Harley recalls nearly 175K bikes in U.S. because brakes can fail

[UpInArms]

Source: USA Today

Harley-Davidson is recalling several hundred thousand motorcycles because the brakes might fail.

The voluntary recall, which last week Harley said would cost it $29.4 million, covers CVO Touring and VSRC bikes — model years 2008 through 2011 — equipped with anti-lock brakes.

Worldwide it includes more than 251,000 motorcycles, with nearly 175,000 of those bikes sold in the U.S.

In July 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating problems with the brakes after getting 43 complaints, including reports of three crashes and two injuries.

The problem is linked to a module that's part of Harley's anti-lock brake system that can corrode and fail without warning. Usually, only the front or rear brakes won't work. But in one case, both systems gave out, resulting in a low-speed crash into a garage door,

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2018/02/07/harley-recalls-nearly-175-k-bikes-because-brakes-can-fail/314401002/

[AtheistCrusader]

1. Not the kind of news Harley needs this month...

[democratisphere]

2. Bad news after more bad news.

[bdtrppr6]

3. Made in America! Bringin' back the jobs!

Can't stop with the winning.

The schadenfreude is deep with this one.

[AtheistCrusader]

4. Sigh. Models produced 2008 through 2011.

Let's not drown out the signal with noise?

[trc]

5. This is not really a Harley problem, it is an owner problem

the issue is old brake fluid that collects water if the fluid is not changed as recommended by the manufacturer. Sometimes you have to do more than just drive your machine. I am not a Harley rider but do ride. This is just part of owning a bike.

[AtheistCrusader]

6. Brake fluid is indeed hygroscopic, and yes you are supposed to change it, but

This is not a normal failure mode for most cycles, and the brake fluid is normally not exposed to atmosphere where it can suck in water anyway.

It only affects two models across 3 production years. This is definitely a Harley problem.

[jmowreader]

9. You're not going to believe this, but...

Brake fluid is so hygroscopic it can suck moisture through the pores in your brake hoses. But you're right, this is a Harley problem.

What the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is the problem:

The chronology of the investigation states: “NHTSA opens investigation PE16-009 to evaluate ABS module failures ‘resulting from brake fluid absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment’ on MY2008 – 2011 ABS-equipped motorcycles. The Opening Resume states: ‘[t]he ‘old’ fluid, which is hygroscopic, becomes contaminated by moisture and allegedly corrodes the ABS actuator valves.

“The valves then fail to cycle and the affected brake calipers are no longer actuated when riders apply the brake(s). While it may be true that the complainants failed to adhere to Harley Davidson’s 2 year brake fluid service interval requirement, the consequent sudden and complete loss of brake(s), without warning, is a concern.’”

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/02/07/harley-davidson-recalls-174636-touring-vsrc-motorcycles-brake-failure-issues/

[AtheistCrusader]

10. Why is a critical component of the brake system made out of corrosive material?

"corrodes the ABS actuator valves."

My 2001 BMW R1150GS does not have this weakness. And if the ABS system faults, you still have brakes. In the Harley design as described above, in that failure mode, you're just flat out fucked.

THAT is most certainly a Harley design fault.

[jmowreader]

11. That popped right out at me too

This is the difference between BMW’s ABS and Harley’s.

Basis of ABS. Each wheel has a sensor that decides if the wheel is turning, and there’s also a sensor to detect if the car is moving. If the system decides a wheel is not turning when it should be, a valve opens to divert some of the brake fluid to a secondary chamber. A pump then returns the fluid to the reservoir.

In the BMW system, and probably also the one Bosch sells for cars, the ABS is a piston that pulls back and increases the volume of the brake fluid circuit. This relieves pressure on the brake caliper and stops the wheel from locking up. If the piston fails, there will be no “anti-blocker” effect but the brakes still work.

In the Harley system, the ABS is a valve that momentarily cuts off fluid to the wheel cylinders. If this sticks closed, you have no brakes.

Who the hell thought THAT was a good idea? Didn’t these morons even bother to buy a BMW and look at it?

[AtheistCrusader]

12. Patent avoidance might be partially responsible.

I'm not sure if even BMW owns that aspect of the system they use.

I suspect Harley will be developing a replacement part with different materials. BMW is by no means immune to this sort of thing, as the GS1200ADV front fork separation issue can demonstrate. Losing your brakes is bad. Losing the whole front quarter of your bike, brakes, and steering, and 2.5 feet of elevation all at once, is worse. In my opinion, BMW's recall response to that issue is also inadequate.

[Gore1FL]

7. Once you buy a Harley you'll never stop!

The same used to be true for Toyotas!

[kstewart33]

8. There was an old saying about Harley in the 70s and 80s.

"Buy two Harleys. One to ride and one for the parts."

Then the company fixed itself and grew.

Now, the old saying seems prescient.

[bluecollar2]

13. As a Norton Commando owner I have to ask

Brakes?

What are brakes?