Off-Road Motorcycles Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2000
Release # 01-037
Kawasaki Hotline: (866) 802-9381 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC, Kawasaki Motors Corp. Announce Recall of Off-Road Motorcycles
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., is recalling
about 4,000 Motocross Competition motorcycles. A frame down tube on these
motorcycles can crack below the steering head. Use of the motorcycle with a
cracked down tube can result in failure of the frame, which can cause the rider
to lose control of the motorcycle and crash, resulting in injury or death.
Kawasaki has received 60 reports of frames on these motorcycles cracking. Three
of these incidents reportedly resulted in the down tube failing, leading to
crashes. Injuries to riders included broken bones and abrasions.
These KX65 Model Year 2000 motorcycles have a Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) located on their frame behind the front fork. Recalled motorcycles carry
VIN numbers with the last four digits between 0001 and 6668. The motorcycles
are small, two-wheel, off-road motocross competition vehicles designed for rough
terrain. The fenders and bodywork are lime green with large "Kawasaki" decals on
each side.
Kawasaki dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from November 1999 through
October 2000 for about $2,700.
Consumers with the recalled motorcycles should stop using them immediately and
call their local Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. For
more information about this recall, contact Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Registered owners of the motorcycles will be notified by mail directly by Kawasaki.
