After intensive discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. has announced Safety Recall 0171 for models of years 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring, Touring Police and VRSC (V-Rod) motorcycles, equipped with ABS.

This is due to the fact that a braking issue may develop if brake fluid is not flushed for a prolonged period of time beyond the two-year maintenance schedule specified in the owner’s manual and service manual, on the models built in the US from May 26, 2006 through to July 11, 2011, and in Brazil from February 18, 2007 through to December 13, 2011.

The issue may occur when over an extended period of time, the DOT 4 brake fluid may begin to gel, leading to the formation of deposits on the brake components, as a result of its hygroscopic nature (i.e. that it absorbs water from the atmosphere). If such deposits form on the apply valve in the ABS HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit), the valve may stick. In the case that these formations remain undetected, they may cause loss of brake function on the affected wheel without prior notice, increasing the chance of an accident.

If your bike is covered by the recall, the dealer will flush the entire brake system with new Harley-Davidson Platinum Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid, and perform an ABS bleed procedure using DT (Digital technician) per this service bulletin. No recall kit is required to perform the service repair. The Harley-Davidson Platinum Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid (part number 41800773) is the only requirement; this will be available to order by mid-March. Furthermore, the Owner’s Manual Flush Brake Fluid Insert should be attached to each customer owner’s manual.

In the interest of safety, dealers may sell but not deliver any motorcycles until the remedy is completed as per the service bulletin. As per federal regulations administered by NHTSA and other appropriate market specific government agencies, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. or authorised Harley-Davidson dealers will provide notice to all owners on record of affected products with direction to arrange for the recall service.

One must refer to: H-Dnet/My Tool Box/Warranty Campaign Centre/Safety Campaign/Open VIN List. Under ‘Campaign Number’ select ‘0171’ to view VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) list, directly linked with your dealership.

For more information, call 2339 2328/9 or e-mail info@fapimotors.com.