Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Being Investigated for Sudden Brake Failure
car&bike Team
1 min read
Jul 11, 2016, 08:36 PM
Key Highlights
- The investigation involves 4.3 lakh bikes produced between 2008 and 2011
- Riders complained over losing completing braking power without warning
- The NHTSA is reviewing over 43 complaints, 3 crashes and 2 injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has launched an investigation into Harley-Davidson after receiving 43 complaints of the braking system on the motorcycles failed without warning. The inquiry includes 4.3 lakh units of Harley bikes from across the country that were manufactured between 2008 to 2011 and feature Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). While the safety feature is intended to improve stopping power especially under hard or emergency braking; in this case riders completely lost braking control over their motorcycles that resulted in several crashes or close shaves.
According to NHTSA's report, riders complained of sudden brake failure without any warning. At least three crashes and two injuries were reported due to the sudden brake failure, while numerous riders mentioned in their complaints that major accidents were narrowly avoided. Riders complained that the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot pedal suddenly would not work. One complaint alleged that both brakes failed at the same time, resulting in a low-speed crash in a garage door.
Harley-Davidson bikes need to get their brake fluid replaced every two years to avoid the issue. In this case, the owners were either unaware or ignored the directive to replaced the fluid, which led to the loss of braking performance. Essentially, the old fluid becomes contaminated by moisture and allegedly corrodes the ABS actuator valves. This results in the brakes failing to respond. That said, complete loss of braking power without warning does remain is a major concern. Harley-Davidson nevertheless, is aware of the situation and is cooperating with the investigators, the company said in a statement.
There has been no clarity yet if the models sold overseas have also been by the braking issues. Some of Harley's uber premium models make it to India via the CBU route and it needs to be seen if the company will check its models in the country as well for a possible braking issue. The iconic American bike maker made its foray into the country back in 2009, and has been one of the most successful global players in the premium motorcycle space. While the company sells most of its global lineup in India, a major chunk of its sales, the larger chunk of its volumes come from the locally manufactured and most affordable Street 750.
According to NHTSA's report, riders complained of sudden brake failure without any warning. At least three crashes and two injuries were reported due to the sudden brake failure, while numerous riders mentioned in their complaints that major accidents were narrowly avoided. Riders complained that the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot pedal suddenly would not work. One complaint alleged that both brakes failed at the same time, resulting in a low-speed crash in a garage door.
Harley-Davidson bikes need to get their brake fluid replaced every two years to avoid the issue. In this case, the owners were either unaware or ignored the directive to replaced the fluid, which led to the loss of braking performance. Essentially, the old fluid becomes contaminated by moisture and allegedly corrodes the ABS actuator valves. This results in the brakes failing to respond. That said, complete loss of braking power without warning does remain is a major concern. Harley-Davidson nevertheless, is aware of the situation and is cooperating with the investigators, the company said in a statement.
There has been no clarity yet if the models sold overseas have also been by the braking issues. Some of Harley's uber premium models make it to India via the CBU route and it needs to be seen if the company will check its models in the country as well for a possible braking issue. The iconic American bike maker made its foray into the country back in 2009, and has been one of the most successful global players in the premium motorcycle space. While the company sells most of its global lineup in India, a major chunk of its sales, the larger chunk of its volumes come from the locally manufactured and most affordable Street 750.
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