Urgent motorcycle tyre recall

Savatech is recalling Sport Force radial motorcycle tyres manufactured in 2014 The Slovenian tyre producer Savatech is voluntarily recalling Sport Force radial motorcycle tyres from the market. These tyres were sold to customers mostly in Europe. The tyre sizes subject to recall are,

120/70 ZR17 (58W) TL SPORTFORCE MI

150/60 ZR17 (66W) TL SPORTFORCE MI

160/60 ZR17 (69W) TL SPORTFORCE MI

180/55 ZR17 (73W) TL SPORTFORCE MI

190/50 ZR17 (73W) TL SPORTFORCE MI

During sustained high speed riding a bulge may appear on the tread of the tyre causing vibration and in the most extreme of cases some of the tread may become detached. This problem has only been simulated in controlled and the most severe of conditions. The Sport Force recall is pre-emptive.

Customers can determine whether their tyre is subject to recall by checking the brand name “MITAS”, tyre name “Sport Force,” inscription “tubeless” and DOT* codes from 0114 to 2614, on the tyre sidewall. No other tyres are affected. The recalled tyres were made in Slovenia.

The recall follows a quarantine of stocks at tyre dealers. All customers are advised to contact the point of purchase to discuss options for replacement. The improved Sport Force tyres will be made available at the shortest possible term.

Savatech has notified the Slovenian Ministry of Economic Development and Technology – Market Inspectorate which is expected to submit the notice to the EU-wide RAPEX system. Non-EU authorities will be informed in due course.

The list of countries affected by the recall:

AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELARUS, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, CROATIA, CYPRUS, CZECH REP., DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, ITALY, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, MACAU, MACEDONIA, MEXICO, MOROCCO, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, SERBIA, SINGAPORE, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, TAIWAN, TURKEY, UNITED KINGDOM, URUGUAY, USA.

We think Mitas have handled this in the right way, notifying riders of a potential issue before it causes any problems. Realistically, owners of more budget-oriented rubber are unlikely to be riding at the high speeds this issue is claimed to occur at, but it’s good to know that tyre manufacturers, whatever their price range, take our safety seriously.