Pirelli Recalls Triumph Motorcycle Tires for Tread Separation

Pirelli Tire is recalling Scorpion Trail II, Metzeler Tourance Next, and Next II tires sold as replacements and for the Metzeler Tourance Next 150/70R18 M/C 70V tire, also installed as original equipment on certain Triumph motorcycles, according to a safety defect filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Partial detachment of the tread layer and/or a sudden loss of air pressure may cause loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash,” Pirelli said in the required recall filing. Pirelli also said is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this safety defect in the U.S.

Tread Separation Warnings

• Excessive irregular wear on the central area of the tread may be visually detected.
• Localized tread deformation in the central area of the tread due to underlying separation may cause tire vibration potentially perceived while riding.
• Cracking at the groove base, potentially exposing the underlying metal cords, may be visually detected.
• Localized broken metal cords at the groove base may be visually detected.

Chronology

• 11 September 2024. Triumph Motorcycles UK informed Pirelli & C. SpA (Pirelli Tire LLC’s parent company) of a potential quality issue reported in the field and causing warranty reports in the European market.
• 12 September 2024. Compliance to FMVSS 139 and Pirelli’s internal validation tests were verified on the subject products; no anomalies were found. Historical factory traceability data showed no deviations.
• 23 September 2024. Pirelli initiated additional activities to define indoor test conditions in an effort to replicate the issues reported from the market.
• 26 September 2024. A review of available data did not reveal any claims in the U.S. market related to this condition.
• 1 October 2024. Based on the field claims reported from the markets outside the U.S. and the potential safety risk linked to the issue, Pirelli & C. SpA decided to initiate this recall campaign in affected markets. This decision was communicated to Pirelli Tire LLC on October 1, 2024.

Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 16 November 2024. Owners may contact Pirelli Customer Service at 1-800-747-3554. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 24T011.