Because of a software glitch, the dual-clutch transmission of the CRF1100 Africa Twin could not work properly at times.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem with the engine control unit (ECU) of the Honda CRF1100 Africa Twins is the cause for the recall of these motorcycles.
This problem causes the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of the motorcycle to stall the engine, which results in a loss of drive power that could lead to a crash.
It was determined that a problem with the software was to blame for the recall, which was announced on September 1st, 2022. The recall that was issued by American Honda Motor Co. might potentially affect up to 1,561 units.
There is a possibility that Honda DCT-equipped Africa Twin models that were manufactured between 2020 and 2021 would suddenly stall and lose all of their power.
A software problem in the engine control unit (ECU) could disrupt the controller area network (CAN) communication and unleash the clutch, which might lead to the engine stalling or a loss of driving power, as stated by the NHTSA.
As a result of the software fault, certain Africa Twin owners may find that their bikes randomly stall when they are stopped at stoplights.
What might actually occur if the ECU throws an error while the motorcycle is going is much worse than what might occur if the DCT just engages the clutch of the motorcycle and jerks forward as it comes to a stop, causing the engine to stall and perhaps resulting in a tip-over.
The more threatening situation is when the ECU throws the error while the bike is moving or slowing down, which might perhaps prompt the rider to panic and slam on the brakes. With no method to manually disengage the clutch, the engine is forced to stall due to friction from the clutch.
The problem with the units ought to be solvable by the dealerships that make up American Honda Motor Co. The affected vehicles’ electronic control units (ECUs) will require a software update, which will be performed by dealers as a free service for the vehicles’ owners.
It is anticipated that notification letters will be sent out in the mail by October 31, 2022. Nevertheless, Honda’s customer service can be reached via phone at 1-866-784-1870, and this is another option for owners.
Owners of Africa Twins can also call the Vehicle Safety Hotline of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236. (TTY 1-800-424-9153).