Recall 21V690 affects 262 2019-2020 Honda CBR500R and CB500X motorcycles for ABS modulator debris and leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 262 2019-2020 CBR500R and CB500X ABS motorcycles because excessive grease in the ABS modulator can trap debris, stick the check valve, and cause a brake fluid leak. The leak can reduce braking performance and raise crash risk, and Honda dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS modulator on the 2019-2020 Honda CBR500R and CB500X is the brake-control unit for the anti-lock braking system. During hard braking, it regulates brake-fluid pressure so the wheels keep braking without locking. The unit uses internal passages, pistons, seals, and check valves to move fluid where it needs to go.
On affected motorcycles, too much grease was applied to the O-ring on the reservoir piston inside the modulator. That extra grease can collect debris in the brake fluid path. Debris can then lodge in a check valve, which is a small one-way valve that controls fluid flow. Once the valve is held open or blocked, brake fluid can leak and braking performance is reduced.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is inside the ABS modulator, an owner is not expected to see the grease or debris during normal use.
Who's affected?
Covers two Honda motorcycle models across the 2019 and 2020 model years, with the hydraulic brake system listed for both.
| 2019 Honda CBR500R | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Honda CB500X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Honda CB500X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Honda CB500X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Honda CB500X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Honda CBR500R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Honda CBR500R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Honda CBR500R | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 262 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorcycle.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Treat any change in braking feel as a reason to stop riding and arrange dealer service. Schedule the recall repair soon, even if the motorcycle feels normal. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Honda CBR500R or CB500X ABS motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda Powersports dealer to schedule the free ABS modulator lot-number inspection and modulator replacement if the affected lot is found.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V690 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and watch for reduced braking performance.
- Call Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-1870 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician inspects the lot number on the ABS modulator. If the recalled lot number is present, the technician replaces the ABS modulator. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Honda used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket ABS modulator or brake repair costs paid before the recall notice can be submitted through Honda's standard reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 2, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 2, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 12, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V690?
Recall 21V690 covers 262 2019-2020 Honda CBR500R and CB500X ABS motorcycles. Excess grease in the ABS modulator can collect debris, block the check valve, and cause a brake fluid leak. Honda dealers inspect the ABS modulator lot number and replace the modulator for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Honda CBR500R or CB500X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 21V690. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the ABS modulator inspection. Reference recall number 21V690 or Honda recall KM6 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Honda dealers will inspect the ABS modulator lot number and replace the modulator when needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V690?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance from a brake fluid leak. In NHTSA campaign 21V690, Honda states that debris in the ABS modulator check valve can lead to a leak, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your motorcycle is included.
What if I bought this Honda motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Honda's November 12, 2021 owner letter, check your VIN, then call a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall 21V690 or Honda recall KM6.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V690000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-866-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V690 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V690000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →