Harley-Davidson Motorcycles brake failure Investigation begins

American motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson are under the scanner of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Following 43 complaints of brake failure, the authorities have begun investigations. Reports suggest close to 4.3 lakh ABS-equipped motorcycles built between 2008 and 2011 have been affected. The investigation further reports that riders found the brakes rendered useless, causing multiple crashes or near misses.

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.

Source: ZigWheels.com