alleyoop

Interesting. Thank you.

Just a few legitimate reports but certainly enough to confirm a problem and issue a recall.

It must be a challenge for these manufacturers to manage the quality of components (like this universal joint) provided by contracted suppliers. I wonder if they have a contract clause whereby the supplier reimburses for faulty part costs.

I had my local Honda dealer order the recall kit and schedule a service appointment.

I visited the dealer yesterday, and the new shaft was installed in about two hours.

I now feel more healthy, wealthy, and sexy. And the bike goes twice as fast.

P.S. I was wondering: has anyone ever heard of this universal joint failing? What prompted the recall?

I think the message is professional, informative, and helpful.

The service staff are likely very busy. And the service person went to the trouble to search their purchase or repair records for your motorcycle then write you a through letter, showing what they need from you and how they would proceed.

I'm no fan of dealers. But I'd be happy to get that message from my local Honda dealer.

Cheers

Just got wind of this recall... went to the Honda corporate website and input my VIN.... bike #572 produced in 2010. One of the first batch made!

It says I need the inspection and repair. Mine's a 2010 manual shift with just over 9K miles.

I filled out a service request form from a local dealer online, mentioning I need the recall service/repair done.

I also asked if they had a loaner bike (so I could get home and then back the next day)

I also purchased the bike out of state last year... not so unusual, right?

Got back this rather pert reply from the service manager:

Hello Brian,

This is in response to your email sent to us regarding the drive shaft recall on your VFR. I do not show that you purchased said motorcycle from this dealership, nor do I have any record of any service work performed here. Thus, I will need your VIN to contact Honda and order the needed parts kit. There is currently no release date as to when we would receive said kit, so I cannot book you an appointment at this time.

The proper procedure is as follows.

1) send me your VFRs VIN number. I will contact Honda and order the kit for your unit. Once we receive the kit, I will contact you and set up an appointment.The work will take one day. Drop off the unit on the morning of your appointment and we would have it done that afternoon. Unfortunately, we do not have "loaner" motorcycles.

Thank you for your inquiry,

<Dealer Name Here>

Is it just me or does the letter above seem a bit rude?

BLIGHT

Here's the specifics regarding the recall:

Scan0002.jpg

Dear Fellow Enthusiasts; I ran my 2010 DCT at Road Atlanta this past weekend, and up to that point had never really thought about the bog out of 2nd gear.

I discovered the second gear bogging very soon after buying the bike this year. I've heard some say they haven't experienced it, but I certainly did.

So I got the Guhl flash at the end of July, and I can tell you that it completely cured that problem. The engine's natural torque is restored, and the bike will now drive out of 2nd gear even at very low rpm with no complaints. The power in the lower gears is significantly increased yet still linear and controllable.

In addition to the standard ECU programming,

I requested a fuel map for a DAM Exhaust and Cat Converter Removed;

Error code for stock exhaust servo motor removed;

Fan temperature reduced (which has worked out well)

I did not raise the rev limiter, as I saw that as a risk with very little or no benefit.

Being a perfectionist I also upgraded the rear and front suspension to dial in the proper settings (Ohlins rear; Traxxion AK-20 front).

I'm now really happy with my VFR1200. It's a great bike.