Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The left handlebar (unusually large) horn button and turn signal switch are reversed compared to the standard positioning of these thumb switches (when compared to the majority of motorcycles). The horn button is above the turn signal switch. This causes confusion in operation of the motorcycle with the horn button being pressed rather than the turn signal being switched left or right creating dangerous delayed turn signal operation especially at intersections where the majority of motorcycle accidents occur. This is especially dangerous if you have ridden or ride other motorcycles where the switch positioning is correct. To my knowledge many Honda motorcycles are equipped as such, including dual sports such as my Honda CRF, along with many of their ADV’s. Motorcycle models include 150 cc sized engines that are small enough for youth to operate. The dealer just said that’s how they are made. American Honda has ignored any requests for an explanation or corrective action. Many riders complain including internet comments. Honda has made many motorcycles with this defect. I would estimate at least 1 million units over multiple years. My Honda CRF300L has been in production since model year 2021. Its predecessor was produced from 2013-2020. These are just the Dual Sport models with the above defect. The ADV (“Adventure”) motorcycles are spread over many different models and at larger volumes.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
The oil seal behind the Mechanical Seal in the engine has Failed 3 times. Oil leaks from a small drain pipe on the bottom of the engine on the front right side, below the water pump assembly. When the Oil seal fails oil leaks from the drain pipe dripping oil in front of the rear wheel. I noticed this and see that the rear tire can contact the dripping oil and cause a slick and slippery situation where the rear wheel can loose traction and control, thus ending in bodily harm. The oil seal and mechanical seal failure is a know issue on the CRF 250 and 300 as they use the same bottom end of the motor. It is my advice for NHTSA to look into the issue have Honda re-engineer the Mechanical and Oil seals so there can be no failure. Luckily I have not had the oil seal fail to the point of an accident. I do not trust the motorcycle and will not ride it. Honda will not take it back thus I will sell or trade it to someone else with full disclosure. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
No injuries · No fire · No crash