Öhlins Racing AB has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the aftermarket steering dampers SD033/SD038 for the BMW S 1000 RR, and SD037 for the BMW R 1200 R.
Öhlins Racing AB is recalling all affected aftermarket steering damper brackets of these models to rectify the issue. The cause is material being machined in an unfavorable direction in combination with probable material defect and the aluminum alloy being sensitive for stress corrosion cracking.
Although there is no risk for losing the control during normal riding, there is a risk that the bracket will fail when the steering is used to maneuver the bike in a small radius or if there is a maximum steering angle used in one direction. Owners of this bracket are strongly urged to remove the steering damper before using the bike! It can be a safety issue to use the bike with this steering damper mounted with this bracket.
The material in question was replaced by Öhlins Racing AB after July 10, 2012, and this problem no longer exists on steering dampers produced after this date. Öhlins asks customers to remove the steering damper bracket and send it to they at the address below. Customers will receive new brackets for the steering damper that will rectify this problem.
Öhlins Racing AB will cover all costs related to dismantling the steering damper bracket and mailing it. If you chose to have the new steering damper bracket installed by an Öhlins center or dealer instead of installing it yourself following the Öhlins mounting instructions, those costs will be covered as well. Please send the faulty bracket to Öhlins USA at 703-C South Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739. Don’t forget to put your name and address information in the box so claims can be traced.
If you have any further questions, please contact Öhlins USA using the contact details below. If you have already paid to have your steering damper bracket repaired for this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the charges you paid for the repair. To learn more about what you need to do to obtain reimbursement, contact Öhlins USA at 703-C South Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739.
If after having attempted to take advantage of this recall you believe you have not been able to have your steering damper bracket remedied without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.; Washingtong D.C., 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to safecar.gov.
This notice is published in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
