NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST
OF DECEMBER RECALLS

Kawasaki Motors Corporation

Models: Kawasaki VN1500 Year: 1997

Number Involved: 544
Dates of Manufacture: January - February 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V233
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: An improperly manufactured transmission gear can cause weakening and eventual breakage of an adjacent gear.
Consequence of Defect: Gear breakage can result in transmission lockup, causing the operator to lose control of the motorcycle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these motorcycles and repair affected units.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during late December 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-714-770-0400.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 70 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.