Harley-Davidson Recall Due to Motorcycle Brake Malfunction | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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Harley-Davidson Recall Due to Motorcycle Brake Malfunction

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Motorcycle Accidents, Product Liability


In February 2018, Harley Davidson issued a recall of over 175,000 motorcycles. These models, which were manufactured from 2008 to 2011, may have a failure in the anti-lock brake system. The motorcycle brake malfunction was discovered after Harley Davidson received 43 complaints, including three reports of bikers crashing.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to this motorcycle brake malfunction, you should reach out to a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for help. For a free case consultation, call us at (312) 236-2900 today.

Deposits in the Brake Fluid Can Cause Issues

The motorcycle brake malfunction was traced back to a problem with the brake fluid. The DOT 4 brake fluid used in these bikes should be checked and replaced during regular maintenance checks. Harley Davidson suggests all owners schedule maintenance every two years, but if there is a significant time period between these maintenance appointments, it’s possible that deposits will develop on parts of the brake system.

These deposits can cause the Hydraulic Control Unit located in the anti-lock brake system to stick. If this happens, the driver can have problems getting their motorcycle to brake properly, which increases their chances of crashing.

How Harley Davidson is Remedying the Recall

To remedy the issue, Harley Davidson is offering to flush out the brake systems of each motorcycle with new DOT 4 brake fluid, as well as replace the old fluid.

The recall covers more than 30 motorcycle models with anti-lock brake systems, such as the

  • Road King and Road King Classic
  • Electra Glide and Electra Glide Standard, and Electra Glide Ultra Limited
  • Street Glide
  • Road King Police and Electra Glide Standard Police

For a full list of recalled motorcycles, visit here.

Call a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcyclists are almost 26 times more likely to be victims of a fatal injury in a crash than anyone in a passenger car. A bike has less protective metal surrounding its riders than a car does, so motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe physical injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and potential amputations.

Those who drive a motorcycle clearly face more danger than those who drive an automobile, so when their bike’s parts are compromised, they are at an even bigger disadvantage. If your bike isn’t working correctly because the brakes are sticking, you could get seriously hurt in an accident.

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we don’t believe you should be responsible if you were not the negligent party. If your accident was caused by the manufacturer’s mistake, even if they organized a recall, they should be the one who takes care of your bills. Specifically, you can request compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Damage done to your personal property
  • Emotional stress
  • Funeral expenses, if a loved one was fatally injured in the accident

Our motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims such as yourself. We fight to get the maximum award for your damages, so you don’t have to worry about anything except your recovery. To schedule a no-cost consultation, contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 today.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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