Motorcycles and other motor vehicles are among the most common products to be recalled for safety reasons. Typically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the manufacturer will issue the recall after a defect has been found or brought to their attention by consumers. If such a recall is ordered, it must be made public with specific information as to what is being recalled and why.
From there, a manufacturer must do its best to contact anyone who owns a motorcycle that has been recalled. This is typically done by referencing purchase information as well as registration information available through the Department of Motor Vehicles in a given state. In the event that a specific owner cannot be located, the manufacturer must notify its distributors. From there, it may be possible to find the owner of any motorcycle that has been recalled.
Consumers must be given replacement parts free of charge under the terms of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. The NHTSA monitors each recall to ensure that consumers get what they are entitled to under the law. If a consumer believes that his or her motorcycle may be part of a recall or simply wants to find out if there is a recall for a given motorcycle, the NHTSA hotline can be called at any time.
Anyone who has been injured in an accident involving a defective motorcycle may wish to talk to an attorney who can review the case and represent the injured victim in the pursuit of damages. Compensation may be awarded for medical bills, lost wages and any property damage incurred as a result of the accident .
Source: FindLaw, “Motorcycle Defects and Recalls”, accessed on March 18, 2015