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Indian Motorcycle is recalling several versions of its Chief model lineup due to the potential for the bike’s kickstand to not fully retract when the bike is in motion.
Indian’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report to NHTSA
Indian’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says 4,653 Indian Chief motorcycles are affected.
In its report, Indian says:
“Indian Motorcycle has determined that sidestand retraction is inconsistent upon ground contact if the sidestand is left extended during operation, which does not comply with FMVSS 123, S5.2.4”
Then, describing the safety risk, Indian says:
“Potential for the sidestand to not fold rearward and upward if it contacts the ground when the motorcycle is moving forward, posing a crash hazard and risk of serious injury. “
Indian is still evaluating the problem to determine a root cause and appropriate corrective action(s). Once the analysis is complete, Indian will follow up with an amendment to its 573 Report.
Chronology of the recall
The chronology of the recall is quite interesting. According to Indian:
“On August 4, 2022, Indian Motorcycle received notification of a crash in Canada, involving minor injuries (e.g., sore hand and minor bruising to torso) to the rider where the sidestand allegedly failed to retract after it was left extended during operation. At that time, the customer informed Indian Motorcycle of an additional video (YouTube) with a sidestand that failed to retract when contacting the ground during a MY22 Indian Chief demo ride.”
Indian Motorcycle is not aware of any reports that have been made related to the demo ride incident. Thereafter, on August 20, 2022, Indian Motorcycle received a second case that mentioned a consumer who had previously ridden their vehicle with the sidestand extended, though no crash, injury, or otherwise was indicated in the case. Thereafter, Indian Motorcycle initiated an internal investigation.
What seems strange is that the incidents in question concern side stands that do not retract when coming into contact with the ground. Why the sidestand could be down, and the bike operating simultaneously is concerning.
Affected models
All 2022 Indian Chief models are subject to this recall. According to Indian, 2023 Chief models do not have this problem. The list of motorcycles affected by this recall is as follows:
MAKE
MODEL
YEAR
INDIAN
CHIEF
2022
INDIAN
CHIEF BOBBER
2022
INDIAN
CHIEF BOBBER DARK HORSE
2022
INDIAN
CHIEF DARK HORSE
2022
INDIAN
SUPER CHIEF
2022
INDIAN
SUPER CHIEF LIMITED
2022
Indian’s remedy plan
Since Indian is still evaluating the problem, it has not yet determined how it will remedy the issue. However, the remedy information will be provided in its Part 573 Safety Recall Report Amendment.
Notification schedule
Indian indicates that it will notify its dealers and consumers as shown below:
Planned Dealer Notification Date: JAN 06, 2023 – JAN 06, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date: FEB 17, 2023 – FEB 17, 2023
Although Indian did not issue a stop-ride order with its report, the company says it has stopped shipments of all units with the suspect sidestand. Further, shipments will not resume until the non-compliance has been corrected.
Contacts
Owners may contact Indian at 1-800-765-2747 and cite Indian recall number I-23-01 if they have any questions about this recall. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and cite NHTSA Campaign Number 22V-957, or they may go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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