July 2010 Recall Notices

Harley-Davidson issued a recall on the 2010 FXDF Fat Bob because the front forks may be using the wrong springs. According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the suspension supplier American Showa mistakenly used springs intended for the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide in fork leg assemblies for the Fat Bob.

Assembly operators at Harley-Davidsons Kansas City plant first noticed something was amiss in February. Harley-Davidsons recall investigation committee began an investigation and returned sample fork leg assemblies to Showa. The supplier determined it had comingled stock of two different springs.

In May, Harley-Davidson began testing to determine if the wrong springs affected performance when it comes to stopping distances, side stand retraction and parking stability. Harley-Davidson says the incorrect springs reduced traction on irregular road surfaces and changed the lean angle of the bike when it is parked on the side stand. While the Motor Company continued its analysis, it received a warranty claim from a dealer with a similar issue.

Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect the suspension on the 70 units included in the recall campaign. Units found with incorrect springs will receive replacement fork leg assemblies with the correct springs.

Yamaha issued a recall on the 2009 VMax. The ground wire from the accelerator position sensor and the throttle position sensor may be insufficiently crimped, leading to excessive electrical resistance. This may cause the engine control unit to register incorrect signals, leading to unstable engine idle speed, and may prevent idle speed from falling below 3000rpm when the throttle is released.

The recall campaign affects 676 units in the U.S. Yamaha dealers will install an additional sub-lead wire that will bypass the problem area, preventing the excessive resistance.

Kawasaki issued a recall on the 2010 Ninja 650R. A portion of the lower cowling may interfere with the riders right foot while attempting to apply the rear brakes.

According to documents filed with the NHTSA, a Kawasaki test rider reported interference between his riding boot and the cowling while attempting to brake in February. Following an investigation, Kawasaki determined the problem may occur when riders use a particular foot position and wearing some types of footwear.

Kawasaki dealers will install a new footrest guard and fairing bracket on the 676 units covered by the recall campaign. The new guard will prevent the riders foot from getting caught on the cowling lip.

As reported earlier this month, Kawasaki also issued a recall on the 2010 Z1000 due to a problem with its brake hydraulics.

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2010 Kawasaki Z1000 Recall