Harley Davidson Motorcycles Brake Failure Being Probed By US

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the US automotive safety regulator said it is investigating complaints of brake failure on Harley Davidson motorcycles which resulted in reports of three crashes and two injuries.

Rider complained that both the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal suddenly did not work. In one of the complaint, it alleged that both the brakes failed simultaneously which resulted in a low-speed crash into a garage door.

"Riders report sudden brake system failure occurring without warning," said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, after receiving 43 complaints.

The NHTS said nearly 430,000 motorcycles are being investigated for the brake failure. Harley motorcycles are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) which helps in boosting the confidence of controlling the bike, especially during sudden braking.

The automotive safety regulator also said that owners are 'either unaware or ignorant' about the Harley Davidson directive of changing brake fluids every two years. The old oil can be contaminated by moisture and could corrode the ABS actuator valves, which results in brake failure.

"While it may be true that the complainants failed to adhere to Harley-Davidson's two-year brake fluid service interval requirement, the consequent sudden and complete loss of brake(s), without warning, is a concern," the NHTS said.

Harley Davidson confirmed saying, "We're aware of and cooperating with NHTSA in its investigation."