Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
- Component
- Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
- Manufacturer
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Vehicles affected
- 174
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2001-01-04
- Owners notified
- 2001-02-12
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE SINGLE FRONT SPRING STRUT IS MOUNTED BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM, AFT OF THE FRONT FORK TUBES. DUE TO A WELDING PROBLEM DURING PRODUCTION OF THE SPRING STRUT, THE LOWER SPRING SEAT ON THE STRUT COULD BREAK. SINCE THE SEAT IS THE LOWER SUPPORT FOR THE SPRING, THE SPRING IN THIS CASE WOULD THEN EXTEND TO ITS FULL LENGTH. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE'S FRAME TO DROP BY APPROXIMATELY 2.5 INCHES, WITHOUT WARNING.
Safety risk
THIS COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE OPERATOR'S BALANCE COULD BE UPSET, IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE RIDING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SPRING STRUT FOR PRODUCTION DATE, AND REPLACE THE SPRING IF IT IS FOUND TO BE AN AFFECTED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.