Recall: Off-Road Motorcycles Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp.

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.