Honda is issuing a recall for the 2001-2010 and 2012 Gold Wing due to a problem with the combined braking system. The recall campaign affects 126,000 units sold in the U.S. over the past decade.
According to Honda, the Gold Wing may experience rear brake drag even after the rider releases the brake. The problem is caused by secondary master cylinder of the combined braking system.
Harley-Davidson is issuing a recall for 250,757 units from its Touring, CVO Touring and Trike line from model years 2009 – 2012.
The rear brake light switch on the models in question may become degraded due to the heat from the exhaust systems. This may affect brake light function and may result in a brake fluid leak.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem was first identified in June 2010 after a Harley-Davidson Trike model lost rear brake function due to a fluid leak. A month later, Harley-Davidson received a report of an alledged crash with a similar problem.
Yamaha is issuing a recall campaign on certain 2009-2011 V-Max power cruisers due to a potential risk of oil pump malfunction.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, abnormally high oil pressure can build up within the oil pump of certain Yamaha V-Max models. The high pressure may force the washer on the oil pump shaft against the oil pump housing, causing oil to stop pumping through the engine.
Honda is recalling certain 2009-2010 ST1300 sport touring motorcycles due to a risk of a brake fluid leakage.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the pre-formed hose supplying fluid from the rear brake reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder is routed in a way that puts it at risk of damage. When the Honda ST1300 is heavily loaded and ridden over rough surfaces, the rear suspension may bottom out, causing the hose to contact the swingarm.
Over a prolonged period, the hose may develop a leak, allowing air to enter the rear brake master cylinder, resulting in a spongy rear brake pedal and loss of braking performance.
Polaris is issuing a recall for certain 2004-2011 Victory Kingpin and 2006-2011 Victory Jackpot motorcycles equipped with accessory touring seats.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,the backrest supports on some accessory seats may separate from the motorcycle, potentially putting a passenger at risk of falling off.
The recall campaign affects the Victory Kingpin Touring, Double Backrest seat (part number 2876641-01) and Victory Jackpot Touring with backrest seat (part number 2875961-01). Certain seats were produced with a stress riser in the bend area of the support which may weaken and separate due to metal fatigue or overloading.
Polaris issued two separate recalls for 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles, one for a problem with the headlight and another with the kickstand.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the kickstands on 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles may not fold up and to the rear if the motorcycle is moving forward with the stand deployed. As a result, the kickstand fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 571.123.
As seen in the 2011 Indian Motorcycle Dark Horse pictured above, the kickstand is angled forward when in the down position. If a rider tries to move forward with the kickstand down, it may affect the rider’s ability to control the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kawasaki is recalling some 2009-2010 KLX250 models due to a risk of leaky fuel tanks.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel tank on affected motorcycles may not be in contact with the frame-mounted rubber dampers designed to support the front of the tank, and the tank side mounting tabs may have excessive clearance from from the frame. As a result, spot-welded sections along the side tabs may be under excessive stress, potentially resulting in cracking and a fuel leak.
The problem was first reported in July 2010 by a Kawasaki distributor in Japan that noticed fuel leaking from a unit near the frame mounting bracket. An investigation conducted in June 2010 following a third reported incident determined the cause of the fuel leak. Kawasaki received a total of six reports by February 2011.
Kawasaki dealers will inspect the fuel tanks on 2009-2010 KLX250 models for the defect. If a leak is detected, dealers will replace the fuel tank. Otherwise, dealers will install a new damper to ensure the fuel tank has the proper clearance from the frame.
The recall campaign affects 9,460 units.
[Source: NHTSA, Campaign ID#: 11V316000]
Yamaha is recalling certain 2006-2009 FJR1300 sport-tourers due to a problem with the electrical system.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the ground joint connector of the wire harness on some Yamaha FJR1300 models may overheat and become deformed. If the electrical system is not properly grounded, the motorcycle’s electric components including the ignition system may malfunction, potentially causing the engine to stall.
Yamaha dealers will install an additional wire sub-lead on affected motorcycles. For units with ground joint connectors already showing signs of damage from overheating, Yamaha dealers will install a new main wire harness. The recall affects 9,850 units.
[Source: NHTSA, Campaign ID 11V338000]
Zero Motorcycles initiated a recall campaign on some 2009-2010 Zero S and Zero DS motorcycles due to a problem with the front brake.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front brake caliper brackets on the affected motorcycles may become deformed under high braking loads. A deformed bracket may prevent the brake pads from lining up properly with the rotor, reducing braking efficiency.
The problem was first reported in August 2010 by a journalist testing a 2010 Zero S. At the time, Zero determined the problem was caused by a shifted seal in the front brake master cylinder. Later that month, Zero received a warranty case on a Zero S regarding brake fade. In September 2010, Zero opened an internal investigation about brake fade concerns and alerted the brake manufacturer. In the ensuing months, Zero received further reports about brake problems and in February 2011, a dealer reported a bent brake caliper bracket on a 2009 Zero S. Zero completed its internal investigation in April 2011 and confirmed the bracket could experience deformation.
Zero dealers will replace the front brake caliper bracket on affected units with a newly designed component at no charge. Front brake pads may also be replaced if they show signs of abnormal wear. Dealers will also inspect the front brake fluid and flush the system and replace the fluid if they note signs of overheating.
The recall campaign affects 160 motorcycles including 2009 Zero S models built Sept. 2 2009 – Dec. 22, 2009, 2009 Zero DS models built July 27, 2009 – Dec. 28, 2009, 2010 Zero S models built Feb. 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011 and 2010 Zero DS models built Jan. 20, 2010 – March 31, 2011.
[Source: NHTSA]
The year is coming to a close so let’s take a look back at the top stories of 2009 in the world of motorcycles after the jump.
