Triumph Turn Signal Recall Affects 3,799 Motorcycles in US

A recall initially announced in Canada for turn signal stems on certain 2012-2013 Triumph motorcycles has now been announced for the U.S., affecting 3,799 units. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects the Triumph Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC, Tiger 1050, Speed Triple, Street Triple and Daytona 675,  as well as their various R versions.

As described in the Transport Canada recall, the supports for the front and rear turn signals may be prone to fracturing. In the case of a brake, the turn signals will remain attached to the motorcycle, but instead of staying in position, they would dangle by their electrical wiring. This not only puts a strain on the wires, it may also prevent other motorists from seeing the turn signals, creating a safety risk.

Triumph attributes the problem to a manufacturing error. According to documents released by NHTSA, Italian lighting supplier ECIE used an incorrect raw material that contains an excessive amount of ethanol. The material is prone to fracture after short periods of time.

The problem was raised by Triumph manufacturing personnel in October 2012. After an investigation, Triumph initiated recall procedures.

The recall affects 1,501 units of the 2012-2013 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC, 803 units of the Speed Triple, 1,485 units of the Street Triple and 10 units of the Daytona 675. The Speed Triple R, Street Triple R and Daytona 675R are also included in these numbers, as are the ABS-equipped variants. The recall also affects the 2012-2013 Triumph Tiger 1050, though no units in the U.S. are affected.

Triumph dealers will replace the turn signal stems on recalled models.

[Source: NHTSA; Photos by alessiobarbanti.com]

By Dennis Chung