Ducati is recalling 27 units of its Ducati Diavel sport-cruisers because of kickstands that may bend at the pivot point — yes, the jokes about the Diavel’s portliness practically write themselves here.
Affecting bikes made from May 25th, 2012, through June 28th, 2012, Ducati is recalling the Diavels because a bent or broken kickstand could allow the motorcycle to fall over, which has the risk of injuring the rider or someone near the motorcycle.
Kawasaki is recalling 4,170 units of its ZX-10R motorcycle for an oil leak that may come out from the crankcase. The recall only affects 2011 & 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R models (ZX1000 JBF / JBFL / KBF / KBFL / JCF / JCFL / KCF / KCFL), and deals with leaking that occurs at the mounting point for the starter motor, which then causes the oil to pool at the top of the crankcase.
Kawasaki’s obvious intent with the recall is to address the possibility that the leak could increase the American market’s dependence on foreign oil, due to the needless amounts of petroleum that would be lost because of the leak. In addition to that hot-button topic, the issue of the oil dripping onto, or in front of, the rear tire is a serious safety concern, which is being addressed by Kawasaki’s recall since it could cause a lack of adhesion.
Things aren’t going so well for Zero Motorcycles, as the electric motorcycle manufacturer has submitted a second recall to the NHTSA, this one for the 2012 model line-up. Recalling 254 units because of insufficient weatherproofing, the motorcycles may be subject to an electrical short inside the battery management system (BMS) during wet conditions. A short-circuit could cause the electric motorcycle to cut power, which could potentially cause an accident (the recall notice from the NHTSA says nothing about possibility of electrocution).
Zero Motorcycles has submitted a recall with the NHTSA that includes units from its entire line-up, built for the 2011 & 2012 model years. The issue stems from a faulty brake light switch, which may not illuminate the rear brake light when the front brake lever is pressed without strong force.
The recall affects 450 units of Zero Motorcycles’ on-road units, which includes the following machines: 2011-2012 Zero DS, 2011 Zero MXD, 2011-2012 Zero S, 2012 Zero X, 2011 Zero XD, 2011-2012 Zero XU. Because the brake light may not illuminate while the motorcycles are under braking, Zero Motorcycles will recall the affected units starting around July 16th.
You know what they say about first-generation Italian motorcycles…Yes folks, the superbike of 2012, the Ducati 1199 Panigale, is having its first technical recall. Ducati North America is recalling 375 units of the Panigale because of an incorrect screw was used to attach the rear swingarm to the rear suspension linkage. The faulty screw could cause the swingarm to detach from the linkage, which would in-turn could cause a catastrophic suspension collapse.
American Suzuki has recalled 4,969 units of its 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbikes (FYI, the NHTSA has conflicting data on its recall sheet, which suggests that 2009-2011 models are affected, not 2012 — Ed.). The recall is due to loose bolts on the kickstand, which may cause the stand’s interlock switch to fail. If left unattended the fault on the switch will cause the motor on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to cutout, which could result in a crash.
BMW Motorrad is recalling 1,414 units of its 2012 BMW S1000RR superbike because of improperly manufactured connecting rod bolts. Due to a manufacturing process error, the connecting rod bolts could become loose during high engine temperatures and/or high engine operating speeds. If the bolts do come loose, the result could be a catastrophic engine failure (their words, not ours).
Kawasaki is recalling certain ZX-6R & ZX-10R motorcycles for a regulator/rectifier that may be improperly charging the motorcycle’s battery. Concerning Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles from 2009-2012 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycles from 2008-2011, the NHTSA is reporting that 20,544 motorcycles are affect by the recall, all of which were manufactured between December 14, 2007 and July 26, 2011.
Honda has issued a recall with the NHTSA because of a fault with the master cylinder on the Honda Goldwing. Affecting 2001-2010 & 2012 models, the secondary master cylinder for the Goldwing’s combined braking system could have a fault that causes the rear brake to engage and drag.
Because this could destabilize the motorcycle, and poses a potential fire danger from heat caused by excessive friciton, Honda is recalling all 126,000 Goldwings the issue could potentially affect.
Harley-Davidson has issued a massive recall with the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) all because of a faulty rear brake light switch. Affecting 250,757 units in all, the recall is for certain 2009-2012 Harley Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles (full list after the jump). Because of excessive heat caused by the exhaust system, the rear brake light switch on these motorcycles might not activate when the brakes are engaged, or conversely may activate when no braking is occurring.
Harley-Davidson is also disclosing that the issue may cause brake fluid to leak at the brake light switch, which could affect the rear brake’s performance. With both issues apt to cause an accident, all 250,757 bikes are being recalled. The recall is expected to start October 31, 2011, and Harley-Davidson will contact affected owners and replace the brake light switch free of charge. Concerned Harley owners can contact the Milwaukee company at 1-414-343-4056, and as always the NHTSA is available at 1-888-327-4236 & safercar.gov.
Triumph has issued recalls for both 2011-2012 model variants of the Tiger 800, as well as the 2011-2012 Sprint GT, for a defective top box locking mechanism. Missing a clip on the locking mechanism handle, there is a possibility that the top box may unintentionally detach from the motorcycle, and cause an accident with another vehicle. To remedy the situation, Triumph will have dealers install a new fitment clip, which will better align the rack and pinion mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement.
Affecting 134 units in total, Triumph plans on having the recall being in August 2011. Concerned Triumph Tiger 800 and Triumph Sprint GT owners can contact Triumph Customer Service at 1-678-539-8782, and as always the NHTSA is available at 1-888-327-4236 and www.safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA