Harley-Davidson is acting quickly to address potential safety issues - issuing a 'Do Not Ride', and 'Do Not Deliver' notice on a number of models.
The company is voluntarily recalling 2014 Touring and CVO Softail motorcycles equipped with a hydraulic clutch system that may pose a safety issue for riders and/or passengers.
“The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” says Tony Wilcox, Harley-Davidson meneral manager of motorcycle new product delivery. “We have identified potential safety issues and are moving quickly to notify our customers and dealers. The inspection and repair of these motorcycles is extremely important, so it’s critical that our customers with affected vehicles contact their dealers immediately.
"We apologise for this circumstance. The company is committed to correcting the issues and providing customers with the quality experience and service they expect.”
The recalls affect Touring motorcycles including models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHX, FLHTKSE, FLHRSE and Softail® CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.
Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. Harley-Davidson has initiated these recalls to correct the affected motorcycles.
The company wants owners of affected motorcycles to contact an authorised Harley-Davidson dealer immediately to arrange for an inspection. The dealer will pick up, inspect and make the necessary repairs at no cost to the owner. The repairs have been identified and should take less than one hour.
Harley-Davidson will be proceeding with the recalls in compliance with local protocol.