Vehicle recall 97V007000 · January 15, 1997

Kawasaki VN1500 and Vulcan Classic

Pressure on the battery ground lead (the crimped and soldered termination of the battery cable) from the base of the operator's seat can cause the battery terminal to short out…

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Pressure on the battery ground lead (the crimped and soldered termination of the battery cable) from the base of the operator's seat can cause the battery terminal to short out inside the battery.
Consequence: This condition could disable the battery and the motorcycle's electrical system increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing battery cables with a newly designed cable and inspect the battery to verify that no damage has occurred.
Notes: Owner notification began February 1, 1997.OWNERS who take their motorcycles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy withina reasonable time should contact kawasaki at 1-714-770-0400.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 97V007000
Reported to NHTSA: January 15, 1997
Filed by: KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP.
Owner notification: February 1, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 5,208
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

Recall 97V007000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Kawasaki VN1500 (1996-1997): 1997, 1996
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic (1996-1997): 1997, 1996

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