https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/harley-davidson-motorcycle-recall-brakes-abs/Harley-Davidson Recalls Motorcycles for Brake Concerns
Action underscores the importance of properly maintaining brake systems
By Jeff S. Bartlett
February 08, 2018
Harley-Davidson is recalling several model years of its motorcycles over potential braking problems.
The company said the affected bikes are the 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring, and VRSC models equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS). The concern is that if owners did not properly maintain these systems, a braking issue may develop.
The rate of fatal crashes is 31 percent lower in a motorcycle with antilock brakes than in the same models without ABS, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. With ABS, riders can stop without fear of wheels locking up, which can result in a dangerous skid, and stopping distances also improve on wet and dry surfaces.
But if the systems are not maintained, they may not work properly when needed. Harley-Davidson is concerned that owners may not understand the importance of flushing the DOT 4 brake fluid at least every two years to prevent deposits from forming on brake components.
The recall amounts to a free brake-fluid flush and replacement. More than that, it is an important reminder to all riders (many of whom perform their own maintenance) to confer with the owner’s manual, particularly regarding systems that may be new to them, such as ABS.
