2009 Harley-Davidson Flhx problems

TIRES

The contact owns a 2009 Harley Davidson HLFX equipped with Shinko Tire Line: Shinko Tires E705, Tire Size: 180/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while riding 20-25 MPH in the rain, the rear tire began to skid while rounding a curve and the contact lost control of the motorcycle. The contact continued riding; the failure occurred again while attempting to merge onto a highway. The contact pulled off to the shoulder and had the motorcycle towed to the residence. The dealer where the tire was purchased was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer and left a voicemail. The contact had not yet received a response from the manufacturer. The motorcycle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The tire failure mileage was 250.

NHTSA complaint #11546934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I took my bike in to Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson for the repair as described in the recall. My bike had no issues with brakes or ABS light. The service department hooked it up to their computer and the ABS light was triggered. The service caused the ABS Module to fail. They refuse to repair the damage they caused. They want me to sign a statement that I know I am leaving their shop without antilock brakes.

NHTSA complaint #11491305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide (FLHX). The contact stated while driving out of his driveway at 10 MPH, the front hand-brake pedal was depressed, however felt hard. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. There was no crash. The contact stated he researched the failure online and found a failure related to the ABS module. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer and was awaiting appointment. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that a year ago NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was serviced on the motorcycle. The contact believed that the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA complaint #11441475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

HUNDREDS OF RIDERS IN FORUMS ONLINE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE WHERE THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE'S WIRE PINS GOING INTO THE THROTTLE INDUCTION MODEL ACTUATOR BECOMES DISRUPTED WHILE RIDING. HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS PROGRAMED THE BIKE TO SHUT DOWN THE RPMS TO NO MORE THAN 2,000 AND SHUTTING DOWN ONE OF THE TWO CYLINDERS. THIS POSES VERY SERIOUS AND IMMEDIATE RISK OF DEATH TO THE RIDER AS THE BIKE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING OR BRAKE LIGHTS DROPS IN SPEED VERY QUICKLY ON A HIGHWAY RESULTING IN POSSIBLY GETTING REAR-ENDED BY A VEHICLE, OR GETTING RUN OVER TRYING TO CROSS LANES OF TRAFFIC, OR GOING SIDEWAYS IF IN THE MIDDLE OF A CURVE; IN THE CASE OF A MOUNTAIN ROAD, THIS COULD MEAN FALLING TO ONE'S DEATH. ALL OF THIS COULD BE PREVENTED BY HD REPLACING THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS(ES) WITH A SLIGHTLY LONGER ONES SO THE EXTREME ANGLE OF THE WIRE INPUT DOESN'T PUT STRESS ON THE PINS, AND THE BIKE CONTINUES TO OPERATE NORMALLY. ALSO, CHANGING THE PROGRAMMING SO THAT THE BIKE CAN GO ABOVE 15MPH IF "LIMP MODE" IS REQUIRED FOR SOME REASON WOULD LIKELY PREVENT SOMEONE FROM BEING KILLED. IT WAS TERRIFYING TO HAVE AN 18-WHEELER BARRELING DOWN ON MY FROM BEHIND BECAUSE THE BIKE WENT FROM 75MPH TO 40MPH IN LESS THAN 2 SECONDS. I HONESTLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE A TERRIBLE DEATH. FORTUNATELY THIS DRIVER SAW MY FRANTIC WAVING OF THE HANDS. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT, I'D BE DEAD.

NHTSA complaint #11195998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (FLHX) MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED AND USED THE FRONT BRAKES TO DRIVE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MOTORCITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALER (24800 HAGGERTY RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE CONTROL BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WAS NO FOLLOW-UP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,262.

NHTSA complaint #11074490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

ANTI LOCK BRAKES FRONT AND REAR, HARD PEDAL TOP AND BOTTOM. VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11072316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

MY FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECAME STUCK AND WOUND NOT FUNCTION WHILE LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY ONTO A CITY STREET. I WAS TRAVLING A LOW SPEED AND ABLE TO STOP THE BIKE WITH THE REAR BRAKE, HOWEVER, I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE BEFORE ROLLING INTO THE STREET AND CJECCKING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE MOTORCYCLE BACK AROUND AND BACK INTO THE GARAGE. THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER BY REPLACING THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE (ABS HCU, SERVICE TOURING PART NUMBER 48343-09)

NHTSA complaint #11066769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION IS POORLY MANUFACTURED. MOTORCYCLE HAS 40K MILES AND WHEN RING ON SHIFTER GETS HOT, IT BECOMES BRITTLE CAUSING IT TO BREAK OFF 1/4" CAUSING BIKE TO LOOSE POWER AND GEAR WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHEN TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, PIECE HAD DAMAGED OTHER 5 GEARS CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED

NHTSA complaint #11003736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I PUSH MY HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX 2009 OUT OF THE GARAGE AND APPLIED THE FRONT BRAKE AND STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS WARMED UP GOT BACK ON THE MOTORCYCLE AND TRIED TO SQUEEZE THE FRONT BRAKE LEVEL BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE AND I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE FRONT BRAKE. BEFORE STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE THE FRONT BRAKE WAS FINE BUT AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STARTED THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WILL NOT MOVE. I TURNED THE MOTORCYCLE OFF AND PUSH IT BACK INTO THE GARAGE AND A MONTH LATER THE FRONT BRAKE LEVEL STILL WILL NOT MOVE. THE MOTORCYCLE HAD RECEIVED ITS 20,000 SERVICE ONLY ABOUT FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FRONT BRAKE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10937400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE RIDING REAR BRAKE BECAME STIFF AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER APPLYING EXTREME PRESSURE REAR ABS BEGAN TO CHATTER AND INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGE. FRONT BRAKE WORKED AS EXPECTED AND ALLOWED VEHICLE TO BE SLOWED. THIS WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND NOT A PANIC STOP. IF THIS WAS ON A BUSY CITY STREET IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10927146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHEN DRIVING THE BIKE GOES IN TO WHAT THEY CALL LIMO MODE , I HAVE NO THROTTLE AND WON'T GO , IT HAPPENED MANY TIMES PASSING ON HI WAY SPEEDS , LOCAL HD DEALER DON'T SEEM TO HAVE A FIX , I FEEL THIS IS A DANGER AND AFTER DOING SOME LOOKING I SEE THOUSANDS OF CASES LIKE MINE , IT SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES ITS VARY DANGERS .

NHTSA complaint #10887385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN DRIVING THE BIKE GOES IN TO WHAT THEY CALL LIMO MODE , I HAVE NO THROTTLE AND WON'T GO , IT HAPPENED MANY TIMES PASSING ON HI WAY SPEEDS , LOCAL HD DEALER DON'T SEEM TO HAVE A FIX , I FEEL THIS IS A DANGER AND AFTER DOING SOME LOOKING I SEE THOUSANDS OF CASES LIKE MINE , IT SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES ITS VARY DANGERS .

NHTSA complaint #10887385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE THROTTLE BY WIRE FAILED WHILE RIDING. I HAD A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT FROM BEHIND. THE DEALER BLAMED CORROSION ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE INDUCTION MODULE. COATING THE CONNECTOR IS A TEMPORARY FIX. AFTER THE 3RD FAILURE I HAD IT TOWED AND HAD A NEW INDUCTION MODULE INSTALLED. I SPENT $450 FIXING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH A WIDE RANGE OF THE MOST POPULAR HD MOTORCYCLES.

NHTSA complaint #10861528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET RIDE FLHX MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE THROTTLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE INDUCTION MODULE KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,569. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10762093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET RIDE FLHX MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE THROTTLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE INDUCTION MODULE KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,569. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10762093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS JUST RIDING DOWN THE I-405 FREEWAY NEAR SEATTLE, WA AT ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE LEFT WITH NO SHOULDER AVAILABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO. THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY FAILED AND I HAD NO POWER. I SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A TRUCK. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND MOVED 3 LANES RIGHT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO BE HIT WHEN I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL. I CALLED A FRIEND AND HE CAME ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TOWED ME HOME. I FEEL THAT I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED IN THIS INCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10748784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I WAS JUST RIDING DOWN THE I-405 FREEWAY NEAR SEATTLE, WA AT ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE LEFT WITH NO SHOULDER AVAILABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO. THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY FAILED AND I HAD NO POWER. I SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A TRUCK. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND MOVED 3 LANES RIGHT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO BE HIT WHEN I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL. I CALLED A FRIEND AND HE CAME ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TOWED ME HOME. I FEEL THAT I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED IN THIS INCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10748784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS JUST RIDING DOWN THE I-405 FREEWAY NEAR SEATTLE, WA AT ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE LEFT WITH NO SHOULDER AVAILABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO. THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY FAILED AND I HAD NO POWER. I SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A TRUCK. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND MOVED 3 LANES RIGHT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO BE HIT WHEN I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL. I CALLED A FRIEND AND HE CAME ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TOWED ME HOME. I FEEL THAT I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED IN THIS INCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10748784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER.

NHTSA complaint #10633060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER.

NHTSA complaint #10633060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER.

NHTSA complaint #10633060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON MAJOR INTERSTATE. HEARD LOUD NOISE AND THOUGHT DRIVE BELT BROKE OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE AS MOTORCYCLE WAS JUST COASTING AT THIS POINT. ENGINE AND THROTTLE FINE BUT NO FORWARD MOTION. ALSO THOUGHT MAYBE TRANSMISSION UNTIL I CHECKED REAR WHEEL AND SPROCKET. APPEARS REAR BEARING FAILURE WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE. CHECKED OTHER POSTINGS AND FORUMS ON INTERNET (HARLEY SITES) AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT LOW MILEAGE BEARING FAILURES, BOTH FRONT AND REAR. APPEARS DEALERSHIPS AND MANUFACTURER JUST GIVE IDIOTIC EXCUSES INSTEAD OF STANDING BEHIND THIS PROBLEM, SUCH AS DON'T RIDE IN THE RAIN. THEY TEST THEIR MOTORCYCLES IN INTENSE WATER TESTING PROCEDURES FOR CRYING OUT LOUD ATTEMPTING TO FIND ANY DEFECTS OR PRODUCE SOME TYPE OF FAILURE. THEY APPARENTLY WILL NOT ISSUE ANY RECALL OR GENERATE SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ARE PUT AT GRAVE RISK DUE TO FAULTY BEARINGS BEING SUPPLIED TO HARLEY DAVIDSON AND INSTALLED. THEY HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY AND OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THE MOTORING PUBLIC AND THEIR FIRST PRIORITY SHOULD BE IN MANUFACTURING AND SELLING A SAFE PRODUCT. THIS NEEDS AT THE LEAST TO BE INVESTIGATED OR LOOKED INTO BY YOUR AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT. DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD ON THIS, LOOK AT ALL OF THE RESPONSES TO THIS SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT OR PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10586460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ACCELERATING FROM A STOP UP TO SPEED WHEN LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE, ENGINE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 1500-2000 RPM. WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUT BIKE DOWN AND WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED IT. IT STARTED UP AND RAN AS NORMAL. TALKED TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND SAID TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME A COST TO FIX. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ON A MANUFACTURES RECALL. WHAT IF I WERE TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE AND LOST THE ABILITY TO MERGE .

NHTSA complaint #10544039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ACCELERATING FROM A STOP UP TO SPEED WHEN LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE, ENGINE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 1500-2000 RPM. WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUT BIKE DOWN AND WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED IT. IT STARTED UP AND RAN AS NORMAL. TALKED TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND SAID TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME A COST TO FIX. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ON A MANUFACTURES RECALL. WHAT IF I WERE TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE AND LOST THE ABILITY TO MERGE .

NHTSA complaint #10544039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.