2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtk

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Road King (FLHR), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Road King (FLHP), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), CVO Ultra Limited (FLHTKSE), 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE), and 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), and CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have saddlebag mounting receptacles that may not adequately secure the saddlebags to the motorcycle.

Risk. If a saddlebag is not adequately secured, it may separate from the motorcycle while riding, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected saddlebag mounting receptacles with updated receptacles, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0166.

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) notified the agency on April 9, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic - Twin Cooled (FLHTCU TC), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low - Twin Cooled (FLHTCUL TC), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE) motorcycles. On July 31, 2015, Harley-Davidson expanded the recall to cover an additional 61,065 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.

Risk. When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0165.

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Twin Cooled (FLHTCUTC), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Street Glide Shrine (FLHX SHRINE), and CVO Softail Deluxe (FLSTNSE). In the affected motorcycles, a component in the clutch master cylinder may fail, reducing the pressure available to keep the clutch disengaged.

Risk. If the clutch does not remain disengaged, the motorcycle may creep forward while the rider intends to be stopped, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the affected clutch master cylinders, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0159 & 0160.

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 ABS-equipped Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, models FLHTK, FLHTKSE, FLHTKSHRINE, FLHTCU, FLHTCUTC, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXSHRINE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHP, and FLHRSE, manufactured July 1, 2013, through May 7, 2014. The affected motorcycles may have been assembled with the front brake line positioned so that it can be pinched between the fuel tank and frame causing the front brake fluid pressure to increase.

Risk. A pinched brake line will increase the front brake fluid pressure, possibly resulting in a front wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycles for brake line damage and replace the damaged lines as necessary. Dealers will also install one or two cable straps to properly prevent the line from being pinched in the future, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE, and FLHRSE motorcycles manufactured May 3, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The clutch master cylinder may allow air into the clutch system. Additionally, the motorcycles may have been assembled with an incorrect clutch release plate. Either condition may prevent the clutch from disengaging.

Risk. If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Harley-Davidson has already notified owners, and dealers will rebuild the clutch master cylinder and install the proper clutch release plate, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in late October 2013. Harley-Davidson's recall number is 0153. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-800-258-2464.

The ABS module has failed on my HD FLHTK causing the rear brake to stop working with no warning. The dealer has my bike but said the module is out of stock and is back ordered until April of 2024. Doing an internet search reveals this is a known problem, sometimes causing both front and rear brakes to fail without warning. They said the brake fluid should have been replaced every two years to avoid this problem. I did not know this. The risk is obvious. The diagnosis was done by Henderson Harley-Davidson, in Henderson, Nevada. My bike remains there. There was no warning before the failure.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA (FLHTK). WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE SADDLE BAG FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE SADDLE BAG AND DROVE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

THE 2014 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SERVICE MANUAL TOURING MODELS (99483-14) CONTAINS A PROCEDURE FOR BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER UNLESS AIR IS INTRODUCED INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENT TO THE PUBLICATION OF THIS MANUAL, SOME 2008-2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE MODELS WERE INVOLVED IN AN NHTSA RECALL FOR ABS BRAKE ISSUES. AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, HARLEY-DAVIDSON NOW REQUIRES THAT ALL YEAR MODEL MOTORCYCLES WITH ABS HAVE THE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT PERFORMED USING THE DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (HD-48650), WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE TO OWNERS. THE DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II ACTIVATES THE ABS MODULE DURING A BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT TO ENSURE ALL CONTIMANATED BRAKE FLUID IS FLUSHED FROM THE ABS MODULE AND BRAKE LINES. AS I STATED, THE 2014 SERVICE MANUAL DOES NOT REQUIRE THIS STEP. HARLEY-DAVIDSON ALLOWS OWNERS TO PURCHASE SERVICE MANUALS IN ORDER FOR OWNERS TO PERFORM THEIR OWN SERVICE AND REPAIRS TO THEIR HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES WITHOUT HAVING TO TAKE THE MOTORCYCLES TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND REPAIRS. THEREFORE, OWNERS WOULD HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT A CRITICAL BRAKE SERVICE PROCEDURE HAS BEEN CHANGED WHICH, IF DONE AS OUTLINED IN THE OLDER SERVICE MANUAL, COULD END UP CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE THE RIDER AND/OR PASSENGER. I FEEL IT IS NEGLIGENT OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE THIS PROCEDURE WITHOUT NOTIFYING OWNERS.

FAULTY ABS SYSTEM. MYSELF AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABS SYSTEMS ON OUR HARLEYS. THE RECALL COVERS FROM 2008-2011. WE ARE NOT QUITE SURE OF WHY YOU WOULD LET HARLEY CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE MOTORCYCLES WITH A FAULTY SYSTEM THAT WOULD ALLOW BRAKES TO LOCK UP INSTEAD OF THE SYSTEM MOST EVERYONE ELSE USES WHERE THE ABS IS JUST DISABLED BUT STILL HAVE NORMAL BRAKE FUNCTIONS EXCEPT FOR THE ABS. I WAS A MECHANIC FOR MANY YEARS AND WAS AROUND WHEN THE FIRST ABS SYSTEMS CAME ABOUT. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE HURT.

TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OVERHEAT LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER CONSULTING WITH LOCAL HD DEALER BY PHONE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE BIKE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR (PER HD MEMO). PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAULTY WATER PUMP WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. DEALER STATED, AND CONFIRMED AT OTHER HD DEALERS, THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THESE WATER PUMPS IN STOCK DUE TO THE HIGH FAILURE RATE. NECESSITY TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE DUE TO OVERHEATING CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION DUE TO REMAINING ALONGSIDE THE HIGHWAY UNTIL A TOW VEHICLE COULD MOVE BIKE. THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ON 2014 HD MOTORCYCLES WITH "TWIN COOLING" ACCORDING TO SEVERAL DEALERS. ONCE REPLACED, THE NEW PUMP MOTORS FUNCTION PROPERLY.

WATER PUMP FAILURE, IN MOTION ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT SPEED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V427000 (EQUIPMENT) AT THE ILLINOIS HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER LOCATED AT 9950 JOLIET RD, COUNTRYSIDE, IL 60525, (708) 387-8750). SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE SADDLE BAG DISCONNECTED WITH THE PIN LOOSENING WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 35 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT INFORMED THEM THAT THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/17/17*LJ *TR

AFTER DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM ON THE HIGHWAY MY INTERMENT CLUSTER HAS BEEN CUTTING OUT MY SPEEDOMETER RPM GAUGE STOPS WORKING LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON..VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM.

WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AS I APPROACHED SLOWER MOVING VEHICLES I TAPPED THE FRONT BRAKE LIKE I HAVE DONE SO MANY TIMES BEFORE; BUT THIS TIME THE CRUISE DID NOT CANCEL. I TAPPED THE FRONT BRAKE SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE FRONT END DIVE. BUT THE BIKE KEPT ACCELERATING. I TOOK QUICK ACTION TO SHUT THE CRUISE OFF. AFTER GETTING CLEAR OF OTHER TRAFFIC I TRIED TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO CANCEL CRUISE WITH THE REAR BRAKE BUT NOT THE FRONT. 24 HRS LATER I WENT FOR A RIDE AND THIS TIME EVERYTHING WORKED NORMALLY. I WAS ABLE TO CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL BUT JUST TAPPING THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER AT LEAST 6 TIMES. *TR

APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES ENGINE AND THERMOSTAT LIGHTS CAME ON. THE SENSOR WAS CHANGED. THIS LASTED FOR 600 MILES. DIFFERENT SHOP CHANGED THE SENSOR AND WATER PUMP WHICH LASTED ABOUT 2000 MILES. WHEN RETURNED TO THE SHOP, THEY RETRIEVED THE FAULTY CODE BUT COULD NOT GET THE ENGINE TO REPRODUCE THE ERROR AND WOULD NOT LOOK INTO ISSUE. PROBLEM RETURNED LESS THAN 100 MILES LATER/ AT THE PRESENT TIME, I RIDE THE BIKE WITH THE ENGINE AND TEMPERATURE LIGHTS ACTIVATED.

2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA LIMITED. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE VIBRATION, THROTTLE ISSUES, CLUTCH COMPENSATOR AND POSSIBLE EITMS FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE NOTICED A VIBRATION FROM THE ENGINE WHICH WAS MORE THAN HE EXPECTED, AND AN INTERMITTENT KNOCK FROM THE ENGINE. THE HD PERSONNEL SAID IT WAS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE LIKED THE POWER AND RIDE AS SPEED. HOWEVER, WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS ROLLED OFF, THE BIKE LUGGED AND SURGED AND AT IDLE THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION. ALSO, AT IDLE THERE WAS A HEAVY. LOUD INTERMITTENT CLUNKING SOUND MUCH LIKE A PRE-IGNITION KNOCK. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED DIFFERENT OPINIONS OF WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TWIN OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE WAS AN ISSUE FOR THE MANUFACTURER. *JB

WHILE I WAS RIDING MY 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK MOTORCYCLE ON A 35 MPH TWO LANE CITY STREET, THE SHIFTER SHAFT LEVER BECAME STRIPPED. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE MOTORCYCLE OUT OF FIRST GEAR AFTER A STOP AND TRAFFIC WAS BACKING UP BEHIND AND PASSING ME CREATING SOMEWHAT OF A HAZARD. FORTUNATELY FOR ME I WAS IN AN AREA WHERE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE ROADWAY. HAD THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A ROADWAY WITH LIMITED ACCESS/SIGHT LINES AND HIGHER SPEEDS AN INJURY COULD HAVE RESULTED.

YESTERDAY (04/03/16), I WAS TRAVELING THROUGH NORTHERN VA (ON ROUTE #66), ON MY WAY HOME. TRYING TO TAKE AN EXIT TO GAS UP, I WASN'T ABLE TO SHIFT AT ALL. SO I'M TRYING TO PULL OVER (VERY WORRIED I MIGHT BE HIT BY AN ANOTHER COMMUTER IN A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY / 1ST SAFETY ISSUE), TO CHECK THE BIKE, I COULDN'T USE MY LEFT FLOOR BOARD (AFFECTING MY BALANCE / 2ND SAFETY ISSUE), BECAUSE THE SHIFTER AND SHIFTER SHAFT WERE OUT OF THEIR POSITION AND LAYING ON MY FLOOR BOARD (THESE PARTS COULD HAVE JUST FLEW AWAY AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD / 3RD SAFETY ISSUE). FINALLY, I STOPPED THE MOTORCYCLE, CHECKED THE BIKE, PUT IT ON 3RD GEAR, USING LINKAGE AND MADE IT TO LOCAL HD DEALERSHIP. AFTER THIS SCARY EXPERIENCE A GENTLEMEN AT THE DEALERSHIP (JUST A CUSTOMER WITH A SIMILAR MOTORCYCLE RUSHMORE TOURING), TOLD ME THAT HE HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS WELL; THANKS!

WHEN APPLYING THE FRONT BRAKES, UNDER LIGHT BRAKING SITUATIONS, BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON. I BROUGHT THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER WITH MY CONCERN AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. SINCE I FIRST NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT NOT COMING ON WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE WAS APPLIED, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE EVENT WITH CONSISTENT RESULTS. I HAVE A STRONG CONCERN THAT WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE AT A FULL STOP AND WITH NO BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVE, THAT I AM SUSCEPTIBLE TO A REAR END COLLISION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 H-D FLHTK MOTORCYCLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE RADIATOR EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CAP ON THE COOLANT SYSTEM DETACHED TWICE AND THE FLUID SPILLED WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

FRONT SPARK PLUG WIRE IS WEARING THROUGH RUBBING ON THE FUEL TANK. GONE UNCHECKED COULD POSSIBLY ARC DIRECTLY TO FUEL TANK OR ARC AFTER FUELING (COULD CAUSE A FIRE) I HAVE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OTHER BIKES SAME MODEL AND CONDITION EXISTS. WIRE NEEDS TO BE INSULATED OR REROUTED. IT IS NOT EASILY NOTICED BY CASUAL INSPECTION. *TR

THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SWITCH, WHICH ACTIVATES THE BRAKE LIGHT AND DISABLES THE CRUISE CONTROL, FAILS TO ACTIVATE BEFORE SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE IS APPLIED. THE BRAKES BEGIN TO FUNCTION LONG BEFORE THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON OR THE CRUISE DISCONNECTS. THIS CAUSES A PROBLEM WHEN STOPPED, AS THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON WHEN USING THE FRONT BRAKE ALONE, UNLESS SERIOUS PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE LEVER, FAR MORE THAN NORMALLY REQUIRED TO HOLD THE BIKE STOPPED AGAINST A SLOPE. ALSO, CRUISE FAILS TO DISENGAGE IF ONLY THE FRONT LEVER IS GENTLY PULLED; THE BIKE BEGINS TO SLOW CONSIDERABLY BEFORE THE CRUISE DISENGAGES. BRAKE STOPPING ACTION IS NORMAL. REAR BRAKE FOOT PEDAL WORKS PROPERLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON NORMALLY, THAT IS WITH LIGHT PRESSURE, ABOUT THE SAME TIME AS BRAKING ACTION BEGINS. THE DEALER (SHOP MANAGER [XXX] , MARIETTA GA) COMPARED MY BRAKE ACTION TO SEVERAL OTHER 2014 BIKES AND HE SAID THEY ALL ARE LIKE THAT. BUT IT'S NOT NORMAL AND IT CAUSES ME DISTRESS THAT IT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. I WANT MY BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ON WHEN I PULL THE LEVER. I WORRY THAT I'LL GET HIT BY A CAR WHICH DOESN'T THINK I'M STOPPED. I WANT MY CRUISE TO DISENGAGE WHEN I PULL THE LEVER. THIS SWITCH IS A COMMON PART WITH ALL 2014 TOURING MODEL H-D MOTORCYCLES, AND MAYBE EARLIER MODELS. *TR

THE FRONT BRAKES MAKE A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN APPLIED. NOT ALL THE TIME, BUT VERY OFTEN. WHILE BRAKE STOPPING IS CURRENTLY NORMAL, I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS KIND OF NOISE ON ANY OF THE DOZENS OF MOTORCYCLES I HAVE OWNED OVER THE LAST 40+ YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE AT THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE NOISE. YET IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I RIDE IT. I EVEN PROVIDED THEM AND H-D FACTORY WITH VIDEO OF IT HAPPENING OVER AND OVER. THE DEALER (HELLBENDER H-D, MARIETTA GA) SAID THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. H-D FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE BLAMED ME FOR THE PROBLEM, SAYING IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS NOT USING THE REAR BRAKE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, AS I HAVE USE COORDINATED BRAKING ALL MY LIFE, AND BESIDES, NO BRAKE SYSTEM SHOULD MAKE THIS NOISE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE IS A MATERIALS PROBLEM WITH THE ROTORS OR CALIPERS, OR THAT A MANUFACTURING ERROR HAS CAUSED A DEFECT THAT WILL PREVENT THE MOTORCYCLE FROM STOPPING. THE DEALER HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS (EXCEPT BRAKE PADS) AND REFUSED TO SWAP A WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES. THEY SIMPLY DO NOT WANT TO SPEND A PENNY, EVEN IF IT MAKES THE BIKE SAFE FOR ME TO RIDE. *TR

THE FRONT SPARK PLUG WIRE ON 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING MOTORCYCLES IS ROUTED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME UNDER THE FUEL TANK. AT THE POINT WHERE THE FRONT SPARK PLUG WIRE EMERGES FROM BENEATH THE FUEL TANK, THE SPARK PLUG WIRE TOUCHES AND RUBS AGAINST THE FUEL TANK. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM OWNERS OF THESE MOTORCYCLES OF THE INSULATION BEING DAMAGED OVER TIME BY THE CONTINUOUS RUBBING ON THE TANK CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE AT THE FUEL TANK. THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE IS FURTHER SUPPORTED BY THE FACT THAT THE MOTORCYCLE LEANS TO THE LEFT WHEN ON THE KICK STAND. THIS POSITIONING CAUSES ANY FUEL SPILL DURING RE-FUELING TO FLOW TO THE AREA OF THE POTENTIAL SHORT CIRCUIT INCREASING THE CHANCE FOR A FIRE WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS STARTED AFTER THE SPILL. *JS

AFTER A BRIEF RIDE OF ONLY 5 MILES, I PARKED THE ABOVE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE. WHILE I WAS UPSTAIRS THE SMOKE ALARMS WENT OFF AT MY RESIDENCE AND WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. *TR