MMA Safety Alert: Kawasaki recalls Vulcan models due to ignition failures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association alerts its members that Kawasaki has filed a recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 11,836 motorcycles because of ignition wires chafing on the fuel tank, potentially resulting in a short-circuit and possible engine stall. Motorcycles affected by the recall include Vulcan 1700 Voyagers from 2009-2015 and Vulcan 1700 Vaqueros from 2011-2015.
Kawasaki dealers will fix the problem by adding extra shielding and padding to the wire as a preventative measure. Any ignition switches with frayed wiring will also be replaced. Kawasaki is still in the process of devising a notification schedule. The NHTSA requires that owners be notified of a safety defect within 60 days of the date the NHTSA is notified of the recall. Vulcan and Vaquero owners may call the company’s customer service number at 1-866-802-9381 for more information about recall number MC15-10:
Report Receipt Date: Sept. 1, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V550000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11,836
SUMMARY:
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015. In the affected vehicles, an ignition wire may chafe due to contact with the fuel tank, resulting in a short circuit and possible engine stall.
CONSEQUENCE:
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will install additional shielding and padding to prevent the ignition wire from shorting. Any ignition switch that has damaged wires will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC15-10.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
For more information, see www.MassMotorcycle.org or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.