Harley-Davidson Softail problems & recalls

Problem: Harley-davidson motor company (harley-davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 fxst103, flstc, flstc103, flstf, flstf103, fxdl, fxdwg, fxdwg103, fxdc, fxdb, flstn, flstn103, flstc103shrine, flstfb, flstfb103, fxs, fxs103, fls, fls103, fld, fld103, fxdf, and fxdf103 dyna and softail motorcycles manufactured august 22, 2011, through february 24, 2012. in the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.

Risk: If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Harley-davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin on january 22, 2015. owners may contact harley-davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. harley-davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.

Problem: Harley-davidson is recalling certain model year 2011 softail motorcycles manufactured from june 7, 2010 through october 8, 2010. the body control modules (bcm) installed on these motorcycles (part numbers 69991-11 and 69993-11) have a case that may not have been properly sealed during production. an improper seal may allow water intrusion into the bcm which may cause engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall while in traffic can result in a crash, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.

Fix: Harley-davidson will notify owners and dealers will replace the bcm free of charge. the safety recall began on february 21, 2011. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

Problem: Certain motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. this may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines.

Risk: This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider.

Fix: Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. this recall began on may 4, 2007. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4080.

Problem: Certain motorcycles may have been produced with defective fuel shut-off valves. the functionality of the 'on' position and the 'reserve' position of the valve may have been reversed.

Risk: If the bike were operating with the valve in the 'on' position, the bike could run out of fuel, the expected fuel reserve will not be available. this could lead to the driver running out of gas without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel valve and replace it, if necessary. the recall began february 7, 2005. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4080.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. on fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. on carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.

Risk: These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.

Fix: Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. the recall began november 4, 2004. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent fitting that could be plugged allowing the carburetor to overflow fuel.

Risk: This could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank vent fitting and, if plugged, will correct this condition.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the rear brake pedal assembly may have an inadequate weld.

Risk: This condition can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever which would affect rear brake performance.

Fix: Dealers will perform the recall service on these vehicles.

Problem: The effects of reformulated gasoline along with certain usage of the fuel supply valve affects the supply of gasoline to the carburetor. this condition requires two factors: (1) the use of reformulated fuels containing mbte and (2) starting the motorcycle with the fuel valve handle in the off position.

Risk: This condition can cause the fuel flow to be unpredictable thus causing the engine to shut down increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.

Fix: Dealers the replace the diaphragm in the fuel valve.