Scale of Suzuki motorcycle recall due to tire defect expands

The recall of Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE motorcycles due to a defect in the rear tire, which was previously reported by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has also affected other countries such as Germany and the UK.

Deliveries of the motorcycles were suspended worldwide on June 17, and on July 15, owners were recommended to stop using them until the rear tire is replaced. While in the US, potentially defective tires were installed on 1,688 motorcycles, in Germany and the UK, the number is 1,050 and 304, respectively, and in total, tires will need to be replaced on 11,899 bikes in different countries around the world.

Motorrad notes that the V-Strom 800 DE is equipped with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires at the factory (previously it was only known that the supplier is Sumitomo), and the reason for the recall was reports of damage to the tire on the rear axle. According to the NHTSA, the possible nature of the damage varies from the appearance of cracks and deformation of the tread to its separation, and the first sign of a defect is increased vibration.

The publication adds that it is not entirely clear how to deliver the motorcycle to the dealer if it is not recommended to drive it, i.e., to maintain optimal safety, you will have to either use a trailer or change the wheel. Additionally, it is still unclear whether Suzuki will replace all tires regardless of their condition and mileage, but it is expected that the company will treat all those who received defective tires equally.