HONDA CRF450 SERVICE BULLETIN IS IN THE MAIL: "No Compression Release Zone;" They Will Fix It For Free
HONDA PLANS TO ISSUE SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE 2009 HONDA CR450F: TO FIX THE DECOMPRESSION RELEASE: IT WILL START IN EARLY MARCH: LETTERS MAILED MARCH 7
According to Honda, who sent MXA an email Thursday about a service bulletin for the 2009 CRF450, they are going to fix the automatic compression release problems that some CRF450 owners have had. Honda dealers received a different letter on Thursday informing them that a service bulletin will be released next week for the weight and plunger pin on the 2009 CRF450's automatic decompression release. MXA has included both letters below.
Here is the dealer letter: Dear Honda Dealer: Next week we will launch a Product
Update campaign to replace the decompression mechanism on 2009
CRF450s. This will improve the durability of the decompression plunger
to prevent breakage and subsequent very difficult kick starting. We
will post the Service Bulletin on February 26; outlining the repair
procedure to replace the decompression plunger and decompression
weight. Customer letters are scheduled to mail in early March, timed to
coincide with the first parts allocations. We expect to have an
adequate supply of repair parts kits by the end of March. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. MC National Service Operations CRF450 owners can take their bikes back to the dealers to have the suspect parts replaced.
The compression release issue started almost immediately upon the release of the new bike, but Honda believed, at the time, that the problems were isolated incidents that they could handle on a one-by-one basis at the dealer level.
MXA first heard about the problem back on November 10, 2008, when Scottsdale's Chuck Franklin wrote us to say,
"Just read your informative story on the new CRF450. I could not be more pleased with my new bike, but it appears there may be a manufacturing issue. Specifically, on my third ride of my new Honda, the kick starter locked up. At first I thought it was the top end, but it turned out to be the auto compression release. A pin connecting the cam assembly broke and the compression release became inoperative. The bike has so much compression that my 210 pounds could not get the kick starter to budge, hence I thought I seized my bike.
"Skipping to the chase, Honda stepped up and immediately warranted the cam assembly and next day'ed it to my dealer. I have not heard of any other bikes having this problem, but thought I'd let you know if it became an issue for any of your readers."
MXA immediately contacted Honda, and we followed up virtually every week (and with every letter that we got from riders that had the same problem). Honda always told us that they were keeping an eye on the problem and would respond if it became widespread.
Honda has now been decided that the problem is more widespread and needs a service bulletin.
There will be no charge to CRF450 owners. Not all CRF450 are affected--there will be a VIN number list soon.
The fix is not complicated, involving only two parts, but expect your friendly local Honda dealer to need your bike for a day or two to do the warranty work. Can you ride your bike while waiting to get it to the dealer? It probably isn't a good idea, but in most cases you've been riding it since the bike was released without issue.
HONDA'S OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
PRODUCT UPDATE FORTHCOMING FOR 2009 CRF450R
Torrance, CA: On February 26, 2009, American Honda will issue a Service Bulletin announcing a Product Update Campaign for 2009 CRF450R motorcycles within a certain affected VIN range. This update affects only the starter decompressor system, and customers can continue to safely operate their CRF450R in its present state in the interim but should get the motorcycle updated as soon as parts are available.
Honda dealerships will soon receive a detailed procedure for replacing the 2009 CRF450R decompressor pin and decompressor actuator weight/shaft as indicated. This change will improve the durability of the decompressor pin and prevent pin breakage that can result in very difficult or impossible kick starting. Delivery of necessary replacement parts should begin in early March 2009, with an adequate supply for all repairs by the end of March.
Not all 2009 CRF450Rs are affected by this product update, only those within the specified range. A complete listing of affected 2009 CRF450Rs will be issued with the upcoming bulletin and affected customers will be mailed a letter in early March.
