Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
SUMMARY:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014.5 FXDL Dyna Low Rider motorcycles manufactured January 6, 2014, through June 19, 2014. In the affected motorcycles,
certain optional performance electronic control module calibrations may allow higher engine rpms that could result in engine vibrations that cause the ignition switch to move from the "IGN" (ignition on) to "ACC" (accessory only) position, which will shut the engine off.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the vibration causes the ignition switch to move to the accessory only position, the motorcycle would stall while riding, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine mount bracket assembly and ignition switch knob, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of July 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to
www.safercar.gov.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT:
Some of these motorcycles may have been assembled with a top engine mount bracket assembly (P/N 16400026) that has are onant frequency equivalent to 5800 RPM engine speed. When the engine is operated at that speed, it causes excessive vibration in the ignition switch, which mount to that bracket. Thi excessive vibration can cause the switch to move from the "IGN" (ignition on) position to the "ACC" (accessory only) position, shutting the engine off. The production Electronic Control Module (ECM) calibration will not allow engine speed to exceed 5600 RPM, but Harley-Davidson offers street-legal performance calibrations which will allow the engine to operate above 5600 RPM.
If a performance calibration has been installed which permits the engine to exceed 5600 rpm, it could allow a condition that may potentially cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. A stall while riding in traffic could lead to a crash.
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Another review of the warranty and complaint databases in June revealed a total of four events, all of which occurred on motorcycles believed to be fitted with
non-Harley-Davidson exhaust systems and
ECMs with higher than production engine speed rev limit calibrations. There were no reported crashes or injuries.
Emphasis added, but far be it from me to bring facts into a good Harley bashing...