NHTSA recall 02V261000
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Kawasaki VN1500-E5 and 2 more
The defect
On certain motorcycles, a flange on the transmission output shaft can fracture, resulting in engine damage with possible engine lock-up.
The risk
Flange failure could cause the outer gear on the shaft to contact the transmission housing, pieces of the flange could interfere with transmission operation, or operation in first gear could allow two sets of transmission gears to mesh simultaneously. these failures could cause sudden transmission lock-up which would cause both the engine and rear wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will disassemble the engine and replace the transmission output shaft. owner notification began october 11, 2002. 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 1-949-770-0400.