Topic: Question about Honda safety recalls

[Tugboat]

If Honda issued a Safety Recall to fix a certain issue, but your bike never had the service performed back in the day, is Honda still obligated to fix it for free?

[CycleRanger]

No, you can't still get the locking latch for the gas cap for free. 

[Tugboat]

The Honda service bulletin I'm looking at says RECALL really big at the top.. and then goes on to say:
"...all authorized Honda motorcycle dealers are required to replace the [insert part here] at the request of any owner of [insert motorcycle type here] within the affected serial number range. The replacement [parts] must be installed at no charge to the customer for parts & labor."
It is not dated and does not have any other limits included.

[Pecantree]

No, not on our 40 year old bikes.

[wowbagger]

Give it a try and let us know what the dealer says.

[Kickstart]

It's hard to find an official statement on the expiration of recalls.

The NHSTA does note some limitations based on age, but they seem to be referring to vehicles that were manufacture before the defect/issue was found:
"There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined"
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm

It doesn't say anything about waiting too long to get the recall services (at least not that I could find.)

Call these guys and ask:
http://powersports.honda.com/contact.aspx

I would assume there is some statute of limitations.
There may be a Honda "goodwill" policy that the dealer is asked to adhere to even if there's no longer a legal obligation.

[Powderman]

It's worth a try. I know seat belts in Honda's are warranteed for the life of the vehicle, no matter how many miles or how many previous owners. I had the belts replaced in my 90 CRX with 290K miles on it replaced in 2008. They don't make it easy on you though. They have to order the parts and them make you make an appointment and you have to leave your car with them and maybe get it back the same day.

[Johnie]

It is worth a call to your dealer. I got a safety recall done for free on a 1974 CB360...and that was done in 2010. I get along great with my dealer and know the guys very well. Maybe they just went to bat for me...not sure...but it was free and done.

[Don R]

I met a guy 2 years ago that claimed he got his cap fixed. They said no and he cried foul. End result, it got done. His story not mine.

[CycleRanger]

There is a difference between an NHTSA safety recall and a Honda warranty recall.
I would expect that Honda has more leeway to decide how long they would support a warranty recall.
All I know is any request for warranty/recall work on a 40 year bike at any Honda dealer in my area would only result in much dealer laughter.