Lapierre Faces Challenges, Recalls Aircode DRS and Xelius SL3 Over Fork Protection Issues

French motorcycle logo Lapierre has issued a recall realize for its Aircode DRS and Xelius SL3 fashions because of obvious questions of safety with the carbon fork on either one of the motorcycles. Xelius SL3 fashions with a Lapierre carbon cockpit aren’t affected.

A message to consumers shared at the logo’s site mentioned that there was once a chance of exterior accidents from the usage of the motorcycles and that buyers will have to forestall the usage of them in an instant and phone an authorized Lapierre broker.

In 2022, the previous British UCI Continental staff Saint Piran introduced that they’d taken all in their riders off Lapierre motorcycles for racing and coaching because of protection issues, on the other hand this was once batted away as “rumour”.

“Dear customer, because users’ safety is our highest priority, we are recalling certain Lapierre Aircode DRS and Lapierre Xelius SL3 models,” the message reads. “Research has shown that some Lapierre bikes have issues with their carbon fork. If the fork is damaged, this could potentially lead to a crack.

“This recall issues Lapierre Aircode DRS and Lapierre Xelius SL3 motorcycles supplied with an aluminium stem and an aluminium shim (section n°3). Lapierre Xelius SL3 motorcycles supplied with a Lapierre carbon cockpit are NOT a part of the recall.”

It persisted: “We ask all consumers that personal a motorbike involved to forestall the usage of it in an instant and phone an authorized Lapierre broker. The broker will test in case your motorcycle is a part of the recall and if this is the case, he’ll substitute the fork once conceivable. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this will likely purpose.”

In the professional scene, Lapierre announced late last year its return to the WorldTour as bike partner to the Picnic Post NL team.

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At the time of the Saint Piran incident, team representatives told Cycling Weekly that they had formally notified both Lapierre and its UK distributor Raleigh of their concerns. However a spokesperson for Lapierre said the allegations were just “a rumour”.

Saint Piran previously said that there were 23 separate episodes that caused safety concerns including seven fork failures, multiple replaced frames and 14 marked steerer columns that they said were “doubtlessly vulnerable to failure”.

The Cornwall-based team and French bike brand later instructed lawyers over the £100,000 dispute. The case is believed to still be ongoing.

Lapierre was once contacted for remark, however had now not spoke back at time of newsletter.