1996 Harley-Davidson 1200

Defect. THE AIR CLEANER BAFFLE PLATE CAN DETACH AND LODGE IN THE THROAT OF THE CARBURETOR.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN IMPEDE THE ABILITY OF THE THROTTLEPLATE TO RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLEACCIDENT OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES. IF OWNERS HAVE PURCHASED A FILTER AND HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT ON THEIR MOTORCYCLES, THEY CAN RETURN THE FILTER FOR A REPLACEMENT OR A REFUND OF THEIR MONEY.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 SPORTSTER. WHILE RIDING 30 MPH, FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FORK TUBE SPLIT IN HALF. THE CALIPER CONNECTION POINT ALSO SNAPPED. THESE FAILURES CAUSED THE FRONT WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND THE BRAKE TO GO DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED INJURIES SUCH AS ROAD RASH ON BOTH ARMS, BRUISES ON HIS RIGHT HIP, MUSCLE SPASMS (FOR THREE DAYS AFTER), AND PAIN IN HIS LEFT HEEL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED, BUT THERE WAS NO CORRESPONDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE TURNING THE ISSUE OVER TO THE PRODUCT LIABILITY DEPARTMENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 12,254. UPDATED 11-24-08 *BF AS THE LIGHT STARTED TO TURN GREEN, THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP AND TURNED TO THE LEFT CAUSING THE BIKE TO HIT THE GROUND ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN FROM THE BIKE. UPDATED 11/25/08. *JB