What Is a Recall?
A recall occurs when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a model (or several models) has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal safety standard. When this happens, the manufacturer is obligated to alert owners to the problem and (usually) offer a free repair.
If My Motorcycle Has a Recall, Will I Be Notified?
Manufacturers are required to send written notice via first class mail to the original purchasers and registered owners of vehicles affected by a recall. Manufacturers get information from their records and state DMV records. However, if you recently purchased your motorcycle as a used vehicle, then the manufacturer will likely be unaware of your ownership of the vehicle. Therefore, if any open recalls predate your purchase of the bike, you will likely not be notified. Instead, you should be proactive when purchasing a used motorcycle to make sure that there are no open recalls affecting your vehicle. The good news is that whether you received a letter or not, the manufacturer is still obligated to repair the defect (for free, in almost all instances).
How Can I Check for Open Recalls?
To check for open recalls, you will need the Vehicle Identification Number (the “VIN number”) of the motorcycle. The VIN number can be found on the state DMV registration for the motorcycle, the title of the motorcycle, and on the frame of the motorcycle. Once you've found the VIN number, run it through the NHTSA's website or safercar.gov to search for open recalls.
What Should I Do If I Received a Recall Letter or Found an Open Recall for My Motorcycle on the Internet?
The written recall letter should have detailed instructions for the steps to take to have the vehicle repaired. In most instances, the written recall notice will instruct you to call the local dealer to set up a repair appointment. If you did not receive a written recall notice and instead found an open recall using the VIN number search, call the local dealer and tell them about the recall that you found and the VIN number for your vehicle. They should then set up an appointment to repair your motorcycle.
If you have any trouble researching whether your motorcycle has any open recalls, give us a call at 828-505-7575 today and we will help you research the issue. All of our employees at Blue Ridge Riders are motorcycle enthusiasts who regularly ride. We want to help you make sure that your bike is safe and ready to ride.
