Michelin has announced a recall of some motorcycle tires. Anybody who is using the below tires needs to get them replaced. If you are not sure what tires you are using on your motorcycle go inspect them now to make sure they are not the subject of the below recall. Below is the press release about the tire recall.
GREENVILLE, S.C., June 15 /CNW/ — Michelin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it is recalling Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 2CT and Pilot(R) Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front motorcycle tires with the “Made in France” markings in the United States and Canada. This recall involves these specific tires only and has no impact on any other Michelin tires. Related actions are under way in other countries.
An examination of these tires showed a possible defect in the tread due to a manufacturing irregularity. No cases of pressure loss have been reported and no accidents have occurred.
Because rider safety is the primary concern, Michelin has decided as a precaution to replace the 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Michelin Pilot Power front tires, which can be identified by the following markings on the sidewall:
A “Made in France” label DOT 6UCW 980T or DOT 6UCW 979T
Any consumer in the United States or Canada who believes they are affected by the recall should not wait to receive notification but should call Michelin Consumer Relations at 1 866 324 2835.
The company will be replacing all potentially affected tires in a comprehensive commitment to retrieve from the market any tire that does not meet Michelin quality standards. Replacement tires are available at no cost (including mounting and balancing) to consumers through participating Michelin(R) motorcycle tire servicing retailers.
About Michelin
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs more than 22,000 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.
About the DOT Code and Tire Identification Number
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) markings serve as the tire’s fingerprint and signify compliance with U.S. Tire Safety Standards. The DOT code can be found on the sidewall right above the rim printed in small type less than half an inch tall.
Make sure your tire is of the make and model:
Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 2CT or Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) Then, look for a DOT code 6UCW 980T or DOT 6UCW 979T on the sidewall.
If you are having difficulty identifying your tire’s DOT code, please ask your local tire dealer to assist you or call Michelin Consumer Relations at 1 866 324 2835. End of Press Release.
If you have had an accident using these tires, you should contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) and report it. You can get to their website by clicking here now. You should also consult with a lawyer. If you are anywhere in the State of California and have suffered an injury due to having an accident with any of these tires, you can give me a call at 818-584-8831 or go to my Biker Lawyer website by clicking here now or going to www.bikerlawyer.net.
By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2007
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Good information Norm. I wonder how many riders even know what brand of tires they have on their motorcycles??
Hello Norman,
I wanted to let you know that it is not only Michelin tires that have a problem. We experienced tread separation on a Dunlop D402 MU85B16 SW. See an example picture in the URL referenced above. Riders using Dunlop tires should also inspect their tires.
Greg Hendrickson
We are using the Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Tire Series – D402 MU 85B16 Blackwall 16″ Rear PN 43329-04 for the Ultra-Classic (FLHTCUI).
The tire in the photos had about 500 miles on it. I bought it 5/31/07 and replaced it 6/15/07. I am not aware of a recall or any kind of a release from Dunlop. The only type of “news” I have been able to find so far is “allegations” of QC problems due to the strike. For example see
http://www.cyclespot.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6064
The bummer of the deal was that no one covered the replacement cost. I was on the road when I had it replaced. The Dunlop warranty says “you should present the tire to the retailer from whom you bought the tire” and the H-D extended warranty only covers “road hazards”.
The bright side is the tire did not blow out so we were able to ride it to a dealer for replacement.
I sent the pictures to reinforce your advide to that riders should inspect their tires as a part of their safe riding practices.
I had the michelin 120 70 17 2ct on the front and my dealer replaced it. Now I am experiencing problem with the rear and I am wondering if any one else is exp. the same thing.Almost precisely every two inches around the tire are little splits that run from the sidewall to the center of the tire.
Great warning for riders, in our business we call all of our clients regarding recalled tires on their cars/motorcycles. Despite our efforts we only get 30% of the people coming in to fix and replace the problem, people should take these recalls seriously.
I bought the tire around 4-10-2008.the tire dot manf date
907 this tiree should not have dry rot so soon.what can i do.
I WANT DUNLOP TO REPLACE THE TIRE AT THERE COAST. IF THEY DONT
WHAT DO YOU THINK I NEED TO DO?
Experienced bikers usually know what tires they are running. Motorcycle tires do not last as long as car tires. I am a Metzler man myself!
Great, I run Dunlops. Do you know which PN dunlops are having problems?
Norm.
Oh crap. I am using Dunlop white walls on my Electra Glide! Has there been a recall or some kind of release from Dunlop? Have other people reported the problem? Let me know and I will post an article.
I looked at the picture at:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c9/creativehabits123/?action=view¤t=IMG_8246.jpg
and did not like what I saw. There was plenty of tread left on that tire. I have about 3k on a new rear and a bit more on a new front. I am going to inspect my tires first thing tomorrow. I am planning on riding up to Hollister for the Independence Day Rally!
Norm
Sounds like a shit deal to me Greg. I would be pissed. 500 miles is a new tire that has just been broken in! Keep me posted on this. If you hear of any problems, or news, let me know and I will write an article!
Norm
I have received at least one report of an accident due to the tread seperating with this tire.
Norm