Ducati Recalls 247 Streetfighter S Motorcycles

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati issued a safety recall for the 2010 F1098 S Streetfighter models due to a problem with an engine cooling component, which could increase the risk of a crash and have serious consequences over the riders' safety.

In a notification posted on the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ducati explains that the recall concerns 247 units that have a loose ground screw in the ECU. The direct consequence of such a problem is that this loose screw might cause the engine to stall and therefore run out of gas.

We don’t know exactly if a recall was necessary to remedy the problem, since this minor problem could have been fixed on the next dealer visit. However, the Italian manufacturer did have to comply with today’s legal environment.

“Ducati is recalling model year 2010 F1098S Streetfighter motorcycles. The electronic control unit ground screw may have been improperly tightened during production which can cause the engine to stall. Stalling while driving can increase the risk of a crash,” the company mentioned in the advisory posted on the NHTSA website.

Just as expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge through Ducati's authorized US dealership network. Recalls are expected to begin in October, Ducati North America announced. “Dealers will retighten the ground screw free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2009. Owners may contact Ducati dealer at 800-231-6696,” it said.

The Streetfighter is powered by a 1099 cc V-Twin engine that pumps out 155 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque, while the weight is kept to a minimum thanks to the naked design (thus named because it bears no metal parts to cover the engine).