Honda Recalls 13,000 off-road competition motorcycles

Honda has just announced that it has recalled 13,000 off-road bikes. The recall involves 2007-2008 Honda CRF150R/RB motocross competition motorcycles.

The cycles, made in Japan, were sold by Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide from September 2006 through October 2008 for between $4,300 and $4,400.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled off-road motorcycles and contact any Honda dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled motorcycles are being sent a direct notice.

The recall is supported by the United States Consumer Protection Agency.

The recall states:

Hazard: The weld on the right side of the swing arm can fail, causing the rider to lose control and crash. This could pose a risk of injury or death to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Honda has received two reports of swing arms cracking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves model year 2007-2008 Honda CRF150R/RB motocross competition motorcycles.

Sold by: Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide from September 2006 through October 2008 for between $4,300 and $4,400.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled off-road motorcycles and contact any Honda dealer to schedule a free repair *** [see comment below]. Registered owners of the recalled motorcycles are being sent a direct notice.

If you own this bike, you should stop riding it and inspect the swing arm. Even if the swing arm is not yet damaged, it could develop damage and fail. We strongly recommend you get legal advice on this matter by calling us toll free at 1-888-841-9623.

*** I am very interested in seeing one of these bikes. As a dedicated motorcycle rider (I ride and continue to restore my 1975 Honda CB550, a CLASSIC!), I want to look at the swing arm and read the manual to see what limitations are placed on this dirt bike. You would certainly expect that the location of the swing arm would result in the most stress on these dirt bikes, and therefore should have been overengineered. I am also very interested in seeing what type of fix they could possibly come up with on these new bikes that would make them as good as new.
David Zoll, Zoll, Kranz & Borgess