American Honda is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles due to a potential brake fluid leak. It is estimated that a total of 262 units are affected by the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to the defect report, excessive grease was applied to the O-ring of the ABS modulator’s reservoir piston of affected motorcycles. After continued use, foreign matter may adhere to the grease, which can get stuck in the check valve during braking and cause brake fluid to leak. 

The recall was triggered after different motorcycle models in non-US markets experienced the same issue with the ABS modulator. Following up, Honda America found that based on characteristics such as vehicle weight, brake disc/caliper specifications and whether the excessive grease was applied to front or rear brake oil passages on the ABS modulator, some CB models did not meet internal specifications.

What Could Happen

The NHTSA recall report states that with continued use, the issue may affect braking performance due to the braking distance (without ABS activation) increasing. As of August 26, 2021, Honda says they have not received any warranty claims, field reports, or reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue for the US market.

Models Affected:

How To Get It Fixed

Registered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to bring their vehicle to an authorized Honda Powersports dealer. The dealer will visually inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator and replace affected ABS modulators for free. According to Honda, those who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense will be eligible for reimbursement.

Recall number KM6 notification to owners is planned by October 29, 2021. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or check your VIN to see if you are affected by the recall at www.nhtsa.gov.