Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) has initiated a voluntary recall campaign on behalf of Bridgestone Corp. of Japan to replace 4,202 specialty motorcycle tires.
BFNT has determined that the tires may be missing various sidewall marking (labeling) requirements, and says there have been no structural or performance safety issues with these tires.
Specifically, certain bias Bridgestone brand motorcycle and motor scooter tires that were manufactured in Japan fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 119 (49 CFR Chapter V, Part 571.119). The Tire Identification Number (TIN) is marked on the sidewall; however, the "DOT" symbol is missing.
In addition, the maximum load rating, corresponding inflation pressure markings, the "tube type" markings and the stamping indicating the ply cord material and the number of plies are missing from the sidewall.
These tires were sold in the replacement market through motorcycle shops and were not original equipment tires. The subject tires were manufactured for sale in the Japanese and European markets and meet JATMA and ETRTO standards.
The tire lines and sizes included in this campaign are:
* Accolade, 4.00-18, 3.50-19 and 3.50-18;
* Battlax, 90/90-10 and 3.50-10;
* RS10, 2.50-17; and
* SP UNIVERSAL, 3.50-8.
System enhancements have been taken to assure that these tires will not be exported to the U.S. in the future, according to the company.
The voluntary recall will continue until Nov. 30, 2008. Customers who have been identified as potential purchasers of the affected tires will be issued a letter stating that the owner should check all tires fitting the above description to confirm they are the affected tires.
Motorcycle dealer locations will administer tire replacement at no charge to the customer until Nov. 30. At that time, this program ends.
For information about how to identify and replace the tires covered by this campaign, visit www.motorcycle-karttires.com/index.aspx.
