Recall 26V146 affects 19,406 2023-2025 Honda CMX500, CMX300, and CL500 motorcycles for a loose handlebar lock screw. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 19,406 2023-2025 CMX500, CMX300, and CL500 motorcycles because the handlebar lock screw can loosen and detach. If that screw lodges between the frame and stem, it can interfere with steering and increase the risk of a crash or injury; Honda dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The handlebar lock screw on 2023-2025 Honda CMX500, CMX300, and CL500 motorcycles is a small flat 6x16 fastener in the steering and handlebar lock area. Its normal job is to stay tightened so the lock hardware remains secured in the position Honda designed. On a motorcycle, that steering area needs fixed hardware because loose parts near the handlebar can interfere with normal control.
On affected motorcycles, the problem starts during assembly. Honda found that the work instructions did not clearly explain how to tighten the one-way Phillips screw, including the need to press straight into the screw with enough force. After a trainer change, that instruction was left out, and the tool was used at an angle. The screw then was not tightened to the specified torque.
There is no warning sign before failure. The screw can loosen and detach without a sound, warning light, or change in handlebar feel that gives the rider time to react.
Who's affected?
Covers CMX500, CMX300, and CL500 motorcycles across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years, all tied to the same 6x16 steering screw.
| 2025 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2025 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2025 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2025 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2023 Honda CL500 | steering system |
| 2023 Honda CL500 | steering wheel |
| 2025 Honda CL500 | steering system |
| 2025 Honda CL500 | steering wheel |
| 2024 Honda CL500 | steering system |
| 2024 Honda CL500 | steering wheel |
| 2024 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2024 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2023 Honda CMX500 | steering system |
| 2023 Honda CMX500 | steering wheel |
| 2023 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2023 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| 2024 Honda CMX300 | steering system |
| 2024 Honda CMX300 | steering wheel |
| Units affected | 19,406 |
| 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 detached lock screw can lodge between the frame and stem, interfere with steering, and increase the risk of a crash or injury. If your VIN is included, arrange the repair before regular riding. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2025 Honda CMX500, CMX300, or CL500 motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free handlebar lock screw repair that keeps the screw from loosening and interfering with steering.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 26V146 when you call.
- Ask Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870 if you need help finding a dealer or matching the recall to your motorcycle.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the steering does not feel normal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the handlebar lock screw and applies thread lock so the screw stays secured. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Honda. If you have already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to the handlebar lock screw loosening or detaching, Honda's standard reimbursement plan applies to documented expenses. Bring the repair order, payment receipt, and any related paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 6, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 12, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 8, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V146?
Recall 26V146 covers 19,406 2023-2025 Honda CMX500, CMX300, and CL500 motorcycles with a handlebar lock screw that can loosen and detach. A detached screw can lodge between the frame and stem, interfere with steering, and increase crash or injury risk.
What should I do if my 2023-2025 Honda CMX500, CMX300, or CL500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 26V146. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer and ask for the lock screw replacement with thread lock. Reference Honda recall number KUO when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Honda motorcycle dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering interference. If the handlebar lock screw detaches, it can lodge between the frame and stem, making the motorcycle harder to steer and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. If steering feels abnormal, stop riding and call a Honda dealer.
When did Honda notify owners about recall 26V146?
Honda mailed owner notification letters on May 8, 2026. VINs became searchable on March 21, 2026. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, your VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V146000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-866-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V146 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V146000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →