2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050

Defect. TRIUMPH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 SPRINT ST 1050 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 4, 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. THE REAR SUSPENSION DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY IN THESE MOTORCYCLES CAN FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A FRACTURE, PART OF THE SUSPENSION WILL DROP CAUSING THE REAR TIRE MUDGUARD TO CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy. TRIUMPH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-539-8777.

Defect. TRIUMPH IS RECALLING 372 MY 2008 SPRINT ST MOTORCYCLES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SINGLE BOLT THAT IS USED IN THE 3 POSITIONS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND FRACTURE. THE BOLTS INVOLVED ARE THE (1) DRAG LINK TO DROP LINK BOLT, (2) DRAG LINK TO FRAME BOLT, AND (3) DROP LINK TO REAR SUSPENSION UNIT BOLT.

Risk. THE HEAD OF THE BOLT MAY DETACH CAUSING THE DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY TO COME APART RESULTING IN LOSS OF REAR SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND DISCARD THE 3 BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-539-8782.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY LUGGAGE RACK, UNDERSIZED WASHERS WERE USED WHICH PREVENTS THE SLIDING CARRIAGE FROM MOVING AS INTENDED.

Risk. REDUCED STABILITY CAN OCCUR IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS RIDDEN WITH THE FITTED ACCESSORY, EXCEEDED MAXIMUM WEIGHT, AND AT SPEEDS FAR IN EXCESS OF THE 80 MPH LIMIT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCESSORY RACKS FOR LATERAL MOVEMENT. THOSE RACKS NOT DISPLAYING ANY MOVEMENT WILL BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.

While traveling at approximately 55 mph under normal road conditions, the rear tire experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. I felt the tire fail first, followed by an immediate loss of stability. The tire split down the center of the tread without warning. There were no prior symptoms, warning signs, or handling issues before the failure. During the loss of control, I then felt the rear of the motorcycle drop further. After the crash, a rear suspension linkage component was found to be cracked at the mounting point. It is UNKNOWN whether the linkage failure occurred before or as a result of the crash sequence, but it was not felt prior to the tire failure. The tire, 180/55ZR17 73W, had been installed in August and had less than 1,500 miles of use. Tire pressure was set to manufacturer-recommended levels prior to operation. The failed tire is available for inspection, and the damaged rear linkage component remains on the motorcycle. The failure created an immediate safety hazard, resulting in a crash and injuries to a passenger. The motorcycle sustained severe damage and is considered a total loss. No prior warnings, messages, or indicators were present before the failure.