A broken battery cable could cause a sudden engine cutout in 2019/20 Ducati Hypermotard models, promoting a safety recall.

Ducati Australia has issued a safety recall through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for 34 Hypermotard 950 and 40 Hypermotard 950 SP models.

The vehicle identification numbers of the affected bikes are listed at the end of this article.

The official ACCC notice says:

Due to improper assembly, the battery’s negative cable terminal may break. If the battery’s negative cable terminal breaks, the engine may cut off while riding, increasing the risk of injury to the rider and passenger(s), and other road users.

Owners will be sent a letter asking them to contact their Ducati dealer or service agent “as soon as possible” to make an appointment for an inspection, free of charge.

2019 recalls

This is the fourth recall in 2019 for Ducati following an issue with faulty gearshifts in Monster and Super Sport models, and fuel fires and oil leaks in various Panigale V4 models.

With just a few weeks to go in 2019, there have been 25 recalls of motorcycles plus two accessories (Harley bags and a Honda Monkey bike rack).

That compares with last year’s 37 motorcycle recalls, the second highest number of recalls in the previous 10 years: 28 in 2017, 39 in 2016, 30 in 2015, 28 in 2014, 20 in 2013, 24 in 2012, 16 in 2011, 14 in 2010 and 23 in 2009.

The most recalls this year was six for Yamaha; followed by 4 for BMW and Ducati; Harley, Honda, Suzuki and Triumph on three (if you count the aftermarket accessories for Harley and Honda); and one each for Kawasaki, Indian, Piaggio and KTM.

That compares with the previous year where Ducati had 6;  Indian, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM and Triumph 3; BMW, Harley, Husqvarna and Moto Guzzi 2, Aprilia and MV Augusta one each.