2014 Harley-Davidson Touring Models Recalled for Pinched Brake Lines

Harley-Davidson is recalling 66,421 motorcycles because of a problem with the front brake lines getting pinched. The recall affects all ABS-equipped 2014 touring and CVO touring models including the Electra Glide Ultra Limited, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Street Glide, Road King, CVO Limited and CVO Road King. Police and Shrine edition models are also affected, as are the Twin-Cooled version of the Electra Glide Ultra Classic and the Road King Classic which are produced for other markets.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front brake line can get pinched between the fuel tank and the frame, increasing brake fluid pressure. A pinched front brake line can cause the front wheel to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.

The problem was first discovered on Sept. 11, 2013, when a pinched brake line was found under the rear fuel tank mounting bracket of a police motorcycle undergoing service. Over the next month, Harley-Davidson received a total of six warranty claims related to pinched brake lines. On Oct. 14, 2013, Harley-Davidson began installing a cable strap during vehicle assembly to prevent the line from being pinched. As of Nov. 21, Harley-Davidson believed the strap corrected the problem.

Fast forward a few months and Harley-Davidson discovered another example of a pinched line during a final vehicle audit at its York plant. In this example, the line was pinched in a different location, several inches in front of where the problem was initially detected. Harley-Davidson then began to add a second cable strap at the new location.

On May 12, Harley-Davidson accumulated 39 warranty claims that may have been related to this problem. Four of those claims reported crashes, with one minor injury reported. On May 20, Harley-Davidson received another claim involving a crash and minor injuries. Upon further review, Harley-Davidson decided to initiate a recall.

Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect all recalled units and, if necessary, replace damaged front brake lines. Harley-Davidson will also install one or two cable straps as required.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung