Buying used: Frame Recalls- Should I skip the 2001-2004's

[gof]

After reading up on the recalls and seeing that units beyond the listed ranges still crack and that some frames crack in areas not covered in the recalls...I am seriously reconsidering the two choices I was about to pick from. A 2003 within the recall listing and a 2004- 40 numbers outside the listing. Even if it turns out the 2003 was recalled properly, it still seems like these bikes need ongoing frame inspections all the time? Not so bad if it was easy...and bike not covered in plastic etc. It seems to be a real legit worry and hassle.

I thought I was doing a good thing by avoiding the 1500's due to the 4th gear failure issue?

Would anyone here buy a used 2001-2004? Am I overreacting? It certainly has taken the joy out of a new purchase.

# Affected 8,196 - thats a LOT of bikes!

This looks like a great way to check online: http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/SEO/Mot...20RECALL%20IDS

I see the 2004 comes up as having had 2 recall issues completed, but nothing about frames.
The 2003 has had two recalls completed, including the frame one, but still has an open recall for the master cylinder.

[Bouvier1]

The frame recalls were the earlier models ie 2001 and this would have taken into account the ones that did not get sold immediately ie up to 2003. By 2004 I believe the problem had been solved so no worries. Once checked they should be OK. I don't know if there is a time limit on recalls in the US but over here there doesn't seem to be. I had a 2001 bike that I had the frame checked on. I later bought a 2007 bike and when a recall for the master cyclinder came asked if my 2001 should be done. At this point I found out about other recalls that I had not been notified on. These were done all in one go, which made me very happy.
In truth I think you are over reacting and your choice should be on condition,milage and price. I would say that you have a bargaining point if a recall has not been carried out, don't forget a recall is an 'in caser' for honda to stop any unwanted litigation so they are more than likely to carry out outstanding ones (but if there is too much of a delay may charge - I guess). Don't worry about all the plastic you don't have to remove it for the recall they do.

[WingAdmin]

From the DOT web site on recalls:

Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?

Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.

Also, if the manufacturer challenges the agency’s final decision of a safety defect, there is no obligation for the manufacturer to remedy the defect while the case is in court. If you decide to have your vehicle remedied at your own expense while the case is pending and the court upholds NHTSA’s final decision, you may be entitled to reimbursement. (Be sure to save all receipts and paperwork so that you can prove the repairs were made.) However, if the court ultimately rules the defect is not safety related, Federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair work

[st4r50]

I just picked up a 2002 and I have no fears of the frame at all. I had the dealer check the vin for recalls before I decided to buy and they said it had all the recalls performed and there was history of a second time for the frame weld but it was only a check. Mine was not welded but checked twice. After I got it home, I took it to my local dealer and he checked again with no problems.

One of my best friends got his 03 new and it has had the frame welded. He is an aggressive rider, pulls a trailer and puts on a lot of miles. He hasn't had any problems after the initial recall.

I think I'd use it as a part of negotiations but I wouldn't be afraid of it.

[Sidcar]

Mine's a '91 1500GL should I be worried, bearing in mind I have a sidecar attached.
I never gave frame problems a thought when I bought it. With British bikes everthing else can, and probably will, give you trouble but the frames are generally built like a brick outhouse.

Sid

[WingAdmin]

Mine's a '91 1500GL should I be worried, bearing in mind I have a sidecar attached.
I never gave frame problems a thought when I bought it. With British bikes everthing else can, and probably will, give you trouble but the frames are generally built like a brick outhouse.

Sid

The 1500 has a steel frame, the only thing we have to worry about is corrosion. The GL1800 has an aluminum frame, and the early GL1800's had problems with cracks. Steel tends to bend with stress, aluminum tends to crack.