Drive Belt Problem Spurs Kawasaki ATV Recall

Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA is recalling about 47,000 all-terrain vehicles that can stop unexpectedly and throw the driver, causing injury or death, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. Under certain conditions, the drive belt on the vehicles can break and pieces can lock up the transmission, causing the wheels to stop suddenly. The company has received 12 reports of riders being hurt because the drive belt of the ATV they were riding broke, the CPSC said. The affected models were sold throughout the U.S. from September 1996 until August of this year. Various four-wheel Prairie ATV 1997-1999 models are included in the recall. Owners of the recalled ATVs are advised to stop using them immediately and contact their local dealer for free replacements, the CPSC said. For more information, owners should call the Irvine-based company at (866) 802-9381. Kawasaki officials couldn’t be reached for comment.