Recall for 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT

Kawasaki is issuing a recall on the 2011 Vulcan Classic LT tourer due to a risk of damage to the tires’ inner tubes.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the inner tubes on some Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT models may become pinched near the valve stem during mounting. In some cases, this may result in a loss of air pressure.

The problem was first identified in March 2011 by a Japanese dealer when an EJ800 display model experienced a spontaneous loss of tire pressure. Two other cases invovling the EJ800, better known by its commercial name, the Kawasaki W800 (pictured below), were reported in March. In April, Kawasaki halted distribution of the W800 in other markets and an investigation found examples of pinched inner tubes in Europe.

Kawasaki determined the problem was created during tire and tube installation. The W800 uses wire spoke wheels with tubed tires, and Kawasaki determined the same problem may be affecting other models with similar equipment such as the Vulcan 900 Classic LT.

Dealers will inspect the tires on 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT models and, if there is evidence of pinched inner tubes, will replace the tubes at no charge. The recall campaign affects 436 units.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung