2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C

The stock TMS (Turn Signal Module) on my Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 failed. This sensor controls the auto cancel turn signal feature as well as a combination bank angle sensor. This sensor has a built in kill switch which if the bike detects an angle of lean indicative of a crash it will kill the engine preventing it from starting by preventing spark from occurring to the cylinders. My problem is when my sensor failed my motorcycle will not start now. I called all local Harley Davidson dealerships in the area who told me the part is “obsolete” and stated there was no parts being manufactured to replace it. They offered no remedy or fix to replace this part and now the motorcycle is completely disabled and can not start without a replacement sensor. I contacted corporate Harley Davidson who advised they would do research with their “parts staff” to attempt to locate any parts in the country in an effort to rectify the situation. They responded after 3 days with they are unable to help and to contact a local dealership for assistance. Which all dealerships advised there was no fix. So currently I have a motorcycle with only 9,900 miles that can not be driven due to a faulty sensor Harley Davidson refuses to manufacture because they want owners to purchase a newer style motorcycle. I am making this report to hopefully force Harley Davison to once again produce this part so myself and many others experiencing this problem can continue to enjoy our motorcycles.

NHTSA ID

11515476

Incident

Mar 31, 2023

I WAS RIDING MY 2009 HARLEY SPORTSTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AT ABOUT 9AM, AND I HEARD A BOOM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL. I REGAINED CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, WHERE I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER MY TIRE, AND THE GROUND AROUND MY BIKE. THEN I DISCOVERED THE BOOM I HEARD WAS ACTUALLY MY OIL TANK BLOWING AT THE SEAM. THE OIL TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND ITS NOT BROKEN, JUST SEPARATED AT GLUE-PLASTIC WELD SEAM. I BROUGHT THIS TO ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON IN WI. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO HD DEALERSHIP, AT A COST OF $300 TO ME. I DID NOT HAVE $300 TO DO THIS, SO MY OIL TANK IT STILL RUINED. HARLEY WILL NOT BACK UP PRODUCT, OR EVEN ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY CSR THAT IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE, NO DOCUMENTED CASES, AND YET THERE ARE HUNDREDS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10628132

Incident

May 22, 2014

Mileage

1,734 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPITFIRE XI1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN HE SUDDENLY FELT AN ABNORMAL RUBBING ON THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE OWNER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FENDER AND BRACE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED AT THE FAILURE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURING THE FRAME FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,464. UPDATED 08/8/11*LJ UPDATED 08/15/11

NHTSA ID

10409367

Incident

May 25, 2011

Mileage

6,464 mi

SERVICE BULLETIN M1684: MARKET SPECIFIC BATTERY INTRODUCTION. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers of the availability of new batteries for new Original Equipment (OE) vehicle production and in the Parts and Accessories (P&A) catalog. Availability of the new Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries will vary by market and will be transitioning over the next few months. NOTE: The ring terminal screws are not compatible between Leoch and East Penn batteries. The new batteries will include new ring terminal screws, which must be used. The ring terminal screws from the old battery need to be discarded.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: 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). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quantity changes.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): 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). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution® Max, and 2024 Touring.

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1146: 68193-95 BULB WEDGE, FENDER TIP LAMP. Purpose: To inform dealers of an issue with the bulb wire terminals not being to specification. The light bulbs were used in numerous front and rear fender tip light assemblies for domestic and international applications.