KTM North America Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

If you own or have recently purchased a high-performance off-road motorcycle, it is important to know that a specific batch of vehicles has been identified for a safety recall. This action was taken by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in coordination with KTM North America. The recall specifically targets certain models from two well-known brands within the KTM family: Husqvarna and GASGAS. These are not standard street bikes; they are specialized machines designed for closed-course competition and off-road riding, built for speed and agility on dirt tracks rather than paved roads.

The affected inventory consists of model year 2021 and model year 2022 motorcycles from both brands. For Husqvarna owners, the recall covers four specific models: the 2022 TE 150i, the 2022 TE 250i, the 2022 TE 300i, the 2022 FE 350, and the 2022 FE 501. For GASGAS owners, the recall includes the 2021 EC 300 and the 2022 EC 250. While the exact total number of units involved in this recall is not explicitly stated in the public alert, it affects all motorcycles matching these specific model years and designations that were sold through authorized dealerships.

To help you identify if your bike is part of this group, look closely at the physical characteristics and identification stickers. Husqvarna motorcycles included in this recall are typically painted in white, blue, and yellow colors, featuring a blue Husqvarna logo on both sides of the shrouds. GASGAS motorcycles are distinctly red with a white GASGAS logo on both sides of the shrouds. You can find the model number sticker on the side panels of Husqvarna bikes, while for GASGAS bikes, it is located on the side of the rear fender.

The most reliable way to confirm if your vehicle is affected is by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number is located on the right side of the steering head. If the 10th character of your VIN is the letter "M," your motorcycle is a model year 2021 and falls under this recall. If the 10th character is the letter "N," it is a model year 2022 and is also included. These motorcycles were sold new through authorized Husqvarna and GASGAS dealerships across the United States. If you are unsure about your specific model, KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS are contacting all known purchasers directly to ensure they are aware of the issue.

The hazard, explained

When you are riding an off-road motorcycle, particularly one designed for closed-course competition, your connection to the machine is entirely physical and immediate. There are no seatbelts or airbags to catch you if things go wrong; your safety depends on your ability to control speed and direction through precise inputs on the handlebars and footpegs. The specific issue with these recalled Husqvarna and GASGAS models centers on a tiny, often overlooked component: the retaining "R" clip on the front brake caliper pin. To understand why this small part matters so much, it helps to look at how a disc brake system functions in high-stress environments.

The front brake caliper is the mechanism that clamps down on the brake rotor to slow or stop the wheel. This caliper must be held firmly in place relative to the motorcycle's fork leg. A metal pin runs through the caliper to anchor it, and a small "R" clip acts as a mechanical lock to keep that pin from sliding out due to vibration, impact, or normal wear over time. In these recalled units, the "R" clips can fall out unexpectedly. This is not necessarily a result of poor manufacturing quality in terms of the metal's strength, but rather a failure of retention under the specific dynamic loads experienced during off-road riding.

Once that clip disengages, the pin is no longer secured. The caliper can then shift, slide, or even detach partially from its intended position. When this happens, the brake pads may no longer align correctly with the rotor. In many cases, the caliper slides away entirely, meaning that when you squeeze your front brake lever, nothing happens. The hydraulic pressure builds in the line, but the mechanical force is never applied to the wheel. This results in an instantaneous and total loss of front braking power.

The danger here is not just about stopping distance; it is about control. In off-road competition or riding, riders often rely on the front brake to initiate turns, scrub speed before jumps, or stabilize the bike on loose terrain. If you enter a corner or hit a bump and pull the brake lever expecting resistance, only to feel nothing, your body will instinctively react. You may overcorrect with the handlebars or throttle, leading to a loss of traction. Because off-road surfaces like dirt, mud, or gravel offer significantly less grip than pavement, a sudden inability to slow down can cause the bike to slide out from under you at speed. This creates a high risk of being thrown from the motorcycle, resulting in potential fractures, head injuries, or other serious trauma.

It is important to note that while this sounds alarming, the recall was issued proactively by KTM North America based on their engineering analysis of the component's reliability. No incidents have been reported so far, which suggests that for many riders, the clip has held firm. However, because the failure mode is sudden and without warning, there is no way to know if your specific bike is safe until the clip is inspected. The hazard is real not because it happens every day, but because when it does happen, the consequences are severe and immediate.

Who is most at risk

The primary group affected by this recall consists of individuals who own or operate specific model year 2021 and 2022 Husqvarna and GASGAS off-road closed course competition motorcycles. These are not typical daily commuters or casual neighborhood riders; they are enthusiasts and competitors who utilize their machines on designated tracks, trails, or competitive circuits. If you have purchased one of the following models, your motorcycle is part of this safety notice: the 2022 Husqvarna TE 150i, TE 250i, TE 300i, FE 350, and FE 501; as well as the 2021 GASGAS EC 300 and the 2022 GASGAS EC 250. The risk is not limited to a single demographic by age or background, but rather by your possession of these specific high-performance machines. However, the nature of the hazard creates a heightened level of danger for anyone using these bikes in dynamic, high-speed environments.

The individuals most at risk are those who ride in conditions where immediate access to braking power is critical for survival. Because the defect involves the front brake caliper pin retaining "R" clips potentially falling out, the consequence is a sudden and complete failure of the front brakes. In the context of off-road competition or closed course riding, riders often navigate tight corners, steep descents, and uneven terrain at significant speeds. The front brake is the primary tool used to slow down and control the bike’s trajectory. If that braking power vanishes unexpectedly while entering a turn or descending a hill, the rider loses their ability to control speed and direction. This makes professional racers, serious hobbyists, and even experienced weekend warriors particularly vulnerable, as they are pushing their machines to limits where mechanical failure has immediate and severe physical consequences.

While there have been no reported incidents of crashes or injuries linked to this specific defect as of the recall date, the potential for harm is substantial. The risk is universal to any rider who depends on that front brake, but it is especially acute for those who may be less experienced in handling a motorcycle without primary braking assistance. A novice rider might not have the advanced skills required to safely stop a heavy off-road bike using only the rear brake or engine compression after the front fails. Furthermore, the psychological impact of sudden brake failure can cause panic, leading to poor decision-making and increased likelihood of a crash for riders of all skill levels. Therefore, anyone who identifies their machine as part of this recall—regardless of their riding experience—must be considered at risk until the free inspection and repair are completed by an authorized dealer.

It is also important to note that the risk extends beyond just the rider on the bike. In competitive environments, a motorcycle losing its brakes can become an uncontrollable projectile, posing a danger to other competitors, track officials, and spectators nearby. While the primary victim of the mechanical failure would be the owner or operator, the broader community sharing the course is indirectly at risk due to the unpredictable behavior of a bike that can no longer be stopped by its rider. This underscores why immediate action is necessary, not just for personal safety but for the safety of everyone around you on the track.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Determining whether your motorcycle is part of this specific safety recall requires a careful check of several distinct identifiers. Because the affected vehicles span two different model years (2021 and 2022) and two separate brands under the KTM North America umbrella—Husqvarna and GASGAS—you cannot rely on a single visual cue alone. Instead, you need to confirm the brand, the specific model name, the year, and crucially, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying your bike.

Step 1: Identify the Brand and Visual Appearance

First, look at the side shrouds of the motorcycle. If the bike is primarily white with blue and yellow accents and features a blue Husqvarna logo on both sides, it is a Husqvarna. If the bike is red with a white GASGAS logo on both sides of the shrouds, it is a GASGAS. This visual distinction helps narrow down which set of model numbers you need to check.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number Sticker

Once you have identified the brand, find the official model number sticker. For Husqvarna motorcycles, this sticker is located on the side panels of the bike. For GASGAS motorcycles, the sticker is found on the side of the rear fender. This sticker will list the specific model name, which must match one of the following recalled units:

• Husqvarna (Model Year 2022): TE 150i, TE 250i, TE 300i, FE 350, or FE 501.
• GASGAS (Model Years 2021 and 2022): EC 300 (2021) or EC 250 (2022).

Step 3: Verify the Model Year via the VIN

The most critical step is verifying the model year using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The recall applies to specific years, and you can confirm this by looking at the 10th character of your VIN. You will find the VIN located on the right side of the steering head.

• If the 10th character is the letter M, the motorcycle is a Model Year 2021.
• If the 10th character is the letter N, the motorcycle is a Model Year 2022.

Step 4: Use Online Verification Tools

If you are unsure how to read your VIN or want to double-check your records, both manufacturers provide online verification tools. For Husqvarna owners, visit the Husqvarna service and safety check page. For GASGAS owners, visit the GASGAS service and safety check page. These sites allow you to input your VIN to confirm if your specific vehicle is subject to this recall.

If none of the above conditions match your motorcycle, it is likely not part of this recall. However, if your bike matches the description but you cannot find a sticker or VIN clearly, contact an authorized dealer for assistance before riding.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

When you receive news of a recall, the most immediate concern is often what happens next: Do you get your money back? Do they send you a new part? The good news in this specific case is that the remedy provided by KTM North America is straightforward and entirely free for you. You do not need to pay for any labor, parts, or inspections related to fixing this safety issue. The company has taken full responsibility for the defect, which means your financial risk is effectively zero as long as you follow their instructions.

The core of the remedy is a repair, not a refund or replacement of the entire motorcycle. This makes sense because the issue is mechanical and localized, not a fundamental flaw in the vehicle’s design that requires scrapping. Specifically, an authorized Husqvarna or GASGAS Motorcycles dealer will inspect the retaining "R" clips on the front brake caliper pin for correct mounting. The technician will verify that these small but critical components are securely in place to prevent them from falling out during use. This inspection is the primary action required to restore your bike to a safe operating condition.

To initiate this process, you should contact an authorized dealer directly to schedule your appointment. It is important to use an authorized service center rather than a general mechanic, as they have access to the specific technical procedures and genuine parts mandated by the manufacturer. While KTM North America is also reaching out to all known purchasers directly to inform them of this recall, you do not need to wait for their call if you are unsure of your status. You can proactively take control of the situation by visiting the safety information pages on the Husqvarna or GASGAS websites.

If you prefer to handle the communication yourself, you can call the toll-free number at 888-985-6090. These lines are staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. This is your direct line to customer support for any questions about the repair process or to confirm your eligibility. Additionally, you can verify if your specific motorcycle is included in this recall by checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official service and safety check pages linked on their respective websites.

Remember, the goal here is to eliminate the crash hazard caused by potential brake failure. By having the retaining clips inspected and secured at no cost, you ensure that your front brakes will function as intended during closed course competitions or off-road riding. This repair option is designed to be minimally intrusive to your routine while maximizing your safety on the trail.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall notice arrives in your mailbox, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, especially if the item in question is something you rely on for work or recreation. However, ignoring this specific alert carries significant and immediate risks that go beyond mere inconvenience. The core issue with these Husqvarna and GASGAS off-road motorcycles is not a minor mechanical glitch that can be tolerated; it is a critical failure point in the braking system that directly compromises your ability to control the vehicle. Specifically, the retaining "R" clips on the front brake caliper pin are prone to falling out. When these small but vital components detach, the front brake caliper loses its secure position, leading to a complete or partial loss of front braking power.

In the context of off-road closed-course competition, where riders navigate rough terrain, high speeds, and unpredictable obstacles, the front brake is essential for stability and stopping distance. Without it, you cannot slow down effectively when approaching a turn, a jump landing, or an unexpected obstacle. This is not a scenario where "taking it easy" mitigates the danger; the physics of off-road riding demand reliable braking to prevent high-side crashes or loss of control. If the front brakes fail while you are leaning into a corner or descending a steep hill, the motorcycle may slide out from under you, potentially causing serious injury to the rider. The hazard is not theoretical; it is a mechanical certainty that the brake will not function as designed once the clip falls out.

While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report indicates that no incidents or injuries have been reported at this time, this silence should not be interpreted as evidence of safety. In the niche market of closed-course competition motorcycles, riders are often highly skilled and may encounter fewer edge cases than average consumers. However, as soon as a rider encounters a situation requiring maximum braking power, the absence of that function becomes catastrophic. The risk is latent and silent until it manifests during a critical moment. By continuing to ride these motorcycles, you are essentially gambling with your safety, hoping that the clip will not fail during a high-stress maneuver.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are missing out on a free, professional inspection and repair. Authorized dealers have the specific tools and knowledge to ensure the retaining clips are correctly mounted and secured. This is not a fix that can be adequately addressed with temporary workarounds or DIY solutions that might compromise the integrity of the brake assembly further. The danger lies in the uncertainty: you do not know when the clip will fall out, and it could happen at any time, without warning. The consequence of inaction is placing yourself in a situation where your primary safety mechanism has been silently disabled, leaving you vulnerable to a crash that could have been entirely prevented by a simple, free repair.

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