Matt Bleck
4th February 2010, 12:51
from http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Feb/100203m.htm
Yikes! Aprilia is recalling certain models of their brand new RSV4 streetbike, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association.
In our experience, any connecting rod problem that leads to a "loss of control" is very, very ugly, potentially lethal and usually a serious bitch to clean up if not repair.
The bulletin on the NHTSA site (not found on the Aprilia USA site):
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
APRILLA / RSV4 2010
Manufacturer: PIAGGIO USA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 25, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V029000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 335
Summary:
PIAGGIO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 APRILIA RSV4 "FACTORYż AND RSV4 "R" MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2, 2009, AND OCTOBER 30, 2009. IN MANUFACTURING THE CONNECTING RODS, A PROCESS WAS USED TO STRAIGHTEN THE ROD IN ORDER TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THIS PROCESS INTRODUCED STRESSES INTO THE RODS WHICH GREATLY AFFECTED STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY.
Consequence:
CONNECTING RODS IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES COULD FAIL AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
PIAGGIO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIAGGIO AT 1-212-380-4431.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Yikes! Aprilia is recalling certain models of their brand new RSV4 streetbike, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association.
In our experience, any connecting rod problem that leads to a "loss of control" is very, very ugly, potentially lethal and usually a serious bitch to clean up if not repair.
The bulletin on the NHTSA site (not found on the Aprilia USA site):
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
APRILLA / RSV4 2010
Manufacturer: PIAGGIO USA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 25, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V029000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 335
Summary:
PIAGGIO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 APRILIA RSV4 "FACTORYż AND RSV4 "R" MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2, 2009, AND OCTOBER 30, 2009. IN MANUFACTURING THE CONNECTING RODS, A PROCESS WAS USED TO STRAIGHTEN THE ROD IN ORDER TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THIS PROCESS INTRODUCED STRESSES INTO THE RODS WHICH GREATLY AFFECTED STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY.
Consequence:
CONNECTING RODS IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES COULD FAIL AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
PIAGGIO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIAGGIO AT 1-212-380-4431.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .