Photo: mhtwheels.com
Campagna Motors and the NHTSA are recalling certain T-Rex 14 trikes for a very serious problem which might lead to nasty accidents. The issue is not a mechanical fault, as it could only occur in case of improper suspension settings. The story is a rather complex one and can technically result in a lot of trouble, but the solution is really easy.
Around 230 T-Rex vehicles may be affected by the problem, and they are all equipped with Kawasaki 1,352cc engines. Again, these engines are just fine, and it’s not their fault. In certain model year 2007 and 2009-2013 T-Rex 1400R, 14R, and 14RR motorcycles manufactured September 1, 2006, to December 31, 2013, improperly adjusted suspension might reduce the ground clearance below the safety level.
Customers who disregard the prescribed suspension setting in the Owner’s Manual may end up with a vehicle that’s too close to the ground. Driving the T-Rex 14 over uneven ground or foreign objects, at high speed or at excessive speed would result in the underbelly skid plate coming in contact with the ground and becoming worn out.
Then the drain plug guard could get grinded after repeated contacts with the road, finally exposing the oil drain plug to impacts. In case of a stronger impact, the oil drain plug could pierce through the oil pan and cause a leak.
Now, Campagna says that customers could impact the underside of their machines and check for scraped skid plates. If they spot scraping signs, this means that they may be heading for the very scenario described above and they should schedule a visit to a Campagna dealer. Even in the absence of skid plate marks, Campagna advises that the repair be carried out anyway, just to be sure.
The first problems have been signaled by Transport Canada and studies carried out by Campagna Motors have led to a very simple solution. The dealers will replace the oil drain plug with a flatter one which offers more ground clearance. The manufacturer also reminds the customers that properly adjusting the suspension settings according to the owner’s manual the safest way to prevent this issue from occurring.
Customers who disregard the prescribed suspension setting in the Owner’s Manual may end up with a vehicle that’s too close to the ground. Driving the T-Rex 14 over uneven ground or foreign objects, at high speed or at excessive speed would result in the underbelly skid plate coming in contact with the ground and becoming worn out.
Then the drain plug guard could get grinded after repeated contacts with the road, finally exposing the oil drain plug to impacts. In case of a stronger impact, the oil drain plug could pierce through the oil pan and cause a leak.
You definitely don’t want oil on the rear wheel of a motorcycle
If this happens, oil will drain from the sump onto the road and the rear tire would pass over the spill, creating a huge risk of a loss of control of the vehicle. The rear tire would immediately lose adherence to the road, with the risk of a crash becoming very high.Now, Campagna says that customers could impact the underside of their machines and check for scraped skid plates. If they spot scraping signs, this means that they may be heading for the very scenario described above and they should schedule a visit to a Campagna dealer. Even in the absence of skid plate marks, Campagna advises that the repair be carried out anyway, just to be sure.
The first problems have been signaled by Transport Canada and studies carried out by Campagna Motors have led to a very simple solution. The dealers will replace the oil drain plug with a flatter one which offers more ground clearance. The manufacturer also reminds the customers that properly adjusting the suspension settings according to the owner’s manual the safest way to prevent this issue from occurring.
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