Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems & recalls

Problem: On certain motorcycles equipped exclusively with a fuel injection system, the idle control cable can become dislodged from the fuel injection system cable guide due to improper adjustment of the throttle control system.

Risk: Should this occur, the throttle may not return to the idle position when the operator's hand is removed from the twist grip, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a throttle cable clamp, which serves to ensure retention of the throttle control cables in the cable guide. owner notification is expected to begin during november or december 2003. owners should contact buell at 1-414-343-8400.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the rear shock absorber can break, dragging the underside of the vehicle on the ground.

Risk: This could affect the handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a shock reinforcement package (srp) which protects the structual integrity of the suspension system. a new shock absorber is currently being developed. when the new shock absorber is available, if an owner choses, they can have it installed at no charge through the dealer network.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the location of the rear brake line can cause it to become damaged and leak fluid.

Risk: A loss of rear wheel braking capabilities could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake line.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the fuel filter can leak.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.

Risk: Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. this condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.

Risk: If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground possibly causing loss of vehicle control.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mount system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.

Risk: This could result in an explosion or fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.

Risk: If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the swingarm.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative

Risk: This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.

Fix: Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.

Risk: This could lead to an unintended distraction to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front isolator mount system.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the e-clip which retains the drive pin on the front brake rotor and carrier can separate from the drive pin allowing the pin to move out of position and come in contact with the front brake caliper.

Risk: This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair these motorcycles.