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Harley-Davidson Faulty Clutch Recall Affects More than 45,000 Bikes, Injuries Reported

Harley-Davidson and the NHTSA issue the recall campaign number 15V216000, aimed at bringing in 45,901 motorcycles for having their clutch master cylinder inspected and rebuilt if need be. The issue affects especially motorcycles that have been parked for an extended period, but apparently it can also be present in others.
2015 CVO Street Glide 1 photo
Photo: Harley-Davidson
The problem lies in the clutch master cylinder where a chemical reaction might lead to the formation of gas bubbles which may cause the loss of clutch lift. As a consequence, even though a rider will pull the clutch completely, the plates will not disengage fully.

If the motorcycle is in gear and running, it may move unexpectedly and cause a crash. Harley adds that if undetected, this problem has high chances of causing an incident, especially with unsuspecting riders who have not started and moved their bikes over the winter.

A significant amount of clutch lever free play, an engine that bogs down and does not start are indicators that the bike might experience the defect.

Incidents and injuries have been caused by the faulty clutch

Harley has knowledge of over 40 incidents and 6 cases of minor injuries related to the defect between October 2014 and April 2015. The dealers have been instructed to flush the clutch line of the bikes, clean them using a special wash solution and rebuild the masters with the recall kit that has been provided.

Customers have been notified, and the recall has already begun on April 23rd. The repairs will be made free of charge. These are the recalled Harley-Davidson models:

2014-2015

Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU),
Electra Glide Ultra Classic - Twin Cooled (FLHTCU TC),
Ultra Limited (FLHTK),
Police Electra Glide (FLHTP),
Street Glide (FLHX),
Street Glide Special (FLHXS),
CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE),

2015

Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL),
Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL),
Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low - Twin Cooled (FLHTCUL TC),
Road Glide Special (FLTRXS),
Road Glide (FLTRX),

2014

CVO Road King (FLHRSE).

The motorcycles have been manufactured April 28, 2014, to October 24, 2014. Owners can contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 and mention the internal recall number 0165.
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