Ducati 1199 Panigale Recall
Ducati has recalled 2,411 of its 1199 Panigale superbikes (model year 2012-2013) due to steering damper and engine cooling issues; the affected models were manufactured from March 16, 2012, through July 12, 2012.
Ducati says there are two issues with the steering damper – incorrect assembly tolerance and loose screws.
Ducati says due to an incorrect assembly tolerance, the Uniball bearing on the damper rod eyelet could slip out of its seat on the Ohlins steering damper. If this happens, the steering damper can detach from its mounting point which can lead to loss of control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash, Ducati says.
Also, the screws that secure the steering damper to the steering head could fall out due to an insufficient amount of Loctite applied to the threads. The steering damper can detach from the steering head which can lead to loss of control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Regarding the cooling issues, Ducati says the exhaust butterfly valve bowden cable cover could melt or burn due to excess heat of the catalytic converter. Melting and burning of the bowden cable cover could lead to smoke and/or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ducati will notify owners, and authorized dealers will fix all issues, free of charge. Ducati has not provided a notification schedule.
Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696 or through their website at ducati.com.
Ducati’s recall number is RCL-12-006. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to safercar.gov.
