Kawasaki Recalls 18,000 Motorcycles

Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA in Irvine is recalling about 18,000 motocross-style motorcycles because their rear brakes can fail, potentially causing riders to lose control and crash, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The defect, found by Kawasaki in a post-manufacture inspection, is caused by a tiny wire that became brittle after the manufacturing process, said Roger Hagie, Kawasaki director of public affairs.

There have been no injuries or accidents caused by the defect, and Kawasaki is mailing every owner a letter and a replacement part to fix the brakes, Hagie said. Consumers should stop using the motorcycles until they make the repair or take their motorcycle to a dealer for a free repair.

The recalled motorcycles are 2001 KX series motocross vehicles used in competitions and sold from last May through November. The motorcycles have model numbers KX65, KX85, KX100, KX125, KX250 and KX500.

Consumers can call Kawasaki at (866) 802-9381 for more information.