Dunlop Motorcycle Tire Recall for Manufacturing Defect

Certain Sportmax Q3+ tires could have air pockets in the rubber.

Dunlop recalls the Sportmax Q3+ motorcycle tire. See below for the cause.Photo: Dunlop
The following report is filed with the NHTSA:

Report Receipt Date: May 24, 2017
NHTSA Campaign Number: 17T011000
Component(s): Tires
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6
Manufacturer: Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC

THE RECALL: Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC (Sumitomo) is recalling a small number of Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ motorcycle tires, size 120/70ZR17 58W. The affected tires may have been undercured during weeks 17 and 18 of 2017 due to an abnormal condition with a curing press. The six undercured tires may have porosity (air pockets) in the shoulder region of the tire. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 119, "New Pneumatic Tires-Other Than Passenger Cars."

WHAT COULD HAPPEN: The tire defect may affect the handling and/or steering characteristics of the motorcycle. Continued use can result in tread chunking. These conditions may increase the risk of a crash.

THE FIX: Dunlop will notify the retailers and customers and will offer replacement tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2017. Owners may contact Dunlop Motorcycle Tires at 1-800-845-8378.

MORE RECALL INFORMATION: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to safercar.gov.