Here is my tale of “Harley strikes again”,
My sons and I are preparing for a two week trip out to Oregon and the surrounding area. Trucker is picking up the bikes in NY this Sat, June 2. I have been busy getting the bikes prepared and I keep all their bikes in meticulous condition. I have been wrenching cars, motorcycles, hot rods etc. for over 50 years and have a fully equipped shop.
With that having been said, in order to play by the book, I brought the bikes into a HD dealership to have the “Brake Flush” recall performed and documented. So far all is well, we are ready to roll.
And today, two days prior to our trip, Michael’s 2010 Road King Classic has no rear brakes. The master cylinder and caliper is fine, but there is zero flow through the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. Pedal is rock hard and not moving. Dealer is willing to repair in time, but of course the part is not available. I’m not happy at all‼️
Only Harley Davidson would have a ABS that fails with no braking as a result. Unbelievable.
Only Harley Davidson would use internal HCU parts that are prone to corrosion. (The hygroscopic properties of brake fluid are well known)
Only Harley Davidson would attempt to con their customers into believing that a fluid flush will solve an obviously defective ABS HCU design.
This defect will kill some one soon and there have been numerous accidents and injuries already reported. (Hence the NHTSA “flush”recall)
What needs to be done is a recall to replace this ticking bomb. PERIOD!
If you have experienced this problem (It can affect front or rear brakes) be sure to report this to HD and to the NHTSA and let all Riders you know about this potential killer defect.
As for our trip, all I will say is that Dad came up with a solution, and Michael’s bike has brakes front and rear.
Be safe out there!
Tom P.