Honda Just Recalled 44k Motorcycles. Could Cause a Crash

Certain Rebel 300s, Rebel 500s, and SCL500s may be affected by a seemingly simple culprit: One improperly tightened screw.

Photo by: Honda

By: Janaki Jitchotvisut

Aug 10, at 6:55am ET

Add RideApart as a preferred source in Google

Comment

American Honda is recalling several model years of its recent Rebel 300, Rebel 500, and SCL 500 motorcycles due to an issue with the handlebar lock screw. On affected models, this screw can apparently loosen due to incorrect fastener torquing procedures at the factory. If it becomes loose, it can fall down between the frame and the steering stem, which could then interfere with steering and increase the risk of a crash.

Approximately 43,913 individual motorcycles across multiple models and model years (which I'll detail below) are included in this recall. This represents 100 percent of the population, according to Honda's records.

Here is a full breakdown of which models (and model years), production date ranges, and how many of each are affected.

Model and Year	Production Date Range	Number Affected
2019 Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500)	October 24, 2018 through August 19, 2019	4,221
2025 Honda SCL500	March 13, 2025 through March 31, 2025	545
2025 Honda SCL500	March 19, 2025 through May 23, 2025	168
2017 through 2023 Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500)	January 17, 2017 through November 25, 2022	23,948
2017 through 2023 Honda Rebel 300 (CMX300)	January 17, 2017 through November 17, 2022	19,007
2025 through 2026 Honda Rebel 300 (CMX300)	April 8, 2025 through September 19, 2025	245

According to Honda's root cause analysis of the issue, multiple factors may have contributed to this problem. The investigative team found unclear work instructions regarding exact procedures for screw tightening, as well as "improper management of the tightening tool during the assembly process" as contributing factors.

Because of the factors identified, Honda has concluded that inconsistencies in the tightening torque of the handlebar screw exist throughout the affected range, and must be addressed to ensure rider safety. As of July 23, 2026, Honda reports that it has received two warranty claims, no reports of injuries, and no reports of deaths related to this issue in the US market.

Honda notified its dealer network about this issue on July 27, 2026. It plans to send owner notifications to all registered owners of affected bikes on or about September 21, 2026. Please note that according to Honda, all motorcycles produced after September 22, 2025 have had their handlebar screw tightening processes revised, and should not be affected by this issue.

What do you think?

View

Comments

Owners whose bikes are affected by this issue will be instructed to contact their local authorized Honda dealer to arrange for recall service, which will be provided at no charge to the customer. The service will involve replacing the existing handlebar screw with a new screw, applying threadlock to the new screw, and observing correct tightening torque processes during installation.

Owners may contact American Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870 regarding Honda recall KUO. Owners may also contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.