Motorcycle Defects and Recalls

Motorcycles, like other motor vehicles, can have manufacturing defects. These defects can pose serious risks to riders. The importance of motorcycle recalls can't be understated. This is especially true when the underlying issues lead to a motorcycle accident.

This article provides an understanding of motorcycle defects and recalls. It also discusses the impact of defects on motorcyclists and the consequences of defective parts.

Understanding Types of Motorcycle Defects

Motorcycle defects can be divided into three main categories. These include design defects, manufacturing defects, and warning defects.

Design Defects

A design defect arises when there's an inherent flaw in the original design of a motorcycle. This isn't due to an error in the manufacturing process. Instead, the design itself is the root cause of the problem. Even if a motorcycle is manufactured according to the design specifications, the defect will still be present.

Imagine a motorcycle designed with a center of gravity that's too high. This could make the motorcycle prone to tipping over during turns. Another example might be a motorbike with a design that channels rainwater onto the brakes. This reduces the brakes' efficacy in wet conditions.

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects occur during the production or assembly process of a motorcycle. Unlike in the case of a design defect, the original design might be flawless. But manufacturing errors lead to a faulty end product. These errors can range from minor issues to severe faults that make a motorcycle dangerous to operate.

Suppose a batch of motorcycles is produced with brake pad material that wasn't cured properly. This could lead to reduced braking power or even brake failure. Another example might be an improperly welded motorcycle part, like the handlebar. This could potentially lead to the handlebar breaking during a ride.

Warning Defects

A warning defect occurs when a product has undisclosed dangers that a consumer should have been warned about. For a motorcycle, this type of claim could be based on the absence of an instruction manual on how to operate the motorcycle safely.

Suppose a motorcycle is known to be prone to overheating and catching fire if left in a heated garage. In this case, the motorcycle's manufacturer would have an obligation to warn consumers of that risk. The manufacturer should include a warning label or something similar on the motorcycle or in the owners' manual. If the manufacturer fails to do so, and an accident occurs due to the motorcycle catching fire after being left in a heated garage, a failure to warn claim can be brought against the manufacturer.

Motorcycle Recalls

Like other vehicles and defective products, motorcycles can be the subject of a recall. Recalls often occur after a motorcyclist suffers a serious injury due to a defect.

If you receive a vehicle recall notice, pay attention to the instructions. Do not ride a motorcycle with potential safety issues.

The NHTSA's Role

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring motorcyclist safety. The federal agency monitors and mandates safety recalls when a safety-related defect in a motorbike or a violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard is identified.

If a motorcycle manufacturer detects a problem, federal law requires the manufacturer to send a recall notice to all affected motorcycle owners.

This recall information outlines:

• The nature of the defect
• The risk involved
• Directions on how to remedy the situation

Examples of Motorcycle Recalls Due to Defects

American Honda Motor recalled red and white 2023-2024 off-road motorcycles. It discovered a safety problem with the handlebar grips. A motorcyclist’s left grip fell off the handlebar while riding, causing a crash. The repair plan involves inspecting the grips on these models to ensure they do not show signs of a detachment risk. This repair is free for the motorcycle owners.

Harley-Davidson recalled several motorcycle models due to a defective part of the suspension. A fastener on the shock absorber was at risk of breaking. If this part breaks, the rear tire could rapidly lose air pressure. Instead of an inspection and repair like the Honda recall, Harley-Davidson’s approach was to replace the fasteners on all models.

How Motorcycle Defects Impact Riders

Motorcycles offer less protection than enclosed vehicles. Because of that, any defect increases the risk to the rider. Concerns span from the manufacturing process to user awareness.

Riders Face Inherent Vulnerability

Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles don't have a protective barrier around the rider. The rider's safety depends on the flawless functionality of each motorcycle part. Any failure or malfunction can expose the motorcyclist to direct harm.

The Airbag Conundrum

Cars have had airbags for decades. But the vast majority of motorcycles don't come equipped with airbags. Airbags, when functioning correctly, can provide cushioning during an accident. They can prevent or reduce injuries. The absence of airbags in most motorcycles increases the risk of injury in an accident.

A faulty airbag in a motorcycle can also have dire consequences. If an airbag fails to deploy during an accident, the rider might suffer severe trauma. This is especially true if the rider is thrown forward. Conversely, an airbag that deploys unexpectedly or without reason can destabilize a rider, potentially causing an accident.

Latent Motorcycle Defects

Some defects aren't immediately apparent. A motorbike might operate perfectly for months — or even years — before a latent defect becomes evident. For instance, a flaw in the metal used for the motorcycle frame might lead to the frame weakening over time and breaking unexpectedly during a ride.

Since many motorcyclists perform regular maintenance and checks on their bikes, these hidden defects can be particularly insidious. They might pass standard checks or even professional inspections only to fail when least expected.

Motorcyclists Might Not Know Until It's Too Late

Motorcycle manufacturers, upon discovering a defect, typically issue recalls. But not all riders may be aware of these recalls. Some might miss the notification. Others might have purchased the motorcycle second-hand and not received the recall notice.

This lack of awareness can be fatal. Uninformed riders may continue to use defective motorcycles while remaining unaware of the risks. Over time, this can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. This is true even if the rider follows all safety protocols.

Consequences of Defective Motorcycles

The aftermath of an accident caused by a defective motorcycle can be devastating. From broken bones and traumatic brain injuries to permanent disabilities or wrongful death, the spectrum of potential harm is endless. Medical treatments for these injuries can be expensive and emotionally draining for both the victims and their families.

Seeking Legal Advice

Motorcycle riders should remain informed about the latest recall information from the NHTSA's database or the vehicle manufacturer. Purchasers and motorcyclists need to ensure that any recalled motorcycle is repaired or replaced as per the recall notice.

In case of injuries due to motorcycle defects, consult a personal injury lawyer or motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can provide insights into product liability and help you determine your legal options.