Embarrassing recalls for Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle Australia has again issued an embarrassing official recall for their 2014-19 Thunderstroke models over a gear position indicator fault.

The first recall was issued in November 2019, affecting 52,745 bikes in the US and 2060 in Australia.

They are now expanding it to 2233 bikes to finalise the remedy (see the Vehicle Identification Numbers of affect bikes at the end of this article).

Embarrassing recalls

While this embarrassing second recall has just been announced, Indian Motorcycle Australia will not confirm to us whether any Australian bikes are included in a recall on the new water-cooled Challenger affect local bikes.

In North America, the Challenger is being recalled over an engine output shaft bearing failure which could cause a sudden loss of power and a possible crash.

It was caused by the engine output shaft bearing not having enough lubricant during assembly.

They say the failure can occur at “very low mileage”. We will update readers if or when the recall is extended to Australia.

It’s an embarrassing recall for the company which has been crowing about how much quicker the new Challenger is than its Harley-Davidson competitor, the Road Glide.

Gear recall

As for the second gear-position recall, it affects 2014-19: Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Classic and Roadmaster Elite.

Indian says the gear indicator switch could oxidise and show an incorrect gear which is not a huge issue.

However, it may also show it is in neutral when it is actually in gear.

That could cause the bike to stall or suddenly move forward if the rider lets the clutch out.

Replacement parts have not available until now.

To ensure there is no risk of unintended vehicle movement, it is recommended to follow the correct startup procedure:

1. Straddle the motorcycle and bring it to the fully upright position. Retract the side stand.
2. Move the engine stop/run switch to the RUN position.
3. Shift the transmission to neutral.
4. Apply the front brakes.
5. Disengage the clutch (pull the clutch lever fully toward the handlebar).
6. Start the engine.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Indian Motorcycle Customer Service Department on 03 9394 5610 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm AEST, excluding Victorian public holidays).

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