WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 off-road motorcycles. The two bolts that attach the handlebars can break. If the handlebars separate from the motorcycle, the rider loses steering control and can crash, posing the risk of serious injuries.
Honda has received four reports of handlebars separating from these motorcycles. No injuries have been reported. Honda also received four reports of loose handlebars caused by one of the two bolts failing.
The recall includes only years 2000 and 2001 off-road motorcycles with model number XR50R. They are red, and "50R" is written on the sides of the seat on 2000 models, and on the sides of the tank shroud on the 2001 models. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of these motorcycles, listed below, can be found on the left side of the steering head frame tube.
-- 2000 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**YK000013 to JH2AE03**YK0016046
-- 2001 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**1K010001 to JH2AE03**1K0110056
Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from September 1999 through October 2000 for about $1,300.
Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately, and call their local Honda motorcycle dealer to schedule a free repair. To locate their local dealer or for more information, consumers should call American Honda at (866) 784-1870 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the company's web site at www.honda.com.
Registered owners of the vehicles have been notified directly by American Honda about the recall.
