Murrieta, Calif. – Dec. 22, 2016 – KTM North America has issued a safety recall for several motorcycle models that have experienced brake line problems that could lead to sudden failure.
The Defect
KTM will recall model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured between Dec. 1, 2014 and March 10, 2016, and model year 2013-2016 1190 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles manufactured between Nov. 20, 2012 and April 25, 2016. According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles affected have frayed wiring harnesses that allows brake lines to form electrical connections between ABS modulators and the vehicle ground. If these connections are maintained, the brake lines can overheat and melt, losing effectiveness.
Timeline of Events
- June 2016: A customer service claim came through Germany that indicated a problem with motorcycle brake lines. Further investigation revealed that this was a rare defect, but one that could pose a serious problem under a specific set of circumstances.
- December 2016: Following a lengthy investigation, KTM determined that a recall was in order.
Resolution
KTM North America will notify all registered motorcycle owners about their potential for being affected. Owners are advised to avoid operating their vehicles until they have been repaired, as the functionality of the brake lines will not be guaranteed until then.
Dealers will have to inspect and reposition all brake lines and harnesses on motorcycles in their inventories before any future deliveries will be allowed to go out. In addition, KTM will keep the federal government updated on the progress of the recall.
