Harley Davidson Recalls 66000 Motorcycles For Brake Defects

Harley-Davidson is recalling 66,421 motorcycles for potential brake defects.

According to Fortune.com, the Milwaukee-based company is recalling 2014 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles that were manufactured between July 1, 2013 and May 7, 2014.

The front wheels of the bikes can lock up without notice when the front brake line is caught between the vehicle’s fuel tank and frame.

The pinched line can cause a build-up of brake fluid pressure that locks the front wheel.

This defect has led to five crashes and two non-life-threatening injuries. The company plans to contact individual owners later this month to replace the affected bikes’ brake lines at no cost to consumers.

Earlier this year, the motorcycle manufacturer recalled more than 18,000 bikes from its Breakout and CVO Breakout model lines because of a fuel range indicator defect.

Another 29,000 motorcycles with hydraulic clutch system issues were also recalled last fall.

Motorcycle Brake Failure

When motorcycle brakes fail, the consequences can be devastating. Riders may lose control of the vehicle and collide head-on with another vehicle or crash into trees or other stationary objects.

Motorcyclists may crash into pedestrians or others on the roadway. Riders also run the risk of getting thrown of their motorcycles.

This could cause severe head injury or other types of traumatic injuries, even if they are wearing a helmet or other protective gear. Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be extremely painful and costly to treat.

Victims, in addition to brain or spinal cord injuries, could also suffer multiple broken bones, internal organ damage or even death.

Defect Liability Issues

When an individual is injured as a result of a defective motorcycle, he or she can file what is known as an auto product liability claim against the motorcycle manufacturer or the maker of a defective part, which may have caused or contributed to the incident.

Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injury, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim as well.

Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced product liability lawyer who has experience successfully handling similar cases and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.