At the height of riding season, Harley-Davidson has ordered up a big recall of near-new motorcycles.
Harley is recalling 66,421 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles from the 2014 model year. It warns that the front wheels can lock up without warning. The recall applies to bikes with anti-lock brakes made between July 1, 2013, and May 7.
The flaw has resulted in five crashes, with two minor injuries.
The snafu occurs when a brake line in front is pinched between the fuel tank and the frame, causing the front brake fluid pressure to increase and increasing the risk that the front wheel could lock up while riding. Dealers will replace brake lines and install straps to keep them in place.
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Geoff Olivert Ed Rutledge
Barbara 'Barb" Smart
Boyd McFail
Dan "RC" Owens
President Emeritus
Karl "Two Tone" LeRay
Safety Recalls
July 11, 2014
Below are two recalls that have recently been issued. One is for certain 2014 BMW R1200RT motorcycles, and the other is for certain Harley Davidson chrome hand control lever kits. Both of these recalls came to our attention through the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. We thank the MMA for their continued vigilance in the area of motorcycle safety.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MMA Safety Update – BMW Issues 2014 R1200RT Motorcycle Recall
BMW of North America is recalling 950 2014 R1200RT motorcycles produced between November 27, 2013 and May 5, 2014 for a problem with the Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) rear shock absorber. The piston rod within the rear shock absorber can break without warning, causing loss of stability.
More information and details of the recall can be found here:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Dynamic ESA shock absorber, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417. Note: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until they have been remedied (http://bmwmcmag.com/2014/06/2014-bmw-r1200rt-recall-coming).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HD Issues Recall on 2014 Sportster XL Motorcycle Chrome Hand Control Levers
Harley Davidson has issued a recall for certain Chrome Hand Control Lever Kits, part number 3670053, intended for use on 2014 Sportster XL motorcycles. The reason is that affected kits may have excess chrome plating on the brake lever which could prevent the front brake master cylinder piston from fully returning. This could cause front brake pressure to not be fully released and may cause the front wheel to lock up, which could lead to a crash.
More information and details of the recall can be found here:
Harley Davidson is notifying owners of the affected levers and dealers will inspect and replace the them as necessary with no charge to the owner. Owners may contact Harley Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 and reference recall number 0156.
