Harley-Davidson Recalls 250,000 Motorcycles For Brake Failures

MILWAUKEE – An issue that can cause brake failure has Harley-Davidson recalling 250,000 motorcycles world-wide, 175,000 of which are in the United States.
The action covers 30 different models from 2008 through 2011 model years. The company was pressed to make the recall by American safety regulators.

The recall notice says that “deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owner’s Manual.”

The deposits can cause a valve in the antilock brake control unit to stick. Recall services include a full flush of the brake fluid, but no parts need to be replaced. The U.S. agency began investigating problems in July of 2016 after getting 43 complaints including three reports of crashes and two injuries.

Documents show Harley wanted to do a field service campaign instead of a recall, but the government refused. The company says it cooperated with NHTSA and began an evaluation of the issue.
“Complex, ongoing discussions regarding what was ultimately identified as a maintenance issue continued with the agency through January 2018,” Harley-Davidson said in a released statement.
Dealers will flush and replace brake fluid starting on Feb. 12.
The Associated Press contributed to this report