Recall 15V230 affects 504 2014-2015 Honda CBR1000S motorcycles for a rear shock absorber defect. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 504 2014-2015 CBR1000S motorcycles because an improperly manufactured rear shock absorber can let the damper rod nut loosen, reducing damping or allowing the shock to come apart. A loose nut affects shock performance and raises the risk of loss of control and a crash; Honda dealers will repair the motorcycle free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear shock absorber on the 2014-2015 Honda CBR1000S controls how the back of the motorcycle reacts after the wheel hits a bump or the rider loads the suspension. It slows the spring's movement so the rear tire stays settled against the road instead of bouncing after each compression.
On affected motorcycles in recall 15V230, the piston nut on the damper rod in some rear shock assemblies was not tightened to specification during manufacturing. If that nut loosens, the shock loses damping. The rear suspension then stops controlling movement as designed, and the shock assembly can come apart.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a noise, warning light, or gradual change in ride feel to tell you the shock is failing.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2014 and 2015 CBR1000S model years with the same rear suspension component.
| 2015 Honda CBR1000S | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2014 Honda CBR1000S | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 504 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the damper rod nut loosens, shock absorber performance is reduced, which can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Ride cautiously, avoid hard use until inspected, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Honda CBR1000S is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free rear shock absorber repair that corrects the loose damper rod nut and restores damping.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V230 and Honda recall JQ3 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the rear suspension loses damping or the motorcycle feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician removes the rear shock assembly and sends it to the supplier's service center for repair. After the supplier repairs the shock assembly and ships it back, the dealership reinstalls it on the motorcycle. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Honda says the warranty would have provided this repair without owner payment.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 17, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V230?
Recall 15V230 covers 504 2014-2015 Honda CBR1000S motorcycles over an improperly manufactured rear shock absorber. The damper rod nut can loosen, reducing damping or allowing the shock to come apart. Honda dealers remove the shock assembly, send it for supplier repair, and reinstall it for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Honda CBR1000S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V230. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall JQ3. The dealer will remove the rear shock assembly, send it to the supplier service center, and reinstall it after repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda states this work will be performed free of charge. A franchised Honda dealer handles removal, shipment to the supplier service center, and reinstallation after the shock assembly is repaired.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control. If the damper rod nut loosens, the rear shock absorber loses proper damping and the shock can come apart. Honda and NHTSA link that failure to increased crash risk under recall 15V230.
What if I bought my Honda CBR1000S used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Honda dealer with recall JQ3 or 15V230. Honda customer service is also listed at 1-866-784-1870.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V230000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-866-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V230 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V230000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →