Irvine, Calif. Kawasaki Recalls 47,000 ATV's

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Kawasaki Recalls 47,000 ATVs

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) -- Kawasaki Motors Corp. on Thursday recalled about 47,000 four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles after 12 riders were hurt when faulty drive belts caused the vehicles to stop suddenly.

The recall extends to four models of the Prairie ATV. Under certain conditions, the drive belts can break and pieces can lock up the transmission, causing the ATV to stop without warning, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Riders have reported injuries such as broken bones and cuts, said Ken Giles, a spokesman for the commission.

The recall applies to 1997-1999 Prairie ATV models KVF 300-A1, KVF 400-A1, KVF400-A2/L and KVF 400 CJ. ''Kawasaki Prairie'' is written on both sides of the ATV and ''4X4'' is printed on the rear of the seat.

The models were sold by retailers from September 1996 through August 2000. Kawasaki voluntarily recalled the vehicles following negotiations with the commission.

Owners of the models in question should contact their Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free belt replacement.

The recall includes 2000-2001 model Prairie ATVs that have a new-generation belt, but which require an addendum to the owner's manual and a warning label. Those models include the KVF 300-A2, KVF 300-A3, KVF 400-C2 and KVF 400-C3.

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), September 14, 2000


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