Power train: clutch assembly
- Component
- Power train: clutch assembly
- Manufacturer
- AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Vehicles affected
- 8,696
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2000-12-11
- Owners notified
- 2001-01-08
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS RELEASED TO THE FRICTION POINT, BUT THE LEVER IS NOT COMPLETELY RELEASED TO FULLY ENGAGE THE CLUTCH, STRONG CLUTCH DISK VIBRATION MAY OCCUR AT THE HIGHER ENGINE RPMS USED FOR RAPID OR RACE-TYPE STARTS. THIS STRESS CAN CAUSE THE CLUTCH TO FAIL.
Safety risk
THIS FAILURE RESULTS IN SEVERAL LARGE SECTIONS CRACKING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATING FROM THE CLUTCH OUTER. IF THIS OCCURS, REAR LOCK-UP IS POSSIBLE IF A BROKEN PIECE IS CAUGHT IN THE PRIMARY DRIVE GEAR. ALSO, THE ENGINE COULD LOSE PRIMARY IGNITION AND STOP SUDDENLY IF A BROKEN PIECE DAMAGES THE PULSAR ROTOR; OR ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK FROM THE CRANKCASE, IF A BROKEN PIECE IS FORCED THROUGH THE CRANKCASE. THE SPILLED OIL COULD CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO LOSE TRACTION AND THE MOTORCYCLE COULD CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CLUTCH KIT THAT INCLUDES A REDESIGNED OUTER CLUTCH BASKET, JUDDER SPRING, CLUTCH LIFTER LEVER, AND OTHER PARTS INTENDED TO REDUCE STRESS ON THE CLUTCH.