Honda Recalls Rebel 300, Rebel 500 And SCL500 For Loose Screws
The second recall this year for this exact problem
Honda is recalling certain Rebel 300, Rebel 500 and SCL500 models because of potentially loose screws. While that may sound like a fairly simple problem, the position of the screws puts them at risk of falling between the frame and the steering stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
The screws in question are the ones holding the handlebar locks in place on the lower fork clamp of the affected models. Looking at where they attach to the top of the lock, it’s easy to see how a loosened screw may get lodged against the frame.
This is actually the second recall Honda issued this year to address the problem, following one issued March 5 this year. The original recall only affected 2023-2024 Rebel 300 models and the 2025 Rebel 500, but the new one expands the recall population to include more model years, as well as the 2025 SCL500. The new recall affects the following motorcycles and model years:
- 2017-2023 Honda Rebel 300
- 2025-2026 Honda Rebel 300
- 2017-2023 Honda Rebel 500
- 2025 Honda Rebel 500
- 2025 Honda SCL500
The recall affects 43,913 models in all. For some reason, 2024 models are excluded from the second recall, despite being part of the original one.
According to the recall documentation, there were multiple factors at play. For one, the installation instructions were unclear about how to apply enough axial force to ensure a tight fit. A change in the training materials also failed to instruct installers to use both hands and ensure the tool is perpendicular to the screw. Honda also determined the tightening tools were not being properly maintained and had worn bits.
On May 12, after the initial recall had been conducted, Honda started receiving reports of similar problems on models outside the original recall population. Honda conducted an investigation and on July 23, decided to conduct a second recall. From what we can tell, the only difference between the two recalls is the additional information about worn tool bits.
Dealers will inspect recalled motorcycles and replace the handlebar lock screw and apply a thread-locking agent using the proper procedure. Honda expects to send notices to owners on September 21.
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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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Wonder what’s going on with Honda, one of the top brands for reliability? The recent excessive oil consumption for the CB1000 Hornet, now this.
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