Daytona 675
Although we tend to associate Transport Canada's safety recall program with automobiles and light trucks, this government agency also keeps tabs on everything from RVs to ATVs to eighteen-wheelers and, yes, motorcycles.
Briefly put, Transport Canada responds to complaints regarding the safety of a vehicle and then conducts its own tests and often consults similar data collected by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Malfunctioning transmissions, faulty braking systems or suspect suspension parts, for example, are investigated by technicians, who work with consumers, manufacturers and forensic scientists to determine if there is indeed a problem.
But Transport Canada's recall program concerns itself with safety-related issues only. Non life-threatening annoyances such as inferior paint, abnormal squeaks and rattles or non-functioning accessories are not its concern. But if it potentially affects life and limb, it should be on top of the situation. For more info on what's covered, go to Transport Canada's website (tc.gc.ca/roadsafety).
Here's a list of motorcycle recalls for 2011 and 2012.
Ducati
The good news is that this Italian manufacturer has considerably fewer problems than the last time we checked. For 2011-2012 models, Ducati has, so far, five recalls to deal with. These range from a faulty side-stand on the Diavel, to a sketchy chain guard on the Diavel, to a recalcitrant steering locking mechanism on the Diavel and Multistrada 1200. Bottom line: If you're considering buying one, check out that Diavel from one end to the other.
Harley-Davidson
A whopping 28 recalls in total for the Milwaukee bike-maker, all electrical in nature. However, most of these concern two main areas: a faulty rear brake light that may be located too close to the exhaust system and issues with the electronic security system on a range of different models. Most of these issues involve the "big" bikes; for example, the Street Glide and Softail Heritage are affected. As well as Harley's Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) bikes, which are not the same as their off-the-showroom-floor models. So, no Sportster or Dyna models, in other words.
Honda
I count three recalls currently listed with Transport Canada. The GL1800 Goldwing may have a dragging rear brake, which could fade prematurely, or even disappear altogether, while the 2010 and 2011 VT750 Phantom and Aero may have a "malfunctioning bank angle sensor" that could shut the engine off while the bike is in motion.
Husaberg
These hard-core enduro and supermoto bikes have five recalls on file with Transport Canada, all of which involve possibly cracked handlebar mounts, and apply to most of the 2011 models currently on the market.
Indian
Now part of Polaris Industries, Indians built from 2009 onward have 12 recalls on file. Non-retracting side-stands and issues with the headlights and instrumentation on all models are the main problem areas. Not a huge number of bikes involved here, but still.
Kawasaki
This Japanese manufacturer has seven recalls to deal with, all involving 2011 models. The Ninja ZX 10R, for example, has a potentially lethal flaw with the wiring harness that could disable the bike while it's in motion. This is an insanely fast bike, so this one should not be ignored. The Vulcan 900 and various other models, meanwhile, may have a "pinched" inner tube that could cause the tire to suddenly deflate. Perhaps the most serious problem with Kawaski involves the KLX250, which could suffer from substandard welding on the fuel tank, which could in turn lead to leakage and a fire.
Piaggio
The diminutive Fly 50 scooter has a nasty little contretemps in the form of a possible engine backfire during starting caused by a faulty ignition module that could lead to an engine fire.
Triumph
Five problems listed with Transport Canada for 2011-2012 models. These range from a questionable wiring harness in the Daytona 675 that could lead to loss of power, to random stalling in the Tiger 800 caused by bad software, to a faulty centre stand on the Tiger 800, to an improperly attached top box on the Tiger 800 and Sprint GT. This latter item could actually fall off the bike if not attended to.
Vespa
Since this Italian company is owned by Piaggio, the LS50 and S50 scooters may suffer from the same problem as the Fly 50. Small bike, but a potentially big problem.
Victory
Two problems to report here, both involving possibly flawed handlebar clamps. The models affected are the Cross Country and Ness Cross Country, which are essentially the same bikes, but with different goodies. Easily repaired with new risers installed by the dealer.
Most of the issues mentioned here are easily repaired by the appropriate dealerships. If you own one of these models, you should receive some kind of notification about the potential problem(s), but if not, get in touch with your local dealer and look into it.
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