The first half of 2021 has witnessed a significant number of motorcycle safety recalls with Honda and KTM the most prolific.
In the first quarter of 2021, there were 13 recalls, but the rate accelerated in May with 10 recalls and two in June, bringing the first half total to 25.
Perhaps as riders are coming out of lockdown around the world and riding again, they are discovering issues with their bikes which result in official recall notices.
KTM Australia has issued nine recalls, although some have been for the same issues across all the brands they import which also includes GasGas and Husqvarna.
Honda follows with nine recall notices. Its most recent affects 2981 motorcycles and covers an extensive range from the Grom to the 650 models.
Ducati and Yamaha had three recalls in the first half of the year, BMW, Kawasaki and Suzuki had two each and Triumph had one.
The latest official safety recall notices, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, are for 2020 BMW S 1000 RR and various Honda models.
Honda’s notice says the reflex reflector may not comply with the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 47 for reflection luminosity.
“If the reflector has insufficient luminosity, affected motorcycles may be less visible to drivers of other vehicles, which could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death of the rider and/or other road users,” the notice says.
Models affected are:
- 2019 GROM(L) Z125M (pictured top of page)
- 2019-21 CB500X, CB650R, CBR500R and CBR650R
- 2020 C125AL, CRF250L-LA and CRF250R (Rally)
- 2021 CB500F and CMX500A2
- 2019-21 CMX500A
The BMW S 1000 RR notice says the screw plug in the rocker arm was not sufficiently tightened during manufacturing.
“As a result, oil may leak from the affected bolting points,” the notice says.
“An oil leak may affect the rear tyre. If this occurs it will result in a reduction in traction for the wheel and increase the risk of an accident resulting in injury or death to the rider and/or passenger or other road users.”
Owners of affected bikes should contact their dealer and arrange for a free inspection and repair if needed.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites: