NHTSA Recall 00V403000
Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.). Component: Power Train. Reported 2000-12-11. An estimated 8,696 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS RELEASED TO THE FRICTION POINT, BUT THE LEVER IS NOT COMPLETELY RELEASED TO FULLY ENGAGE THE CLUTCH, STRONG CLUTCH DISK VIBRATION MAY OCCUR AT THE HIGHER ENGINE RPMS USED FOR RAPID OR RACE-TYPE STARTS. THIS STRESS CAN CAUSE THE CLUTCH TO FAIL.
Risk
THIS FAILURE RESULTS IN SEVERAL LARGE SECTIONS CRACKING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATING FROM THE CLUTCH OUTER. IF THIS OCCURS, REAR LOCK-UP IS POSSIBLE IF A BROKEN PIECE IS CAUGHT IN THE PRIMARY DRIVE GEAR. ALSO, THE ENGINE COULD LOSE PRIMARY IGNITION AND STOP SUDDENLY IF A BROKEN PIECE DAMAGES THE PULSAR ROTOR; OR ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK FROM THE CRANKCASE, IF A BROKEN PIECE IS FORCED THROUGH THE CRANKCASE. THE SPILLED OIL COULD CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO LOSE TRACTION AND THE MOTORCYCLE COULD CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CLUTCH KIT THAT INCLUDES A REDESIGNED OUTER CLUTCH BASKET, JUDDER SPRING, CLUTCH LIFTER LEVER, AND OTHER PARTS INTENDED TO REDUCE STRESS ON THE CLUTCH.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2001.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-783-3772. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).