Kawasaki Seeks Waiver for Vintage Bike Brake Glitches
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Notice
Summary
Kawasaki found that some of their motorcycles from 1979-1981 and 2017-2025 don’t fully meet brake safety rules. They asked the government to decide if this issue is minor and won’t affect safety. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no money or recalls are expected right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Missing Brake‑cap Warning Text
About 125,585 Kawasaki motorcycles manufactured between January 2, 1979 and July 28, 2025 (models listed in the notice) have rear brake‑fluid caps that omit required wording from FMVSS No. 122. Kawasaki petitioned NHTSA on November 5, 2025 asking to be exempted from the duties to notify owners and to provide a remedy for that noncompliance.
Future Models Will Use Correct Caps
Kawasaki states it will correct the brake‑fluid filler cap wording on all remaining motorcycles being produced for model year 2026 and for all following model years. That change applies to future production and does not by itself require notice or remedy for already‑manufactured motorcycles.
Dealers Barred From Selling Noncompliant Units
NHTSA notes that any decision about Kawasaki's petition only affects duties to notify owners and provide remedies for vehicles no longer controlled by Kawasaki; distributors and dealers remain prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or introducing into interstate commerce any noncompliant motorcycles that are under their control after Kawasaki notified them of the noncompliance.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11072 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214; Side Impact Protection; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 305a; Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electric Powertrain Integrity; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 307; Fuel System Integrity of Hydrogen Vehicles
Starting July 6, 2026, car makers must follow updated safety rules that clean up old, outdated side-impact protection standards and fix related rules for electric and hydrogen vehicles. These changes make the rules clearer without adding new costs or big changes for manufacturers. If anyone wants to challenge the updates, they have until July 20, 2026, to speak up.
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-05024 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 102 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA wants to update a safety rule to help self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or gear shifts. They’re proposing to remove the need for a gear position display in these automated vehicles, cutting costs without hurting safety. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 15, 2026!
2026-05023 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
2025-22674 — Public Hearing for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The government is holding a virtual public hearing on January 7, 2026, about new fuel economy rules for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031. These rules aim to keep vehicles safer and more affordable while improving fuel efficiency. If you care about how much gas your car uses or how much you pay at the pump, this is your chance to speak up before the rules are finalized.
2026-12918 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; 49 CFR Part 569, 571.110, 571.120 & 574, Compliance and Labeling of Motor Vehicle Tires and Rims
NHTSA wants to keep collecting info on motor vehicle tires and rims but with some updates. More vehicles and rims mean a slight cost increase and more work for manufacturers and recordkeepers. If you’re involved in making or tracking tires and rims, your input is needed by August 25, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09150 — New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval to add or change special deals for competitive mail services. This affects businesses and customers who use these services, possibly offering new options or better prices soon. The public can comment before the Postal Regulatory Commission makes a decision, so keep an eye out for updates and deadlines!
Next: 2026-09153 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals; Schedule A and Veterans Recruitment Initiative
The National Archives wants to bring back a form that helps veterans and certain job seekers get special hiring opportunities without competing with everyone else. If you’re interested, you’ll fill out a simple questionnaire to connect with possible jobs. Comments on this plan are open until July 7, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas or concerns!