NEWS:   Harley-Davidson to recall over 300,000 motorcycles

YAHOO NEWS -- October 24  2011 – Harley-Davidson Inc said it would recall some 308,474 motorcycles worldwide due to problems with the rear brake light switch.

Certain 2009-2012 Touring and Trike models are being recalled because the rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system.

The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate the brake lamp or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied. It may also cause a fluid leak at the brake light switch, Harley-Davidson said in notice to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration.

The company is recalling about 250,000 units in the United States and about 50,000 outside. Harley shipped 210,494 motorcycles internationally and shipped an average of 306,000 motorcycles each month from 2000 to 2010.

It expects to record a cost of $10 million to $12 million in the fourth quarter.

"Recalls are common for consumer products," said ... an analyst at Baird Equity Research. "They happen all the time."

The company has issued other smaller recalls in recent years, including one for 142,000 motorcycles in November 2009 for an issue related to fuel tank mounts.

A spokesman noted that Harley-Davidson voluntarily issued the recall to ensure customer safety

MORE RECALL INFO:   Harley Davidson

JANUARY 2011 - Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2011 Softail motorcycles manufactured from June 7, 2010, through October 8, 2010, which have had a security system kit installed as an accessory. The body control modules (BCM) involved are part numbers 69991-11 and 69993-11. The BCM has 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. An engine stall while in traffic can result in a crash, which could lead to injury or death to the rider. Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will replace the BCM free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about February 21, 2011. 11V-037

JULY 2010 -- Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2010 FXDF motorcycles with fork leg assemblies (LH P/N 48622-08, RH P/N 48623-08) manufactured from January 29 through February 9, 2010. These fork leg assemblies may have been incorrectly assembled using the wrong springs. Motorcycles containing the wrong springs will have reduced suspension effectiveness which may result in reduced traction on irregular road surfaces, and will also have a different lean angle when parked on the side stand, possibly affecting parking stability. This condition may increase the risk of a crash. Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on July 26, 2010.  10V-329

DECEMBER 2009 - Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Touring Family motorcycles, including CVO Touring and Trike products, manufactured from June 6, 2008 through November 19, 2009. The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider. Dealers will install a left and right brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. This repair will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 11, 2009.  09V-457

JULY 2009 -- Harley Davidson is recalling 1,759 MY 2009 FLTRSE3 motorcycles equipped with blade rear wheel accessory kits. Some wheels within the subject population underwent a secondary heat treatment process. As a result of this secondary heat treatment, these wheels may have a crack. If a crack is present, it could result in wheel failure during use, possibly leading to a crash, which could result in injury or death of the rider. Dealers will remove the rear wheel and inspect the manufacturer's code. Wheels that underwent a secondary heat treatment process will be replaced with a wheel provided in the recall repair kit. Wheels that do not have the suspected code will be re-installed. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2009.  09V-267

JUNE 2009 -- Harley Davidson is recalling 11,005 FLSTSB, FXSTSSE2, and FXSTSSE3 MY 2008 and 2009 motorcycles. The acorn stud at the brake reaction link may fall out during use. If this occurs, the front brake and fender assembly would no longer be adequately retained. This condition could lead to a crash and potential injury to or death of the rider. Dealers will replace the existing acorn stud with a new acorn stud and retaining clip. The recall began on June 15, 2009.  09V-211

DECEMBER 2008 -- Harley-Davidson is recalling 3,285 MY 2009 FXD, FXDF, FXDC, FXDL, and FXDB motorcycles. The jiffy stand spring anchor may have been built with a defective weld that may allow the jiffy stand assembly to not retract as intended. This condition could lead to a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider. Dealers will remove the original jiffy stand spring anchor and replace it with a new spring anchor free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009.  08V-659

NOVEMBER 2008 -- Harley-Davidson is recalling 349 MY 2009 FXDB, FXDC, FXDF, and FXDL motorcycles. These motorcycles have a fuel tank vent tube assembly, Part No. 27389-04A, which may have been produced with a questionable ultrasonic weld on the anti-slosh valve. If the valve separates and the bike is tipped over, it may leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the fuel vent tube assembly and, if necessary, replace it. The recall is expected to begin during December 2008.  08V-625