The 2002 Honda VTX1800 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a swingarm that may not have been properly welded and can break while riding, causing sudden loss of rear-wheel control and a crash.
The transmission also carries a significant risk: a circlip inside the gearbox was not seated correctly and can allow the gears to lock up, which causes the rear wheel to seize without warning while the motorcycle is moving. That kind of abrupt lockup leaves the rider very little time to react and can throw the bike into a skid or tip it over. There is also a side stand concern: a washer on the side stand spring bolt can deform under normal use, causing the bolt to flex and eventually break. If the side stand drops down while riding, it can trigger the built-in ignition cut-off switch, stalling the engine mid-ride with no warning to the rider.
At a glance
What can fail
The swingarm may have an improper weld that could fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the weld and replace the swingarm if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The washer on the side stand spring bolt is not strong enough and can deform. This causes the bolt to flex and eventually break when you use the side stand.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a stronger washer, a new spring bolt, and a new nut.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A circlip in the transmission was not seated correctly, which could cause the gears to lock.
What the fix does
The transmission is repaired. All vehicles have already been repaired.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
