Went riding with a few friends last weekend. One was an 06 bf650 with less than 20hrs on it. He is a new rider and this was his first big ride. The day was going great until the quad suddenly turned into a tree on a groomed smooth straight trail. He was doing about 30mph. We all thought it was something he did like hit a stump or cought the berm. The whole right front wheel and hub was seperated from the bike. Only thing hanging on was the tie rod end. Could not figure out for the life of us what happened. He said he was just going straight then he heard a pop and WHAM! Hits a tree. Come to find out that there is a recall on the front hubs. Has anyone else got hurt? Why has Kawi not sent out a recall notice? Does anyone know what changes have been made to the new hub?

 

jesus, thats pretty scary....how old is this guy?? was the bike brand new when he bought it?



glad it was atleast a bigger bike...i think if it was a small thing like mine it would be wrapped around a tree and he'd be dead on the ground


i'd definatly be talking to kawi, take tons of pictures of the bike,where it happened and the tree....

 

He is 28yo and yes it was new. Just not ridden much. He was kinda scared of it and now he is really scared and it was not even his fault. Luckily there is a recall for this problem so he will get it fixed. Thank god he was not hurt bad or I thibk there would be a huge lawsuit.

 

I haven't heard from Kawi either, I wonder if it is an issue on the 650i as well. My machine has just under 30 hours on it and no sign of any play or anything in the hubs.

 

Its not the actual hub. Its the aluminum housing that is breaking. If you google it you will see the recall under the Prarie and bf.

 

Kawasaki is recalling 155,000 ATVs, including 2001-2005 model year Prairie and Brute Force models. A significant impact to the front wheel of the ATV while the steering is fully turned to either side can result in suspension damage, wear, and an eventual loss of steering control that could result in injury or death.

Kawasaki previously recalled the Prairie 700 4x4 in March 2005 because the age recommendation warning label was missing.

Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation which could result in loss of steering control. Injuries have been reported.

The recall includes 2001 through 2005 Prairie and Brute Force Kawasaki ATVs. The following Kawasaki ATV models are included in this recall: Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4x4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4x4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4x4, Prairie 650 4x4, Prairie 700 4x4, and Brute Force 650 4x4. The model numbers can be found on the identification label located on the frame of the ATV. �Prairie� or �Brute Force� is printed on each side of the vehicle�s gas tank.

The units were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005 for between $4,400 and $7,400.

Consumers should stop using the recalled ATVs immediately and contact an authorized Kawasaki ATV dealer to arrange for a free repair. Registered owners of the vehicles will be notified directly by Kawasaki about the recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at

 

I smell another class action lawsuit.

How can Kawi make something new to top can-am if they are tied up with litigation costs?

 

Wow I was just about to buy a new Kawi 360 4x4.. Bad ball joints, im not so sure now..

That wreck sounds horrible..

 

According to that recall notice, the 06 machines are not included. Also that recall notice is a year and a half old. I have yet to find anything about any issues on the 06 650. Please keep us posted on what comes out of it though.

 

From what I remember, the recalls were on the '05s. i think the '06 and '07s supposedly had it addressed before they left the factory. My BF is an '05 and the parts were replaced under the recall.