2025-2026 Honda CRF250 and CRF450 Models Recalled For Loose Handlebars
Recall affects R, RX, and RWE variants
American Honda announced a recall of approximately 12,600 CRF off-road models from model years 2025 and 2026 because of a problem with their handlebar clamps.
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The recall affects the CRF250R, CRF250RX, and CRF250RWE, as well as the CRF450R, CRF450RX, and CRF450RWE, from both 2025 and 2026 model years. Based on available parts information, the affected models all use the same handlebar clamp components. Previous model years used different parts and are not connected to this problem.
According to the recall notice released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the handlebars on affected motorcycles can unexpectedly rotate within the clamps, increasing the risk of a crash. As of this writing, American Honda has received one report of a crash connected to this issue, thankfully with no injuries.
UPDATE
A similar recall has been announced for the Canadian market. According to Transport Canada, the recall is actually for certain replacement handlebar holders that may have been installed during servicing by Honda dealers. In some cases, the holders may not have been manufactured properly, and not securing the handlebars correctly.
Owners of the affected models are asked to immediately stop riding them, and have the bikes inspected by authorized Honda dealers for a free inspection. If necessary, dealers will replace the handlebar clamps. For more information, visit the CPSC.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Holy crap! Honda has gotten to the point where we can't even trust them tightening handlebars correctly?! I'm assuming this was a failure of a torque gun on the assembly line. Letting nearly 13,000 motorcycles slip through isn't OK.
Update: This recall has been announced for Canada, and according to Transport Canada, the problem is with some replacement lower handlebar clamps installed during service at a dealership. These under holders may not have been manufactured properly (it's unclear if this means they aren't to the required spec or an inherent flaw in the manufacturing)