Ducati to recall SuperSport globally to fix potential fire hazard

MANILA: The superbike manufacturer Ducati has decided to recall the SuperSport and SuperSport S bikes due to fire hazard. The decision came after reports of three such models catching fire emerged in the US. Both models have already been recalled according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A total of 1,500 units produced between July 2016 and May 2018 were affected in the US.

Ducati has not yet revealed the number of units that would be affected globally. However, the reason behind the recall of SuperSport and SuperSport S is a faulty hose. The hose is routed close to the exhaust manifold which results in its melting due to the heat generated by the exhaust. Thus leading to fuel leakage.
With both the airbox blow-by and fuel tank hose close to the exhaust, chances of flammable fuel coming in contact with the exhaust increase manifold. Such an event can lead to the bike catching fire. The same is suspected to be the reason for bikes catching fire in the US.

Ducati will fix the problem by re-routing the hose. The hose will be put ahead of the existing wiring ascertaining, ensuring there is no contact between the hose and the exhaust. The affected models were manufactured in Italy and Thailand.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a warning in the US to check the signs of any burns in the hoses. Ducati has also released a similar notice asking customers to stay vigilant and look out for signs of smoke as well as rubber burning smell emerging from the lower left side.

Customers with affected motorcycles across the world are encouraged to bring their Ducati to the dealership and get the hoses fixed. The dealerships are also expected to send out letters to the customers with affected bikes. Also, refitting of the hose would be done for free. The SuperSport cost Php 890,000 while the SuperSport S was available for Php 999,000 in the Philippines.