KTM->ke1954 has become the latest motorcycle manufacturer to be forced to take the shameful recall walk after its North American division announced the recall of its 2015 KTM 690 Enduro R motorcycles.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 409 units of the 2015 690 Enduro R have been tagged with problems to their rear brake line, which could have been damaged during the assembly process. In other words, these bikes rolled out of the production line with this existing problem.

Ever heard of quality control, KTM?

In any case, the affected models were built between November 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015 and the point of concern involves the rear brake line that travels from the ABS pressure modulator to the foot brake cylinder. More specifically, damage to the rear brake line can be caused when it comes into contact with the spring clamp of the crank case ventilation hose.

When this happens, the brake line could get damaged, leading to the loss of rear braking ability, which in turn increases the probability of the bike crashing.

KTM North America is set to notify owners with affected units. Dealerships will likewise stand ready to receive these units where inspections of the crank case ventilation hose clamp’s positioning will determine if they need to be repaired. Should damages to the brake line are found, dealerships will replace them at no cost to the owner.

The company hasn’t announced when the actually recall will begin but owners with affected models, or those who think they have affected models, should keep an eye out for any future announcements.

Continue reading to read more about KTM's recall of the 690 Enduro R bikes.

Why it matters

It’s a point of pride for me to be on the safe side when it comes to these recalls. I don’t like them any more than the next guy, but as I’ve said in the past, they’re a part of the industry for better or for worse.

When a company issues a recall, it does so for pure and honest reasons. It doesn’t like to do it because who wants to have models that need to be repaired for one reason or another? On the flip side, companies have a responsibility to its customers, especially those who spend their hard-earned money buying these motorcycles.

When a certain issue pops up, these motorcycle brands are supposed to inform the public of any perceived problems to their models. By and large, that’s what recalls are for. KTM North America is doing the right thing here by informing the public even before the actual recall starts.

Apparently, it deems the issue with the rear brake line serious enough that making a pre-emptive announcement is more important than waiting for riders to experience these problems first-hand. That’s the responsible thing to do so give props to KTM for doing its part, even though it’s not something any motorcycle company wants to do.

So if you own a KTM 690 Enduro R bike that’s affected by this recall announcement, heed KTM’s warning and don’t use your bikes until they’re inspected by KTM dealerships. Ignore this announcement and you might end up paying for the consequences.