2011 Harley-Davidson Flhr

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels.To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V-076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA (FLHR) MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH SIGNIFIED THAT THE MORTORCYCLE DID NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ABILITY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,875.

NHTSA ID

11271643

Incident

Oct 21, 2019

Mileage

15,875 mi

THE SADDLE BAG FELL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND COLLIDED WITH THE MOTORCYCLE BEHIND IT CAUSING THE RIDER TO COME OFF AT 100 KM/HOUR. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE SADDLE BAG HAS COME OFF. THE PREVIOUS TIME, IT WAS THE OTHER SIDE SO THE OWNER OF THIS MOTORCYCLE WAS EXTRA CAREFUL TO BE SURE THE BAGS WERE LATCHED PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE TRIP. IN OUR GROUP OF ABOUT 12 RIDERS, TWO OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE HAD HD SADDLEBAGS FALL OFF. WHEN I SPOKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, HE SAID HE'S HAD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE THEIR SADDLE BAG REPLACED BECAUSE IT FELL OFF GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND GOT SCURFFED UP.I'VE REPORTED THE ACCIDENT TO HARLEYDAVIDSON.I AM WORRIED PEOPLE WILL DIE DUE TO THIS DEFECT.THEY ARE SELF REGULATING, SO I AM VERY VERY CONCERNED THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING A RECALL EVEN THOUGH LIVES ARE AT RISK.THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME HOW MANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS THEY HAVE RECEIVED, NOR WOULD THEY TELL ME HOW MANY THEY WOULD GET BEFORE DECIDING THEY SHOULD DO A VOLUNTARY RECALL. THERE NEEDS TO BE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT ON THIS SORT OF THING, BECAUSE OF COURSE HARLEY DAVIDSON IS NOT GOING TO WANT TO ADMIT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND IT WAS VEY CLEAR TO ME THAT THE RISK POSED BY THESE BAGS WAS NOT GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVED. I AM CONCERNED THIS IS UNDER REPORTED, BECAUSE PEOPLE ASSUME THEY MUST HAVE FORGOT TO ATTACH IT WHEN FACT THE ATTACHEMENTS ARE FAULTY. ALSO, I THOUGHT BY REPORTING IT TO HD THAT THE SAFETY BOARD WOULD KNOW ABOUT IT TOO, BECAUSE I ASSUMED HD WOULD BE OBLIGATED TO PASS ON THE REPORT TO THE TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD. THEY DO NOT. THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE A HD MECHANIC ASSESS IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND IS ENDANGERING LIVES!*DT MORE PICS OF INJURIES AND HELMET.*JB

NHTSA ID

11219095

Incident

Aug 15, 2018

Mileage

6,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR (ROAD KING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WAS PERFORMED ON MARCH 11, 2018 AT QUEEN CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON (5960 DIXIE HIGHWAY FAIRFIELD, OHIO 45014 PHONE 513-874-4343) HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BY FAILING TO PUT THE MOTORCYCLE DATA PORT SERVICE PROCESS AS FOUND. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,064.

NHTSA ID

11081438

Incident

Mar 11, 2018

Mileage

68,064 mi

HEADLIGHTS AND PASSING LAMPS FLICKER ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AT NIGHT. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHT AND PASSING LAMPS. HAPPENS WHEN YOU TURN THE HANDLEBARS LEFT OR RIGHT. HAPPENS SITTING STILL AND WHILE MOTORCYCLE IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID

11001841

Incident

Jun 30, 2016

Mileage

27,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH APPROACHING A CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC JAM, THE REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP WHEN APPLIED AND THE FRONTAL BRAKE LEVELER WAS VERY HARD TO APPLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST BETWEEN THE LANES OF TRAFFIC UNTIL THE FRONTAL BRAKE ENGAGED AND CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE RIGHT LANE THAT WAS CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN HOME SLOWLY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ABS FAILURE AND THE ENTIRE ABS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. ...UPDATED 05/03/17 *BF *AS

NHTSA ID

10971085

Incident

Mar 27, 2017

Mileage

64,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGH THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL AFTER GETTING STOPPED AND PARKING THE BIKE, THE BREAK LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS PULLING ON THE BREAK IT LOOSENED UP SO I RODE BIKE TO REPAIR SHOP. EVERY TIME THE FRONT BREAK WOULD ENGAGE (WHICH WAS NOT EVERY TIME), IT WOULD CATCH AND LOCK UP THE FRONT TIRE CAUSING ME TO DROP THE BIKE ONCE. REPAIR SHOP SAID THE ENTIRE ABS SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING. HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID I WOULD HAVE TO ALLOW THEM TO FIX IF BUT THAT IT WOULD BE AT THEIR NORMAL RATE FOR PARTS AND SERVICE. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS AWARE THEY HAVE RECALLED THE SAME BIKE FOR MANY YEARS BUT NOT FOR THE 2011 MODEL AND THAT IT APPEARS THAT IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER BIKES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE IS APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID

10723670

Incident

May 26, 2015

Mileage

62,232 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. ...UPDATED 02/11/15 *BF

NHTSA ID

10670897

Incident

May 26, 2014

Mileage

33,000 mi

RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE OVERHEATING TO THE POINT OF BURNING MY PANTS AND LEGS. COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A $20K BIKE. HARLEY STATES THAT IS IS NORMAL. THERE IS NOTHING NORMAL FOR A RIDER TO BURN HIS/HER LEGS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10616320

Incident

Jul 24, 2014

Mileage

7,500 mi

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.0.2): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). New Software Update Version 26.0.2. Release Date: Week of November 18, 2025. New Features, Changes. 2026 Vehicles, 2025 Softail and LiveWire S2DM/MH/AP EV3. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) supports additional Harley-Davidson motorcycle models and model years outside of those listed.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REVU): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision U. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER SYSTEM (PART NUMBER: DCA-8000). [Rev U] Added: Description of improvements made to the testing algorithm for GRX software Version P and DCA-8000 software Version E.

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1171 (REV B): SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR SCREAMIN EAGLE PRO STREET TUNER. PURPOSE: Revision B. Updated: Summary. The App has returned to the Apple App Store. This bulletin informs dealers that a recent software update to the Screamin' Eagle Pro Street Tuner application will require the use of a Personal Computer (PC) to complete a Bluetooth Communication Interface (BCI) firmware update.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.9): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). New Software Update Version 25.8.9 Release Date: Week of September 2, 2025. Changes: LiveWire 2024 S2MH: Removal of incorrect Electro Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) reflash support; EHCU Module (Part No. 41100123): Addressed issue where module became unrecoverable after failed reflash attempted. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) supports additional Harley-Davidson motorcycle models and model years outside of those listed.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.7): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). New Software Update Version 25.6.4, Release Date: Week of August 19, 2025. Includes New Features and Changes for the Models & Model Years listed. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) supports additional Harley-Davidson motorcycle models and model years outside of those listed.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REV T): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision T. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER SYSTEM (PART NUMBER: DCA-8000). [Rev T] Updated: New Software Update, Previous Software Updates and DCA-8000. Added: 192-210335P. Software update 192-210335P for GRX-3110 and DCA-800 to add new battery part numbers.