2013 Ducati 848

Defect. Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.

Risk. If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.

Remedy. Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.

IN 2015 I PURCHASED A 2013 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER 848 DEALER DEMONSTRATION MODEL AS "NEW", AND THEREFORE THE FIRST REGISTERED OWNER. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 4,500 MILES, I AM EXPERIENCING THE FUEL TANK DEFORMING AND EXPANDING. FURTHER RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, AND THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN 2010 BETWEEN JONAS SUGARMAN (AND CLASS) AND DUCATI NORTH AMERICA (CALIFORNIA). THIS SITUATION INTRODUCES A SAFETY ISSUE ON MANY LEVELS, INCLUDING FUEL LEAKAGE AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE HAZARD, STEERING LIMITATION WHERE THE TANK WILL COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE HANDLEBAR, AND SUDDEN SHIFTING OF THE WEIGHT OF A FULL FUEL TANK. THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WHEREIN THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL AS THE DEALER KNOWINGLY SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.