...

 

[Speedwerks]

You can say your bikes are all under warranty, but that's not your call, it's Kawasaki's. The warranty specifically prohibits racing or competition use.

EXCLUSIONS FROM COVERAGE
1. Failures which are not due to a defect in material or factory workmanship.
2. Repairs performed by and parts and service received from an entity other than an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
3. Rental products and Products engaged in racing or competition.

Kawasaki CAN void your warranty if they decide to.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson%E2%80%93Moss_Warranty_Act

 

[Florida lime]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson%E2%80%93Moss_Warranty_Act

I know all about the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act for the US, but that has nothing to do with an exclusion for racing.

 

[Pmack]

I know all about the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act for the US, but that has nothing to do with an exclusion for racing.

Trackdays aren't racing, it is using the motorcycle for the purpose it was designed and built for, IMHO.

 

[Pmack]

Oh Jumping Jesus Hussein F***in' Christ... I am not getting into the longest, stupidity filled, debated topic on internet motorcycle forums. Magnuson Moss Act be damned.

Yeah, they "COULD" also void it for simply putting on a slip on exhaust. They're not going to void your warranty if you don't give them a reason to.

Long time ago, in another internet forum far away - a guy made his motor go pop redlining/racing and stunting the piss out of his bike, but had an Akra exhaust that Kawi offered as an official accessory. Warranty voided citing the exhaust because he made a big stink out of it in person claiming it was nothing he did, yet openly gloated about what he did and put it (proof) up on social media. Another guy didn't change his oil for I can't remember however many miles. Spun a bearing. Brought it in - covered under warranty as a manufacturer's defect. Your mileage may vary. On that note, I'll see myself out as I see this thread circling the drain...

Jeez man, chill a bit!
I was just curious, and I assure you there is no tinfoil hat going on here.
Since you seem to be in the know, if you link the bike to a phone, what can be transmitted?