Zero Motorcycles announces the call for a small engine failure potential disaster

Bad news for those rooting for electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero - the brand is recalling 94 bikes built between December 26, 2013 and February 18, 2014. This is the second recall for the small-scale manufacturer in the past year, following a larger, 268-unit recall in August.

More troubling, though, is the reason the bikes are being recalled. According to the notification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the motor's rotor could make contact with the stator (the stationary part of an electric motor) while the bike is in motion. Should this happen, the rear tire could seize. We shouldn't really need to explain why this would be bad.

The recall affects certain bikes in the 2014 S, SR, DS and FX lines. Perhaps the sole scrap of good news here is that the recalled bikes do cover a very small range of dates - less than two months. You can view the affected date range for each model in the press release.

Zero will begin its recall campaign this month, and will test and replace affected motors free of charge. Take a look below for the full notification from NHTSA.

DATA

Report Receipt Date: MAR 12, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V119000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 94

Manufacturer: Zero Motorcycles Inc.
SUMMARY:
Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2014 Zero SR motorcycles manufactured December 30, 2013, through February 20, 2014, 2014 Zero S motorcycles manufactured December 26, 2013, through February 18, 2014, Zero DS motorcycles manufactured January 24, 2013, through February 4, 2014, and 2014 Zero FX motorcycles manufactured January 14, 2014, through January 27, 2014. Due to a possible manufacturing defect, the motor rotor may contact the stator while riding.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the rotor contacts the stator, the motor could seize, locking up the rear wheel which could increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Zero will notify owners, and dealers will test the motor and if it fails testing, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2014. Owners may contact Zero at 1-888-786-9316 (1-888-RUN-ZERO).
NOTES:
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 www.safercar.gov.