4.3 lakh Harley-Davidson bikes under investigation over brake failure issue

Close to 4.3 lakh Harley-Davidson motorcycles are under investigation over a possible brake failure issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in US has launched an investigation after receiving 43 complaints on the bike’s brakes failing without any warning.

In  this case Harley bikes that are equipped with ABS systems failed to operate in normal riding conditions. The ABS module corrodes and fails as a result of the brake fluid absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment. Due to this, there’s a sudden braking that happens without prior warning and unsettles the rider. Around three crashes and two injuries have taken already place because of this.

This investigation covers close to 4.3 lakh bikes that have been manufactured between 2008 and 2011. Interestingly, in 2014, close to 60,000 Harley bikes were recalled in US but in that case, the brakes weren’t failing without warning but it was engaging suddenly. Harley-Davidson is currently in touch with NHTSA and is working towards a resolution.