Harley Davidson Recall Set to Include 257,757 CVO Motorcycles

If your Harley Davidson CVO Motorcycle was produced between 2009 and 2012, a potential problem with the rear brake light switch is causing a recall for which you need to take your bike to a local authorized dealership for service. This switch has been found by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to potentially be damaged by the heat from the motorcycle's exhaust system. This excessive heat causes the brake switch to malfunction, failing to switch on the rear brake light during braking. Additionally, the heat could possibly cause a brake fluid leak that would render the rear brakes ineffective.

The Harley Davidson recall CVO motorcycles in question were built between June 6, 2008 and September 16, 2011. Harley Davidson has indicated that at least one crash has occurred due to this problem.

The Harley Davidson recall primarily addresses a problem with the rear brakes, which are normally the secondary component to a motorcycle's brake system. The front brakes supply most of the stopping force of the motorcycle brakes, but the rear brakes contribute stability and control, as well as additional braking force to the motorcycle, helping to prevent front brake lockup.

Harley Davidson CVO motorcycles are special edition bikes with special, limited-edition paint jobs, more powerful engines, and additional accessories that are not available on standard Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They are typically highly sought-after collector's items that can command a significant premium over other Harley Davidsons, even when purchased used.

Harley Davidson has indicated that owners of CVO motorcycles can take their bikes to authorized dealerships, where the repair and adjustment of the rear brake light switch will be free of charge beginning on approximately October 31, 2011. To determine the location of your nearest dealer or to arrange for repair of the affected system, Visit www.harleydavidson.com or call 414-343-4056.

The following list includes the affected Harley Davidson motorcycles that are subject to recall.

2009-2012 FLHP

2009-2011 FLHPE

2009-2012 FLHR

2009-2011 FLHRC

2001-2010 FLHT

2009-2012 FLHTC

2009-2012 FLHTCU

2009 FLHTCUSE4

2010 FLHTCUSE5

2011 FLHTCUSE6

2012 FLHTCUSE7

2009-2012 FLHTCUTG

2010-2012 FLHTK

2009-2012 FLHTP

2009-2012 FLHX

2010 FLHXSE

2011 FLHXSE2

2012 FLHXSE3

2011 FLHXXX

2009 FLTR

2009 FLTRSE3

2010-2012 FLTRU

2011 FLTRUSE

2010-2012 FLTRX

2012 FLTRXSE

Sources:
safercar.gov: Harley Davidson Recall, October 31, 2011: www-odi.nhsta.dot.gov