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NHTSA Recall Search
Start on this page and it will walk you through entering Year, Make, and Model

Note: I started this page on August 25, 2005 and it's not all inclusive, just contains incoming letters from readers who are noting a recall.

Michelin Tire Recall

France-based tire maker Michelin ias recalling 19,924 motorcycle tires in the United States and Canada because of possible tread problems. The recall includes two front tire models, the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Michelin Pilot Power. Both are size 120/70 ZR 17 (58W), and labeled "MADE IN FRANCE." The tires also are marked with the Department of Transportation identification numbers DOT 6UCW 980T and DOT 6UCW 979T. The numbers are found on the sidewall of the tire. Michelin said that at speeds exceeding normal highway riding, the tires in question may exhibit an abnormal deformation in the tread, which may be accompanied by small localized sections of tread separation or loss. In addition, the recalled tires could experience a slight to excessive vibration and create an unstable riding condition, the company said. Drivers affected by the action are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Michelin motorcycle tire dealer to have their recalled tire replaced for free.

Honda Rebel 250

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Dear VTwin Mama,
I'm a newby on a bike and have a new Honda Rebel 250 with about 500 clicks on it. Love my bike but I'm having problems with the clutch slipping. Took it to the Honda dealer and he said there is a factory re-call on it for the clutch cable! This apparently is standard procedure. I'm very disappointed that Honda doesn't let people with brand new bikes know there may be a problem! I could have been killed out on the highway . . . we live in a very mountainous area and speed on the hills is crucial not even to mention the speed on the open road. I'm curious to know if anyone else has experienced this problem but I also want to make others aware that there may be a potential problem with the clutch cable on the new 2004 Honda Rebel. – Pennie

Dear Pennie,
Congrats on your new bike and the 500 miles you've already logged in! I appreciate that you took the time to write in with this recall information. One of my favorite recall sites is Walter Kern's page, but I'll note that this specific recall is not listed, nor could I find anything when I did a Google search (regular and news). Sigh. In your case I would call or visit the dealer and ask specifically about recall procedures and possibilities.

You might also like the Honda Rebel Online site if you've not found it yet . . . here is a discussion forum, mailing list, etc. specific to your bike and lots of links for future use.

Readers, I have now started a Recall Notes From Readers page . . . not all inclusive, but I'll post reader's letters on recalls here. – Mama

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Yamaha VStar and Virago 250

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Dear VTwin Mama,
Yamaha has recalled the VStar for a problem with the rear seat the bolt . . . it loosens and falls out . . . what they do is lock tight it back on. – Joe G. in Michigan

Dear Joe,
While you do not specify the year, this is a timely reminder for all readers that recall info can be found at Walter Kern's About Motorcycles site. Always worth checking, and now I've noticed that if there is an update from the original posting, the year/make/model is flagged. Also, there are links to the DMV registry of recalls and more. Worth your time to check out. Thanks Joe for taking the time to share with this site! – Mama

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Saturday, April 23, 2005            More on that seat bolt recall on Yami bikes

Dear VTwin Mama,
I was looking over your site trying to find a backrest or Corbin seat with a backrest for a '96 Kawasaki 600 Eliminator for a friend, any help would be wonderful new or used, when I came across this topic. Yamaha has issued a recall for this problem which consists of replacing the bolt with a stud and lock nut. This setup seems much more reliable than the cheesy allen bolt they previously used. This recall is for all V-Stars, 650's or 1100's and includes 250 Viragos. I hope this helps any readers with their fears of these bikes, seeing as they are a very good motorcycle. Thanks, – a multi-line service manager

Dear Service Manager,
Thank you for taking the time to write in with more specific information. I appreciate that you took the time to share this with my readers. – Mama

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Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Dear VTwin Mama,
In regard to VStar seat bolt recall questions: I know there was a recall on the 2004 passenger seat bolts. They tend to break and were a danger. The 2002 could be included in this recall.   The dealer fixed a friends VStar real quick. – Pissenmoan

Dear Pissenmoan,
Thanks for bringing this important message to the fore front again! I'll simply add that we also heard that the Virago 250s are included in this recall and I'm now archiving all recall letters on my Recall Notes From Readers page. – Mama

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Thursday, March 16, 2006

Dear VTwin Mama,
I got a letter to bring my 2003 Classic bike in too have the seat fixed on a recall notice. The dealer did the work. Hope this helps. – No Name

Dear No Name,
I'm going to have to assume you mean a Yamaha V-Star Classic rather than any number of Harley Classic models. Still, it brought up a chance to do some more research on recall notices. On my Recall Notes page, I had one site listed, but now I've found the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation page, which is a fancy way of saying "recall notices." On the first screen, just search Vehicle, and then it will prompt you to enter year, make and model and then you tell it to show you everything. Very useful! – Mama

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Thursday, May 3, 2007

About the VStar and Virago seat recall:

Yes, there is a recall on the seats on 1996-2005 V Stars and Viragos. I just got a letter from Yamaha about it as they tracked me down via my VIN number. For more info on the recall check the NHTSA's website entry on it. [this is a PDF document and you need Adobe Acrobat to read it . . . that's a free download program if you don't have it.]

Owners should review that page and contact the local dealer about the free service and replacement. I know I will be and my seat hasn't been falling off. Thanks, – Sam (note from Mama: thanks for pointing out that NHTSA had the original recall notice posted there!)

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Dear VTwin Mama,
I also had a '01 V Star Custom. There is a pending recall regarding the rear seat bolt. I had mine repaired and it included replacement of the entire rear fender pan. Check yours to be safe. – Anonymous