Tag Archives: ACCC

Crash prompts BMW spoked wheel probe

A crash that left a rider with serious injuries after his BMW’s spoked front wheel collapsed has prompted a wider probe into the issue amid calls for an official safety recall.

Gavin Chapman went over the handlebars when the front wheel of his 2016 R 1200 GS Triple Black collapsed. 

“Although I don’t remember much, I was riding with others and as I braked for a corner the spokes on the front wheel collapsed, causing the disk brake to hit the ground,” he says . 

“This catapulted the bike and myself into the bush.

BMW R 1200 GS broken spokes Probe
Forks have gone through the spokes

“The bike was a write-off and I was seriously injured and air-lifted to Roma Hospital.”

Gavin was taking part in a charity ride about 100km west of his home in Gladstone, Central Queensland, in September, with about 50 other riders. 

“It was a combination of road, dirt road and tracks, nothing too difficult,” he says. 

“During the course of the day we rode across numerous cattle grids, potholes and washouts, but no rocks.”

BMW R 1200 GS broken spokes Probe
Smooth dirt road where the crash occurred

Gavin contacted us after reading about Brisbane rider Mark Taylor losing control of his four-month-old BMW R 1200 GS with 10 loose rear spokes.

BMW Motorrad Australia confirms there is an “international service campaign” where spoked wheels are inspected when bikes are scheduled for service at an authorised BMW dealership.

The issue affects 286 models of R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban G/S built between February 2018 to June 2018.

BMW R nineT Scrambler probe
BMW R nineT Scrambler

Probe widens

Mark contacted the Department of Infrastructure to call for an official safety recall.

We contacted the department about the second incident and a spokesperson confirmed they had conducted a probe into Mark’s report about loose spokes on his bike.

“The department has considered all information contained in that report,” the spokesperson says.

“The additional information you have provided relates to another recent event and will be considered to assess whether any further action is appropriate.” 

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding says the issue is a safety concern and needs a further probe.

Steve Spalding texting probe
Steve Spalding

“This is the second incident we have become aware of in about a month and raises concerns about whether there is a more widespread problem putting other riders in danger,” he says.

“We would expect the bike manufacturer to investigate the causes of failure, whether there is a link affecting this model and, if there is, initiate prompt attention to rectify other bikes before more crashes occur.

“Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure safety-related defects are fully investigated and to take prompt action when they identify a correction is necessary.”

BMW Motorrad Australia says the international service campaign has been “initiated in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad head office in line with Australian regulations”.

“In addition, we wish to advise that all motorcycles with spoked wheels are automatically checked and tested at every scheduled service.

“This has been standard practice since well before the R 1200 GS model was introduced,” she says. 

The BMW service campaign was no use to Gavin as he says his closest authorised BMW dealer is about 450km away on the Sunshine Coast.

BMW R 1200 GS broken spokes Probe
Broken Beemer off to the workshop about 500km away

Gavin had his spokes checked by a local mechanic two days before the charity ride.

BMW Motorrad Australia says the owner’s manual advises riders to have their bike checked after riding off-road.

Gavin says there was no damage to the wheel rims from the crash, only the spokes.

Mark says his bike’s spokes were tightened at the dealership at 3000km. He rode a further 2500km on bitumen and 22km on a dirt road before his incident.

BMW R 1200 GS spokes probe
BMW R 1200 GS spoked wheel

Riders can report concerns of vehicle safety or non-compliance to the Department of Infrastructure via their online Vehicle Safety and Non-Compliance Report form.

BMW Motorrad Australia also advises concerned riders to phone them on 133 269 or contact their local dealer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Kawasaki recall Z900RS over rear brake issue

The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says that due to improper routing, the rear brake hose and rear wheel rotation sensor lead may touch the rear tyre.

“Continued use could result in damage to the rear brake hose and/or the wheel rotation sensor,” the notice says.

“If the brake hose becomes damaged, it could create the potential for loss of braking performance due to brake fluid leakage.Kawasaki Z900RS worth every cent rear brake

“If the wheel sensor becomes damaged, this could cause the potential for the ABS indicator light to illuminate and the speed will cease to be displayed on the meter, in this case the ABS functionality will be deactivated.

“In both of these instances, this may cause an accident risk and injury to riders and other road users.”

Owners of affected motorcycles should contact their nearest Kawasaki dealer to arrange an inspection and repair of the vehicle.

To find your nearest Kawasaki dealer, click here.

VINS of affected bikes

JKAZR2C10JA000194
JKAZR2C16JA000216
JKAZR2C1XJA000431
JKAZR2C13JA000433
JKAZR2C1XJA001210
JKAZR2C13JA001212
JKAZR2C18JA001366
JKAZR2C1XJA001515
JKAZR2C15JA000191
JKAZR2C17JA000192
JKAZR2C19JA000193
JKAZR2C12JA000195
JKAZR2C18JA000217
JKAZR2C1XJA000218
JKAZR2C11JA000219
JKAZR2C18JA000220
JKAZR2C15JA000241
JKAZR2C17JA000242
JKAZR2C10JA000244
JKAZR2C12JA000245
JKAZR2C1XJA000266
JKAZR2C13JA000268
JKAZR2C15JA000269
JKAZR2C11JA000270
JKAZR2C12JA000326
JKAZR2C14JA000327
JKAZR2C16JA000328
JKAZR2C18JA000329
JKAZR2C14JA000330
JKAZR2C19JA000341
JKAZR2C10JA000342
JKAZR2C12JA000343
JKAZR2C14JA000344
JKAZR2C16JA000345
JKAZR2C13JA000366
JKAZR2C15JA000367
JKAZR2C17JA000368
JKAZR2C19JA000369
JKAZR2C15JA000370
JKAZR2C11JA000432
JKAZR2C15JA000434
JKAZR2C12JA000441
JKAZR2C14JA000442
JKAZR2C16JA000443
JKAZR2C18JA000444
JKAZR2C1XJA000445
JKAZR2C17JA000466
JKAZR2C19JA000467
JKAZR2C10JA000468
JKAZR2C12JA000469
JKAZR2C19JA000470
JKAZR2C15JA000501
JKAZR2C17JA000502
JKAZR2C19JA000503
JKAZR2C10JA000504
JKAZR2C12JA000505
JKAZR2C12JA000536
JKAZR2C14JA000537
JKAZR2C16JA000538
JKAZR2C18JA000539
JKAZR2C14JA000540
JKAZR2C14JA000571
JKAZR2C16JA000572
JKAZR2C18JA000573
JKAZR2C1XJA000574
JKAZR2C11JA000575
JKAZR2C1XJA000591
JKAZR2C11JA000592
JKAZR2C13JA000593
JKAZR2C15JA000594
JKAZR2C17JA000595
JKAZR2C19JA001148
JKAZR2C10JA001149
JKAZR2C17JA001150
JKAZR2C19JA001151
JKAZR2C10JA001152
JKAZR2C17JA001178
JKAZR2C19JA001179
JKAZR2C15JA001180
JKAZR2C17JA001181
JKAZR2C19JA001182
JKAZR2C13JA001209
JKAZR2C11JA001211
JKAZR2C15JA001213
JKAZR2C15JA001244
JKAZR2C19JA001246
JKAZR2C10JA001247
JKAZR2C12JA001248
JKAZR2C18JA001271
JKAZR2C1XJA001272
JKAZR2C11JA001273
JKAZR2C13JA001274
JKAZR2C15JA001275
JKAZR2C11JA001287
JKAZR2C13JA001288
JKAZR2C15JA001289
JKAZR2C11JA001290
JKAZR2C12JA001301
JKAZR2C14JA001302
JKAZR2C16JA001303
JKAZR2C18JA001304
JKAZR2C1XJA001305
JKAZR2C13JA001338
JKAZR2C15JA001339
JKAZR2C11JA001340
JKAZR2C13JA001341
JKAZR2C15JA001342
JKAZR2C12JA001363
JKAZR2C14JA001364
JKAZR2C16JA001365
JKAZR2C1XJA001367
JKAZR2C16JA001382
JKAZR2C18JA001383
JKAZR2C11JA001385
JKAZR2C13JA001386
JKAZR2C1XJA001417
JKAZR2C11JA001418
JKAZR2C13JA001419
JKAZR2C1XJA001420
JKAZR2C11JA001421
JKAZR2C17JA001455
JKAZR2C19JA001456
JKAZR2C10JA001457
JKAZR2C14JA001459
JKAZR2C18JA001481
JKAZR2C1XJA001482
JKAZR2C11JA001483
JKAZR2C13JA001484
JKAZR2C15JA001485
JKAZR2C18JA001514
JKAZR2C13JA001517
JKAZR2C15JA001518

Even though manufacturers and importers 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 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:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fourth recall for Ducati Panigale V4

Ducati’s new Panigale V4 has had a traumatic introduction this year with its fourth recall.

The latest recall is over a timing chain tensioner that could become loose and leak oil through the adjustment bolt on to the rear tyre. The result could be dramatic!

Ducati Australia confirms that the recall announced recently in the USA will also affect Australian owners of all variants of V4.

However, the official recall notice has not yet been listed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

It’s an easy fix with dealers will only needing to tighten the tensioners to specification. Stay tuned for our official notice, along with VINs of those bikes affected.

Fourth recall

This is the fourth recall affecting the new Ducati flagship model, not all of which affected bikes delivered to Australia.

The worst was a fuel leak that led to this dramatic coincident where a Canadian rider’s new Panigale V4 spontaneously burst into flame.

Ducati Panigale V4 catches fire Canada safety recall fourth
V4 catches fire in Canada

Ducati Australia says an American recall for the Ducati SuperSport over mirrors that work loose from engine vibration does not affect local riders.

There is also an American recall over a faulty gear shift knob which could fall off the lever on the SuperSport and the Monster 821 and 1200.

“No gear lever campaign has been launched for our market at this stage,” says Ducati Australia.

If/when it does, we will publish the recall notice.

2018 Ducati Monster 821 flagship colours fourth
Ducati Monster 821

Even though manufacturers and importers 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 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:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Husqvarna recall over sticky throttle

Parents whose children ride a Husqvarna TC50 mini dirt bike should be aware that the new 2019 model is being recalled over an issue with a sticky throttle.

The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says that on some motorcycles, the carburettor cover may not be screwed down and located correctly.

Sticky throttle

“The carburettor cover ensures the throttle slide will return to the closed position and cannot stay open,” it says.

“As the carburettor cover acts as the upper throttle slide stop, if incorrectly fitted it may lead to the throttle slide sticking and being unable to return to the closed position.

“Should this occur, it could affect the riders ability to control and operate the bike safely and may cause an accident involving the rider and others.”

Owners will be contacted by direct mail notifying them of the recall and requesting that an appointment be made with their local authorised Husqvarna dealer.

Authorised dealers will inspect the carburettor and repair free of charge if required.

For further information, contact Husqvarna on 1800 644 771 or click here to find your nearest authorised dealer.

It is only the second recall involving Husqvarna this year. The first was over faulty Brembo front brakes on some road models.

VINs of affected bikes

VBKUXA230KM069842
VBKUXA231KM069817
VBKUXA231KM069834
VBKUXA231KM069851
VBKUXA231KM069865
VBKUXA232KM069826
VBKUXA232KM069843
VBKUXA232KM069857
VBKUXA233KM069835
VBKUXA233KM069866
VBKUXA234KM069844
VBKUXA236KM069747
VBKUXA236KM069845
VBKUXA236KM069862
VBKUXA237KM069837
VBKUXA238KM069846
VBKUXA239KM069743
VBKUXA239KM069824
VBKUXA239KM069838
VBKUXA23XKM069833
VBKUXA23XKM069847
VBKUXA236KM068193
VBKUXA239KM068267
VBKUXA239KM068205
VBKUXA235KM068251
VBKUXA235KM068301
VBKUXA237KM068199
VBKUXA237KM068221
VBKUXA237KM068266
VBKUXA233KM068247
VBKUXA234KM068208
VBKUXA234KM068211
VBKUXA231KM068215
VBKUXA231KM068263
VBKUXA232KM068191
VBKUXA232KM068210
VBKUXA232KM068238
VBKUXA230KM068206
VBKUXA230KM068223
VBKUXA231KM065119
VBKUXA233KM065056
VBKUXA230KM065113
VBKUXA231KM068280
VBKUXA232KM065016
VBKUXA232KM065081
VBKUXA232KM065128
VBKUXA234KM068256
VBKUXA234KM065129
VBKUXA234KM068189
VBKUXA235KM065107
VBKUXA234KM065048
VBKUXA234KM065096
VBKUXA233KM065073
VBKUXA233KM065087
VBKUXA233KM065123
VBKUXA236KM065116
VBKUXA237KM065089
VBKUXA237KM065092
VBKUXA237KM065108
VBKUXA239KM068222
VBKUXA239KM065076
VBKUXA238KM065084
VBKUXA238KM065098
VBKUXA23XKM065085
VBKUXA23XKM065099
VBKUXA23XKM065118
VBKUXA238KM065117
VBKUXA238KM065067
VBKUXA239KM065093
VBKUXA234KM065115
VBKUXA235KM065012
VBKUXA230KM065130
VBKUXA230KM065077

Even though manufacturers and importers 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 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:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riders urged to check motorcycle spokes

Riders have been urged to check the spokes on their motorcycle wheels more frequently in the wake of one rider finding his badly handling bike had 10 loose spokes.

The result of loose spokes can be poor handling and can cause rapid tyre deflation on tubeless tyres.

Brisbane rider Mark Taylor says he had loose spokes on his four-month-old BMW R 1200 GS tightened during a tyre change at 3000km.

He had only ridden another couple of thousands kilometres before 10 spokes came loose again, causing the rear end to slide around.

Loose spokes
Mark and his GS

“The bike nearly bucked me off coming down a mountain road and started to oversteer in the corners,” he says.

“It scared the life out of me. I thought I was going to buy the farm.

“The dealer confirmed it’s a faulty wheel with 10 loose spokes.

“BMW Motorrad Australia have no replacements, so my bike will be off the road for up to five weeks until a new wheel comes from Germany.”

Other riders on BMW internet forums have also complained of the same issue.

BMW R 1200 GS spokes
BMW R 1200 GS spoked wheel

We contacted BMW Motorrad Australia who advised there is no safety recall on this issue.

“However, there is a service campaign and owners are encouraged to contact their dealer if there are concerns,” a spokesman says.

Mark is not happy and has contacted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission seeking a safety recall on the model.

“My main issue is that these bikes are not safe to ride and should all be recalled straight away to be checked for potential deadly faults,” Mark says.

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding says that if an owner finds a safety related problem with their motorcycle they should always alert the manufacturer and ask for it to be investigated.

“Not only is this a safeguard against continuing to ride a bike with a potential safety risk but it may also give an early warning to the manufacturer of a possible defect affecting a wider group or riders.”

All riders whose bikes have spoked wheels should periodically check them for loose, broken or rusted spokes.

It’s a simple process.

Just lightly tap each spoke with a screwdriver or metal object.

They should all make a similarly pitched “ping” sound. If they make a lower, dull “thud”, then they are loose.

To tighten a spoke, turn the nut or “nipple” on the end closest to the tyre in a clockwise direction.

Like tuning a piano or guitar, you need to get the spoke to make the same tone as the surrounding spokes. Don’t over-tighten.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/riders-urged-check-spokes/