Kawasaki is recalling 2,480 units of its 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycles for a faulty wiring harness. Affecting both the base and ABS versions of the motorcycle, it is possible that the wiring harness can become pinched between the rear subframe and either the rear fender or the bolt holding the seat cover. If the wiring harness does become pinched, it could damage the harness and cause an electrical short in the system, which could stop the engine suddenly.
Ducati is recalling 964 units of its Ducati Diavel motorcycle for a faulty license plate holder mount. Affecting Diavels manufactured between September 23, 2010 and May 12, 2011, this recall concerns the brass inserts that are installed in the chain guard, which may deform over time, and result in the possible loosening of the license plate holder retaining screws on the swingarm. Because of this defect, the license plate holder could come loose and interfere with the rear wheel rotation, which could cause a crash.
Yamaha is recalling 9,850 units of its FJR1300 motorcycle manufactured between February 2006 & March 2009. This recall is due to a ground joint connector in the wiring harness that could overheat and become deformed, and thus possibly cause an intermittent ground wire connection. Should the electrical system become improperly grounded, then the ignition system, or other electrical components, could malfunction, which could cause the motor to stall.
Kawasaki is recalling 9,460 units of its 2009 & 2010 Kawasaki KLX 250 dirt bikes because the fuel tank may leak at the spot weld(s) on the side mount tabs. Caused by excessive clearance between the fuel tank and frame-mounted rubber damper, the fuel leakage at the welding point(s) could ignite and cause a dangerous explosion.
Kawasaki is recalling certain 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 motorcycles for a possibly pinched inner tire tube, which may have been damaged in the assembly process. The recall affects 436 units of the motorcycle, and if left unattended could result in the tube puncturing, and the tire losing air pressure. If the tire loses air pressure, it could result in a crash, hence the recall.
Kawasaki dealers will replace the damaged tubes for free, with the recall expected to begin in June 2011…today being the last day of that month. Concerned owners may contact Kawasaki’s consumer services department at 1-866-802-9381, and as always the NHTSA is available at 1-888-327-4236 & www.safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
Honda is recalling 3,020 VT750 Shadow motorcycles made between June 25, 2009 and March 28, 2011 for a back angle sensor that may have been incorrectly manufactured. Because of this defect, there exists the possibility that an erroneous reading could be taken from the sesnor, causing the engine to stall.
Because of the risk of stalling the motor may cause a crash, Honda is replacing the affected sensors free of charge, with a recall expected to start June 20, 2011. Concerned Honda Shadow owners can contact Honda Motorcycle customer service at 1-866-784-1870, and as always the NHTSA is available at 1-888-327-4236 or safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
KTM North America is recalling 1,228 KTM and Husaberg dirt bikes for improper heat treatment, which could lead to the handlebar clamps developing cracks, and allowing the bars to move from their set position. The affected models are as follows:
Authorized KTM dealers will replace the defective clamps free of charge, with the recall schedule to start this June. Concerned owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. Also the NHTSA, as always, is also available at 1-888-327-4236 or safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
Polaris is recalling 840 Victory Cross Country motorcycles made from January 1, 2011 through April 11, 2011 for faulty handlebar clamps/risers that may have been improperly machined. Because of the defect, the handlebars may slip in the clamps, resulting in a lack of control over the motorcycle.
Accordingly, Polaris will be notifying affected owners, and Victory dealers will test and replace the defective parts free of charge. The recall is expected to start in June of this year, and concerned Victory Cross Country owners can contact Victory customer service at 1-888-704-5290. The NHTSA, as always, is also available at 1-888-327-4236 or safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
Zero Motorcycles is recalling 160 of its electric DS & S motorcycles for an issue with the front brake caliper. Because of the defect, owners may experience permanent deformation of their brake discs when subjected to high braking loads, which induce misalignment of the front brake pads with respect to the front brake rotor. Accordingly, misalignment of the brake pads in relation to the rotor may cause reduced front braking performance, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider.
The pertinent models and build dates are as follows:
Triumph is recalling almost two thousand (1,955 in total) 2010 Triumph Thunderbird motorcycles for a thread improper locker and screw on the front fender. Because of the incompatible pieces, the screws might become loose, and work their way out of the threads. Extending out and into the tire, the screws could potentially wear out or puncture the tire causing it to deflate and create an unsafe situation.
Triumph dealers will replace the screws free of charge, though Triumph has not yet released an owner notification schedule on the recall. Concerned owners may contact Triumph Customer Service at 1-678-539-8782, and as always the NHTSA is available at 1-888-327-4236 and safecrar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
Here’s a type of recall that we’ll begin to see more of in the coming years, Ducati North America is recalling 1,051 Diavel and Multistrada 1200 motorcycles because of a faulty software issue. A certain version of the hands free software package may cause the electronic steering lock to fail to disable during the “key on” process.
The result is that a rider would be unable to move their motorcycle, at least not beyond a small radial path. In the eyes of the NHTSA though, this could mean that a rider could start the motorcycle and attempt to ride off, and then realize they lack the ability to steer (read: not good). While the safety issue here seems fairly benign, the idea that one couldn’t get their bike moving because a 0 should be a 1 would be fairly frustrating to us if we were owners of either machine, hence the recall.