Who is affected by the Harley-Davidson USA brake fluid recall?
At the moment there are many reports circulating about a voluntary recall by Harley-Davidson USA, which refers to possible brake problems on some models.
It affects 31 models from model years 2008 to 2011, which are being recalled in the USA. The braking force may not develop the expected force in the event of an emergency stop.
There have been 43 complaints in the USA and so far 3 cases where accidents may have occurred as a result, but only possibly. However, the traffic authority in the USA is strict in suspected cases and forces the manufacturer to act until clarification is obtained.
It affects vehicles of the V-Rod, Touring and CVO Tourer models, with ABS system, if the brake fluid is older than two years. In this case, brake problems could occur due to deposits in the brake fluid.
If you have your vehicle serviced by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, you don't have to worry about this; after two years, the brake fluid is changed according to the checklist during the inspection.
Maintenance should generally be carried out according to the manufacturer's checklist!
What has already happened, however, is that customers have not had this done because of the effort and costs, which can be around 100 euros. So you should check carefully, even if you have bought a used vehicle with a checkbook, whether the item has been excluded.
There is currently no official recall in Germany, but anyone who has an imported vehicle from this model group should definitely order it.
You should not assume that Harley-Davidson will cover the costs if changing the brake fluid after 2 years is on the checklist anyway.
Conclusion: Anyone who has their maintenance carried out by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer according to the checkbook and checklist is not affected, and anyone who has not kept to the maintenance schedule, or rides an imported vehicle, or a vehicle without a traceable maintenance schedule (workshop invoices), should definitely change the brake fluid.
When should the brake fluid be changed?
This recommendation also applies to cars and not just motorcycles. The brake fluid should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the driving performance is not necessarily dependent on this, the brake fluid can form deposits and a special characteristic is that it attracts water, which lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid and gas bubbles form during heavy braking, which can lead to a loss of brake pressure. The gas bubbles are compressible and form a buffer under pressure, which does not transfer the brake pressure to the brake cylinder. Porous brake lines are also a real problem, and are usually checked during the main inspection, but you should always keep an eye on the condition of the brake hoses yourself. It is also possible to have the brake fluid checked, but not without changing the seal afterwards. As an unskilled person, you should definitely keep your hands off the brake system. If you do not bleed the system properly, you will have more problems afterwards than before. A specialist workshop will not only change the brake fluid, but also flush the line to remove all water residues. And the disposal should only be done professionally, even if you like to work on your bike yourself, you should not take any chances with the brakes.
Picture credits: Symbol photo Harleysite
