Federal Agency Investigates Brake Failures on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

MILWAUKEE (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/TNS) —
(AP Photo/Grant Hindsley, File)
(AP Photo/Grant Hindsley, File)

The U.S. government is investigating complaints from Harley-Davidson owners who say their motorcycle brakes failed without warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the investigation covers 430,000 motorcycles with model years from 2008 through 2011. The investigation stems from bikes with an anti-lock braking system, according to NHTSA.

Riders reported that the brakes on the hand lever and foot pedal did not work, causing one driver to crash into a garage door. Government regulators said they received 43 complaints, three reports of crashes and two reports of injuries.

Regulators said it is possible that some riders who experienced brake failure did not change the motorcycle’s brake fluid every two years as recommended by Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc.

This is not a motorcycle product safety recall. Harley-Davidson said it was aware of the investigation and that it was cooperating with regulators.

To Read The Full Story

Are you already a subscriber?
Click to log in!