2014 Harley-Davidson Touring/Softail/Trike Motorcycle Recalls
Harley-Davidson has recalled over 29,000 motorcycles and trikes due to hydraulic clutch system issues that may present safety issues for riders.
Harley says it has recalled 25,185 of its 2014 touring models (Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU, Electra Glide Ultra Limited FLHTK, Police Electra Glide FLHTP, Street Glide FLHX, Street Glide Special FLHXS, CVO Limited FLHTKSE and Sreamin’ Eagle Road King FLHRSE), and 3,861 Softail CVOs and Trikes (Tri Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCUTG, CVO Breakout FXSBSE and CVO Softail Deluxe FLSTNSE).
The affected motorcycles featuring hydraulic clutch systems were built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013. Harley says the recall includes a “Do Not Ride” notice to owners and a “Do Not Deliver” notice to Harley-Davidson dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.
Due to seriousness of the recall, Harley wants owners of the affected motorcycles to contact their authorized dealers to arrange for inspection Harley says the dealer will pick up, inspect, and repair the motorcycle at no cost to the owner. Also, Harley says the repair will take less than an hour.
Speaking of the recall, The Motor Company says some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. Harley-Davidson has initiated these recalls to correct the affected motorcycles.
Tony Wilcox (Harley-Davidson General Manager of Motorcycle New Product Delivery) says: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority. We have identified potential safety issues and are moving quickly to notify our customers and dealers.
“The inspection and repair of these motorcycles is extremely important, so it’s critical that our customers with affected vehicles contact their dealers immediately. We apologize for this circumstance. The company is committed to correcting the issues and providing customers with the quality experience and service they expect.”
Harley updated all 2014 touring models, except the Road King, with the new hydraulic clutch. Due to increased power, Harley had to strengthen the clutch springs, and The Motor Company opted for a hydraulic system to keep clutch-lever pull easier.
Although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration was closed as a result of the partial government shutdown, Harley-Davidson is proceeding with these voluntary recalls consistent with NHTSA’s process.