KTM Motocross Motorcycle Recall Issued Amid Reports of Wheel Spoke Failures

Almost 4,000 competition off-road motorcycles have been recalled, after the manufacturer received reports of the front wheel spoke assembly breaking during use, resulting at least one rider suffering serious injuries and broken bones.  

The KTM Competition and Husqvarna off-road motocross motorcycles recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on January 14, due to a risk of the front wheel spoke assembly failing, causing the operators to lose control of the motorbike and crash.

At least two crashes have been reported so far, including one incident where the rider reported suffering serious shoulder injuries and three broken ribs.

The CPSC is urging customers to stop riding the recalled competition dirt-bikes due to the nature of injuries riders could sustain if the front wheel assembly fails. Riders run a serious risk of broken bones, facial fractures, paralyzation, and even death if a failure occurs at high speeds.

The motorbike recall includes model year 2016 Husqvarna TC and FC models that were sold in blue, white, and yellow colors with the brand logo on both sides of the shroud covering the fuel tank. The recalled KTM motorcycles were sold in orange, black, and white colors with the KTM logo on both sides of the shroud covering the fuel tank.

Both models have the engine size printed on each side of the rear fender below the seat. Customers may identify whether their motorcycle is included in the recall by looking for the letter G in the 10^th position of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is located on the right side of the steering head.

The recalled off-road bikes were manufactured in Austria under KTM North America Inc. of Amherst, Ohio where they were sold at authorized KTM and Husqvarna dealers nationwide from March 2015 through October 2015 for between $6,800 and $9,400 for the KTM models and between $6,900 and $9,400 for Husqvarna models.

Customers are being asked to stop riding the recalled off-road motorcycles immediately and contact KTM North America and Husqvarna Motorcycles at 888-985-6090 or visit them online at www.ktmusa.com or www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com and navigate to the “Service” and “Safety” links for more information on how to schedule a free repair at a local authorized dealer.