It is the second highest number of recalls in the past 10 years: 28 in 2017, 39 in 2016, 30 in 2015, 28 in 2014, 20 in 2013, 24 in 2012, 16 in 2011, 14 in 2010 and 23 in 2009.
The increase in safety recalls seems to mainly affect new models and could be the result of companies bringing these models to the market too soon in an effort to attract new buyers.
Brembo safety recalls
Faulty Brembo PR16 master cylinder
The biggest safety recalls of the year were over a single issue with Brembo PR16 front brake master cylinders.
They were fitted on motorcycles from a range of manufacturers such as Aprilia, Ducati,Husqvarna, KTMMV Agusta, TM Racing, Moto Morini and Horex, but did not affect aftermarket units.
The Italian brake manufacturer was again stopped in its tracks with a second major product safety recall for its replacement aftermarket rear brake caliper kits.
Ducati leads with six
Ducati had the most recalls of any manufacturer with six, four of which were for the Panigale V4 in its first year of production.
Scout models for brake issues; some Thunderstroke-powered models forfaulty right switchblocks; and Roadmaster for a lack of waterproofing in the rear top box.
Kawasaki 3
Z900RS for rear brake sensor issue; faulty centre stand on the H2 SX; and transmission failures on the Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR.
Suzuki 3
DL650, GSX-S750 and GSX-R1000A for fuel leaks; GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 for engine mounting bolts breaking; and GSX-R1000A/R/RZ for chain breakages.
Yamaha 3
SR400 for an oil leak, MT-07 and XSR700 had loose chain protector bolts and MT-03 had noisy gears.
KTM 3
Sticking throttle on SX50 mini dirt bike (same for the Husqvarna TC50); 690 Duke R and 1290 Super Duke models for Brembo front brake issue; and 690 Duke and 690 Duke R for fuel leaks.
Triumph 3
Street Triple R/RS for switchgear electrical faults; Thruxton models for stalling issues; and most models were missing the correct stationary noise data label on the exhausts.
BMW 2
G 310 GS and R models had side stand breakages and a malfunctioning indicator light on their scooters, F series and R nineT Scrambler.
However, BMW also had a major issue with spokes collapsing but the company did not issue a recall.
TC50 sticking throttle and FS 450 for Brembo front brake.
Moto Guzzi 2
V9 and V 7 III for brake issues (not Brembo).
Harley-Davidson 2
Fifth recall for the onging hydraulic clutch problems on their touring models and trikes and brake issues on several models if the brake fluid is not flushed at least every two years as specified in the Owner’s Manual and Service Manual.
Ducati Australia has recalled 263 Panigale V4, V4 S and V4 S Speciale bikes over a possible engine oil to leak from one of the hydraulic tensioners on each of the cylinder heads.
The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the engine oil “may leak on to the engine sump and on to the tyre, increasing the risk of a crash”.
“This may cause serious injury to riders and other road users,” it says.
The vehicle identification numbers of affected bikes are listed at the end of this article.
Ducati Australia say they will contact owners of recalled bikes by mail.
They will be requested to contact their nearest authorised Ducati Dealer to arrange an appointment.
Apparently it is easily fixed by dealers tightening the two hydraulic tensioners to specification, free of charge.
Recalled again
Ducati’s new Panigale V4 has been recalled four times in its first year of production. However, only recalls two have affected bikes imported into Australia.
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:
