Motorcycle Recalls for April 2009
If your motorcycle has been recalled and you are not sure what to do, check out What To Do If Your Motorcycle Is Recalled.
Kawasaki is recalling certain aftermarket accessory saddle bags sold for use exclusively for MY 2008 and 2009 Kawasaki KLE650 (Versys) motorcycles. Installation of the accessory saddlebags covers up the rear side reflex reflectors which fails to conform to the lighting requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Obscured reflectors could result in a crash resulting in injury or death. Kawasaki will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on April 24, 2009. Owners may contact Kawasaki Consumer Services Department toll-free at 1-866-802-9381.
Advanced Carbon Composites, Inc. (ACC) is recalling certain EXT-003 motorcycle helmets, sizes S/M, M/L, and L/XL. These helmets fail to conform to the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets." In the event of a crash, the wearer may not be adequately protected, possibly resulting serious injuries or death. ACC will notify owners and repair the noncompliant helmets free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2009. Owners may contact ACC toll-free at 1-800- 300-9813.
Buell Distribution Company is recalling 3,316 MY 2008 1125R, MY 2009 XB12R and XB12SCG motorcycles. The subject motorcycles have a front brake line which may contact the front tire. The condition could cause a hole to develop in the front brake line, allowing brake fluid to leak. This condition might cause an ineffective front brake, leading to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider. Dealers will re-route the front brake line. If damage to the brake line has occurred, the brake line will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before April 20, 2009. Owners may contact Buell Distribution Company at 1- 414-343-8400.
BMW is recalling model year 2008 R1200 GS and R1200 GS Adventure motorcycles. In certain situations, such as high generator speeds combined with large demands for electrical current, spurious signals could emerge within the motorcycle's electrical system. If this were to occur, it could affect the pressure sensor signals of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control unit. If this happened, the ABS could switch off; however, in such a situation, a warning lamp would illuminate. Normal braking would still be available to slow and stop the motorcycle. Any time vehicle control is compromised a crash may. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the necessary components free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
KTM is recalling 237 MY 2009 690 Duke and SMC motorcycles. During use, the front forks could develop cracks; this could result in the possibility of the front fork inner tube separating from the axle clamp. The cause of the defect involves improper heat treatment of the front fork inner tubes by the manufacturer. Subsequently this could lead to loss of control and a crash possibly with injury or death to the rider or others. Dealers will inspect and replace the front fork tubes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact KTM customer relations at 440-985-3553.
Ducati is recalling 1,755 MY 2009 Monster 696 motorcycles. The main wiring harness may come in contact with the vertical cylinder head and exhaust pipe possibly resulting in damage to the motorcycle and a potential hazard to the rider. Any damage to the harness may lead to loss of functionality of the motorcycles lighting system or an unexpected loss of engine performance, and thereby increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will check for interference between the main wiring harness and the vertical cylinder head and exhaust pipe. Dealers will reposition and fasten the main wiring harness to the frame free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact Ducati at 800-231-6696.
John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleReport.
