Federal Register #2026-09151

Kawasaki Petition on Motorcycle Brake System Noncompliance (FMVSS No. 122)

This notice concerns a petition submitted by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding noncompliance with federal safety standards for certain motorcycles. - Government Buyer: - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance - OEMs Mentioned: - Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. - Products/Models Affected: - Approximately 125,585 Kawasaki motorcycles from model years 1979-1981, 1980, and 2017-2026 - Specific models include: Police 1000, KZ750, 1000 Shaft Drive, 1000 LTD, Z1 Classic, KZ1000, Z1R, Ninja ZX6R, Z125 Pro, and KLR 650 - Nature of Noncompliance: - Rear brake fluid reservoir caps on these motorcycles lack the full warning text required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 122, paragraph S5.1.9(d) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Kawasaki requests a decision that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety - Petition seeks exemption from notification and remedy requirements typically mandated for such noncompliance - The notice is for public comment and does not involve procurement of products or services

Description

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a decision that certain model year 1979-1981 and 2017-2025 Kawasaki motorcycles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122 regarding motorcycle brake systems. The noncompliance involves the wording on some rear brake fluid reservoir caps missing required warning text. Kawasaki argues that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and requests exemption from notification and remedy requirements. Comments on the petition are invited and must be submitted by June 8, 2026.

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