Motorcycle Recalls – Keeping You Informed

Motorcycle recalls are not very well publicized. If a recall affects many thousands of motorcycles or if the problem could lead to catastrophic consequences, then you’ll hear about it everywhere, but for many of the more routine variety, they can slip right by without an owner ever noticing. If your motorcycle is fairly new, dealers or manufacturers will usually find you but older models can be affected and companies may lose track of who owns the bike if it has changed hands once or twice.

We’ll occasionally list the more recent recalls to keep you up to date. If a recall looks like one that affects you and you have not received notification, check with your dealer.

Manufacturers in our first roundup include KTM, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson recall is fairly large, affecting over 52,000 units, so if you have a 2007 from the motor company, be sure to see if your bike is included.

Recalls are listed below:

Manufacturer: KTM
Model Year: 2007
Models affected: 950 Superenduro, 990 Adventure, 990 Adventure-S
Manufactured between: 11-23-2006 and 05-03-2007
NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V243000
Problem: On certain motorcycles, during use the chain slider guard mounting bolts may become loose and possibly fall out. This could result in the possibility of the chain slider guard to become detached. Subsequently, the chain slider guard could become caught in the drive chain which may lead to a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the chain slider guard mounting bolts and properly secure them. The recall is expected to begin during June 2007. Owners may contact KTM at 1-440-985-3553.

Manufacturer: Kawasaki
Model Year: 2007
Models affected: KLX250S
Manufactured between: 03-23-2007 and 03-29-2007
NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V235000
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the top mount for the single rear shock is spot welded in position during frame manufacture, then is supposed to be completely welded to the frame in a subsequent operation. In a small number of frames, it appears this subsequent welding operation was not performed.The welding may become loose while the motorcycle is in motion increasing the risk of a crash.
Any motorcycle found to contain this defect will be replaced by Kawasaki. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Manufacturer: Kawasaki
Model Year: 2003
Models affected: VN1600-A1, VN1600-A1L Mean Streak
Manufactured between: 12-13-2002 and 04-07-2003
NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V216000
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank is mounted to the chassis by means of tabs that are spot welded to the tank, then braised/welded around a portion of their circumference. Under certain conditions, repeated stress can crack the tank at the location of the tabs, and allow fuel to leak.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall is expected to begin on or about July 3, 2007. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Manufacturer: Harley Davidson
Model Year: 2007
Models affected: FLSTF, FXSTSSE, Softail, FXSTC, FXSTD, FXSTB, FXST, FLSTF Shrine, FLSTSC, FLSTN, FLSTC Shrine, FLSTC, (basically, all Softails)
Manufactured between: 06-08-2006 and 03-14-2007
NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V173000
Problem: Certain motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. This may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines. This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4080.