2024 Harley-Davidson Flhxse

Defect. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles. The voltage regulator output wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, exposing the wire and causing an electrical short circuit. A short can result in a loss of electrical power and drive power.

Risk. The unexpected loss of drive power and the loss of electrical power while in motion increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and as necessary, repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, and install a secondary retention strap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0186.

Upon the completion of an official oil consumption test and internal engine diagnostics at St. Louis Harley-Davidson, the service department returned my motorcycle to me with the engine oil dipstick left completely unthreaded and unsecured. Unaware of this mechanical oversight, I operated the vehicle on a 52-mile trip home, which included 44 miles at sustained speeds on the interstate. Operating a motorcycle with an unsealed oil spout creates a severe safety hazard, as high crankcase pressure can cause hot engine oil to forcefully eject or mist onto the exhaust pipe and the rear tire, presenting an immediate risk of fire or catastrophic rear-wheel traction loss. Returning a motorcycle to a consumer in an un-assembled, dangerous condition constitutes gross service negligence that directly risks rider safety.

Upon the completion of an official oil consumption test and internal engine diagnostics at St. Louis Harley-Davidson, the service department returned my motorcycle to me with the engine oil dipstick left completely unthreaded and unsecured. Unaware of this mechanical oversight, I operated the vehicle on a 52-mile trip home, which included 44 miles at sustained speeds on the interstate. Operating a motorcycle with an unsealed oil spout creates a severe safety hazard, as high crankcase pressure can cause hot engine oil to forcefully eject or mist onto the exhaust pipe and the rear tire, presenting an immediate risk of fire or catastrophic rear-wheel traction loss. Returning a motorcycle to a consumer in an un-assembled, dangerous condition constitutes gross service negligence that directly risks rider safety.

I suffered 2 incidents of heat prostration, while riding the motorcycle during hot summer weather conditions. Ambient temperatures were above 93 degrees. During one incident, I was stopped at a long, busy red stop light. In the 2nd incident, I was stuck waiting to get out of a busy parking lot. After the very excessive heat exposure to excessive engine heat due to very poor design. I was confused, had difficulty controlling the motorcycle,, lost sense of hearing, and had decreased peripheral vision. I was exposed to the engine heat for less than 6 minutes in each incident, I am personally aware of 2 single vehicle motorcycle crashes involving injuries, and death of a passenger due to poor motorcycle design. The problem of excessive engine heat being directed to the rider's right body is well known in the Harley community, and well documented on the internet, and by influencers. The problem is poor design. The M8 runs lean and hot. The cooling radiator is located behind the front tire in a dead air zone. The radiator is low and the air flow is near the ground, where temperatures are 140-180 F degrees directly above the summer heated asphalt. The electric fan runs constantly, even at Interstate speeds. The ducting for the air is vented across the right side exhaust (1700 F). The air being vented is 1100 F degrees. Informal testing by various influencers have recorded temperature of the right ankle area at 172F. The temperature of lower leg have been recorded at 154F. The air tr