I live in Dallas, not sure if it is because of the cold weather we have been having, however.. The temp is supposed to be nice today so I rode to work.
However I noticed the my front brake lever was extremely hard to pull.. Any ideas?

 

I know there has been talk here about the brakes failing unsafe when the ABS system quits. I think the symptom is a hard lever or pedal when it fails. I don't know if you have ABS or not but if you do that could be the problem.

 

how cold- ice crystals in the brake fluid?

for a warm weather vehicle- sudden cold temps can show us that we have water in the fluid which turns to ice and can cause damage to seals and even the jam the caliper.

if you have a brake concern- don;t ride.

the price is too high

mike

 

Yours is THE standard symptom for ABS control module failure. There is a chance it is something else but not likely. Start saving up, only $700 to about $1000 to get your front brake back. If it is the ABS, be absolutely sure to report it to NHTSA, there is a lot of this going around and Harley needs to have a fire built under it for a fix.

 

As a word of advice, when you post issues about your bike, include the year and model or put it in your sig like I did.

Responses have mentioned ABS and you may not even have ABS.

 

years and model will help.

 

You guys are correct.. My BAD!

I have a 2010 Ultra Classic Limited.

As far as the front brake control, UPDATE.. I looked through the level bubble on the master cylinder and it showed as not being totally full. I purchased some new fluid "DOT4" and filled it to the top. For now that seems to have done the trick. I know that I am due for a at least a front brake job where I will totally replace the brake fluid with some new stuff; hopefully the ABS keeps working correctly.

 

Fully flushing the fluid requires that the ABS pump be cycled and that requires the Harley maintenance computer. A standard "shade tree" flush leaves the old and possibly contaminated fluid in the ABS unit. Currently Harley is blaming failure to perform the recommended flush every 2 years as contributing to/causing the ABS failure.

 

whatever blocked the orifice is gone for the moment. Needs a good cleaning IMO.

 

Good deal. I had a 2010 with 56k miles and ABS with no issues. But from all I have read I will keep the service up to date moving forward on brake systems.

Ride safe.