Greetings ATV Enthusiasts,


Today we have a few recalls to talk about, and then an interesting story about the the Japanese and US ATV manufacturers worried about the unsafe ATVs coming in from China.

OK, to the recall notices....

June 20, 2007
Alert #07-560

ATVs Recalled by Polaris Industries Inc. Due to Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Polaris "Outlaw 525" ATVs

Units: About 930 units

Manufacturer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: The recalled ATVs may have a loose fuel valve within the fuel tank, which could cause a fuel leak and pose a fire hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received four reports of ATVs having a loose fuel valve. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves 2007 model year Polaris "Outlaw 525" ATVs. They are available in black or white.

Sold at: Polaris ATV dealers nationwide from January 2007 through May 2007 for $7,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop operating these ATVs immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to determine if they have a recalled unit. Polaris will provide a free fuel tank replacement for consumers with recalled units. Polaris has notified registered consumers about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should contact Polaris at (800) 765-2747 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET everyday, or visit the company’s Web site at Polaris Industries Website


May 30, 2007
Alert #07-553

Polaris Recalls Select Hawkeye Model ATVs for Steering Post Failure Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Polaris Model Year 2006 Hawkeye 2x4 and Hawkeye 4x4 ATVs

Units: About 8,800

Manufacturer/Importer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: The steering posts can break in the area where the handlebar attaches to the steering post. This can result in loss of steering control resulting in a crash and/or serious injury to the operator.

Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received three reports of steering post failure. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Only certain model year 2006 Polaris Hawkeye ATVs produced prior to January 23, 2006 are included in this recall. Consumers should contact Polaris to identify whether their model is part of the recall. All serial number ranges of the Hawkeye 2x4 model number A06LB27AA and the Hawkeye 4x4 model number A06LD27AA/AB/AC are included. The serial number (VIN) identification decal is located under the right-hand front fender and stamped on the lower portion of the frame behind the left front wheel.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from August 2005 through April 2007 for between $3,900 and $4,700.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ATVs and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting registered consumers directly. Consumers can verify whether their ATV is included in the recall by contacting a Polaris dealer or Polaris directly.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Polaris at (800) 765-2747 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET everyday, or visit the firm’s Web site at Polaris Industries website


June 28, 2007
Alert #07-561

CPSC, Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Announce Recall of All-Terrain Vehicles

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Kawasaki KFX450R All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)

Units: About 6,000

Distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. of Irvine, Calif.

Hazard: The flange, which holds the fuel pump in the fuel tank, can fail to stay connected to the tank itself. This can create a fuel leak, which poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 60 reports of fuel leaks, though no injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled ATVs are the 2008 model year Kawasaki KFX450R. These ATVs are available in white, green, or black, and have "Kawasaki" and "KFX450R" on the front bodywork below the handlebars.

Sold by: Kawasaki motorcycle and ATV dealers nationwide between March 2007 and June 2007 for about $7400.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the ATV and contact their authorized Kawasaki dealer to arrange for installation of free replacement fuel tank.

Consumer Contact: Call Kawasaki at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit Kawasaki website


March 20, 2007
Alert #07-537

American Suzuki Motor Corp. Recalls All-Terrain Vehicles

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Suzuki 2007 Model Year QuadSport Z90 ATVs

Units: About 3,500

Distributors: American Suzuki Motor Corp., of Brea, Calif., and Montgomery Motors LTD., of Honolulu, Hawaii

Hazard: The bushing pivot mount boss on the left and right suspension arm may not have been welded completely and could break off during riding. If this occurs, the rider could lose control of the ATV and crash, posing risk of serious injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: Suzuki has received two reported incidents of suspension arm breakage during use. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled product is a Suzuki 2007 model year QuadSport Z90 ATV with model number LT-Z90K7. The model number is located on the lower right side of the ATV frame. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located on the left rear side of the ATV frame. Writing on the ATVs includes: "QuadSport", printed in silver or white letters, "Z90", printed in red/black letters and "Suzuki", printed in black letters.

Sold at: Suzuki ATV dealers nationwide from November 2006 through March 2007 for about $2,500.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact the local Suzuki ATV dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with the recalled ATVs are being sent direct notices from Suzuki.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Suzuki Customer Service at (714) 572-1490 between 8:30 am to 4:45 pm PT Monday through Friday, or consumers also can leave a brief message with American Suzuki Customer Service at (800) 444-5077


These two recalls were reported previously, but it helps to explain the article about the US and Japanese maufacturers calling on Congress to implement new safety guidelines.


May 3, 2007
Alert #07-544

Stateside Powersports Recalls to Repair 90cc Youth Model ATVs

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Long Chang Lion 90cc All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Units: About 100, number could increase.

Distributor: Stateside Powersports, of Bluffton, Ind.

Hazard: The ATVs lack adequate tire labeling, tire pressure gauge, adequate stop engine switch and other safety requirements which could result in injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes all Long Chang Lion 90cc ATVs sold in black, blue, green and red. "Lion" is printed on the side of the gas tank and "90" is printed below the seat area on each side of the ATV.
Sold at: ATV dealerships and online nationwide from May 2006 through December 2006 for about $1,000.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. Consumers with a recalled ATV should contact Stateside Powersports or their local dealer to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Stateside Powersports at (888) 801-4424 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to Stateside Powersports site , or e-mail at support@statesidepowersports.com


June 5, 2007
Release #07-204
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7908
CPSC Warns Meerkat 50 Youth ATVs Defective and Dangerous

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The staff of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers who own a Kazuma Meerkat 50 Youth All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that children are at risk of injury or death due to multiple safety defects with this off-road vehicle. The ATVs, which were imported by Kazuma Pacific Inc., of Stafford, Texas, were found to have several serious defects. CPSC staff has determined that the Meerkat 50 lacks front brakes, has no parking brake, is missing a neutral indicator light, and can be started in gear. Additionally, the owner’s manual does not contain complete information on safe operation and maintenance of the ATV.

CPSC staff recommends that consumers stop using the product immediately because it is unsafe. The staff recommends that consumers demand a refund of the purchase price from the importer or dealer due to the defective condition of the ATV.

The risk with these ATVs is severe because these vehicles are intended for children age 6 to 11. In many cases, youth riders are just learning how to operate an ATV and may not have the experience necessary to help them avoid hazards associated with this product’s defects.

Kazuma Pacific has refused to provide complete incident or injury information for any of their products.

Therefore, CPSC has been unable to determine how many children have been injured. Between December 2006 and May 2007, Kazuma Pacific has impeded CPSC’s efforts to protect the safety of children, by refusing to implement a corrective action plan for this ATV.

Kazuma Pacific has sold at least 2,700 Meerkat 50 ATVs and has stated that they are continuing to sell the units that CPSC staff found to be defective. Kazuma dealers and Web retailers nationwide have sold this ATV since 2003 for between $525 and $825.

CPSC staff is requesting that consumers immediately report any incidents involving the Kazuma Meerkat 50 to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC Web site at CSPC website


It is because of products like these being marketed towards our kids, that the US/Japan ATV manufacturers are demanding Congress to implement basic safety features for all ATVs.


China-made ATVs under fire from U.S., Japan producers
By Ian Swanson
June 29, 2007

Driven by an increase in imports from China, U.S. and Japanese producers have taken the unusual position of asking Congress to approve legislation mandating safety standards for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which consumer groups have long targeted as dangerous.

 "It’s somewhat extraordinary for our industry to be asking that standards be made mandatory," said David Murray of Yamaha, which employs over 3,000 people in the U.S. making ATVs.

He and others point to the fact that new ATV suppliers from China and Taiwan have not signed voluntary agreements adopted by companies like Yamaha and Honda to meet certain safety standards.

"The safety issue is [that] there are an increasing number of imports coming in not subject to voluntary standards," said Ed Cohen, vice president of government affairs for Honda.

He and others say they are not just trying to keep out lower-priced imports. Instead, they say the entire industry could be jeopardized if there is a rash of injuries and deaths connected to ATVs from newer suppliers. As a result, ATV makers have shifted their position to support mandatory standards.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 750 people are killed and 136,000 injured annually while riding ATVs. Many of those killed are children who ride adult-sized ATVs that are heavier and faster than those made for children. It is unclear how many of these injuries and deaths are attributable to new suppliers and how many to traditional ATV producers.

ATVs from China and Taiwan are expected to reach about 500,000 in 2007, which would give them well over a third of the U.S. market. They can cost as much as $1,000 less than an ATV from Yamaha, and can be purchased over the Internet.

Earlier this month, CPSC issued a warning that young people could be injured or killed while riding the Kazuma Meerkat 50 Youth ATV, which the CPSC faulted for several serious safety defects. The CPSC faulted the Meerkat, imported from China, for lacking front brakes, having no parking brake and starting in gear.

The ATV dispute is another example of how increased trade with China is leading that fall short of U.S. health and safety standards. It is also becoming a growing issue in Congress.

Just this week, a U.S. regulatory agency warned a U.S. tire importer it could face millions in fines if it does not recall hundreds of thousands of tires imported from China that may be defective. Health and safety concerns have also been raised regarding Chinese imports of pet food, toys and even toothpaste.

"The biggest concern for CPSC is there are some new entrants that do not fall within current standards for ATVs," said CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson.

In the case of the Meerkat 50, CPSC could not ask for a recall because it lacks a quorum of commissioners.
However, partly because of these new imports, CPSC is considering new regulations that would make voluntary standards mandatory.

But the Japanese and U.S. producers say it would take too long for CPSC to finish its rule-making process. As a result, they favor action by Congress.

Sens. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) are likely to introduce legislation addressing the issue before the August recess, according to Ed Krenik of Bracewell Giuliani. Krenik said such a bill would likely require all ATV producers to meet certain safety standards for brakes, and for makers to provide free safety training to users.

In a letter last week to the Wall Street Journal, Stevens said he asked Chinese officials to establish strict safety standards for ATVs during a recent meeting of U.S. and Chinese legislators. Stevens also indicated legislation would be forthcoming.

ATVs have long been in the crosshairs of consumer-safety groups. In 1988, companies selling ATVs in the U.S. agreed to discontinue three-wheeled ATVs, which were considered more likely to tip over when in use. The rules being considered by CPSC would formally ban three-wheelers.
 
Rachel Weintraub, assistant general counsel for the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), says the new imports are a real problem, but she faults traditional ATV producers for only favoring legislation that tackles imports.

"From our perspective, the problem is much broader," said Weintraub, who sees the current voluntary standards as too weak. CFA has lobbied for criminal and civil penalties for ATV dealers who knowingly sell adult-size ATVs that will be used by young people. ATV makers oppose such rules, which they say would be impossible to enforce.

"We don’t want this problem with ATVs to bubble up even more," Weintraub said of the ATVs from China. "But we also don’t want the Senate to deal with ATVs and only deal with imports." That would be a missed opportunity, she added.

CFA also opposes a change in rules that the CPSC is considering and that could be in the Stevens-Pryor bill. That change would shift rules so that adult and youth ATVs are classified by speed instead of engine size.

Just a little something to think about, eh?

Ride Safe. Ride Legal. Ride Again...Curtis