Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Being Investigated For Brake Failure

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has launched an investigation on Harley-Davidson after receiving 43 complaints of its motorcycles’ braking system failing without warning. According to reports 4.3 lakh Harley bikes from across the country that were manufactured between 2008 to 2011 featuring Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) are affected. The investigation reports that riders completely lost braking control over their motorcycles, resulting in several crashes or close calls.

According to NHTSA's report riders complained of sudden brake failure, which resulted in at least three crashes and two injuries, while quite a few mentioned that there were many close calls to major accidents. Riders also stated that the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot pedal suddenly stopped working, along with one complaint that alleged that both brakes failed at the same time, resulting in a low-speed crash into a garage door.

Harley-Davidson bikes need to get their brake fluid changed once in every two years to avoid these major issues. According to this report, the owners were either unaware or  they ignored to replace the brake fluid, which led to such mishaps. Essentially, the old fluid becomes contaminated by moisture and the ABS actuator valves get corroded, resulting in the failure in braking. Harley-Davidson motorcycles’ complete loss of braking power without warning remains a major concern and the company is aware of this situation and is cooperating with the investigators to resolve it.

The braking issue thing is not yet clear in the models that are sold overseas. Harley's uber-premium models that make it to India via the CBU route will also be checked and tested for the same braking issue, says the company. The iconic American bike maker made its way into the country back in 2009 and has been one of the most successful global players in the premium motorcycle space.