Honda recently launched the CB300R in India and the motorcycle has been recalled by the American Honda Motor Co., in the United States. It is important to note, that the 2019 CB300R which is sold in India has not been affected by the recall. According to a published report, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mainshaft could detach a circlip, which holds the shaft in place, that can cause gear misalignment. The misaligned gear can shift the transmission from the neutral position into gear, during engine start or while idling which could cause a sudden unexpected movement in the motorcycle causing injury to the rider.
Furthermore, the misaligned gear could also shift and the circlip could lodge in between the gears, which could seize the transmission and lock up the rear wheel abruptly while the vehicle is in motion, causing a risk of crash and injury.
In response, the American Honda Motor Co., has notified all its dealerships to stop sale of the affected motorcycles with immediate effect, until and unless, all the affected models are not remedied with a satisfactory solution, which according to a service bulletin from the manufacturer, is replacing the Mainshaft number 1, which may have been improperly machined during the manufacturing process and the improperly machined Mainshaft could lead to the circlip not seating completely in the groove.
The affected units with certain model year and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the product line-up are as follows:-
- 2019 CB300R
- 2018 CBR300R
- 2018 CRF250L
- 2018 CRF250L RALLY
- 2018-2019 CMX300
The number of potential units reported to be affected by the recall are 3,898 units. The American Honda Motor Co., will notify owners, and respective dealerships will replace the transmission Mainshaft free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 28, 2019.
The Honda CB300R is available in India via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route and comes at a price of INR 2.41 ex-showroom, Delhi. The bike competes with the BMW Motorrad G 310 R, KTM 390 Duke and Benelli TNT 300 in the Indian market.