Polaris quad bike recall due to asbestos risk

Polaris will recall 12 quad bikes from its 'youth' range due to the presence of asbestos in component parts.

Polaris recently conducted testing in America which identified asbestos in brake pads, brake shoes, gaskets and washers in some of its quad bikes.

The Polaris models subject to the recall include the Scrambler 50, Scrambler 90, Predator 50, Predator 90, Outlaw 50, Outlaw 90, Outlaw 110, Sportsman 90, Sportsman 110, Ace 150, Sawtooth 200 and Phoenix 200 supplied between December 31, 2003 and 2017.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says that approximately 13,000 of the affected quad bikes are believed to have been supplied in Australia since December 31, 2003.

The importation or use of asbestos has been prohibited in Australia since that date, but it's believed Polaris only recently became aware of the presence of asbestos in some of its quad bike range.

READ FULL RECALL NOTICE HERE

“Fortunately, the advice we have currently received indicates the presence of asbestos in the quad bike parts is unlikely to present a safety risk while riding the quad bike," said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.

"Nonetheless we are treating this issue extremely seriously and working closely with Polaris to gather all relevant information that enables a fast, efficient remediation of any bikes that contain these parts.

“If you do own a recalled Polaris quad bike, we encourage you to contact your nearest authorised Polaris dealer to arrange the safe replacement of affected parts.

“The presence of asbestos in quad bike parts is considered more likely to present a safety risk to consumers who do home mechanical work on quad bikes they own, and to employees of businesses who repair and service quad bikes.

"The recalled quad bikes should only be repaired by qualified personnel using appropriate safety procedures. Any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities."