Honda CB300F, CBR300R models manufactured in the year 2015-2016 have been recalled because of improperly machined crankshafts, causing engines to stall. A total of 11,424 motorcycles are affected in the USA.
Faulty crankshafts are likely to cause an increased load on the connecting rod bearings on affected Honda CB300F and CBR300R motorcycles. That coupled with high pressure and engine speeds, the added load may cause the plating on the bearing rod retainer to wear. A worn retainer is likely to corrode in the presence of blow-by gasses. Should the connecting rod bearing retainer fail, the engine may stall and be unable to restart.
The first issue registered in January 2015, when Honda’s Thai factory received a report of a connecting rod bearing retainer failing in Thailand. A second report occurred later that month and on 29th April, Honda received a third report with five occurrences, all in Thailand. Thai Honda Manufacturing began an investigation in May but was unable to determine a cause. On 12th May, Honda received a fourth report involving two incidents in the USA, both followed by complaints of abnormal engine noises.
After receiving a fifth report on 25th May which was again from Thailand, Honda Thailand asked for help from Honda’s quality department in Japan to review warranty claims. Honda Thailand began inspecting new crankshaft assemblies and found the crank pin diameter on some parts were out of specification. The company implemented a tooling change to improve the consistency of the crankshaft manufacturing process.
Honda R&D in Japan tested the bearing retainer surface plating while it received five more reports including three incidents in the US on 30th June, Honda initiated recall procedures. As of 8th July, Honda has received 48 warranty claims and 41 field reports related to this issue. No injuries were reported due to the issue. Recalled units will be inspected and their crankshaft assemblies will be replaced by Honda dealerships. It should take around six hours for the repair job.
Honda CB300F, CBR300R Recalled
– Honda recalled the CBR300R and CB300F because of improperly machined crankshafts
– Crankshaft’s crank pin diameter on some parts were out of specification which caused the issues
– 11,424 motorcycles are affected by the recall in the States
– Recalled units will be inspected and crankshaft assemblies will be replaced
