Well, here's something to put into the mix. I went in to schedule my recall service to flush and replace the brake fluid...then went over to the parts department. They said that they had received ten cases of new Platinum DOT 4, but had NOT received instructions to pull the old DOT 4 and replace it with the updated stuff. The only reason they had it was to accommodate recall service. They also confirmed that it was something like double the price of the old stuff.


I thought that was interesting. They certainly were expecting the Platinum to replace the older version, and hey...it could happen soon...

 

To my thinking, it makes sense to flush and replace hygroscopic brake fluid regularly!

The problem here is that it's not really a home mechanic project as it needs the HD Digital Tech interface to correctly cycle the the HCU.

Should really be part of every 10K miles or 2 year service interval check at HD dealers .

 

Brakes can fail (locked pedal) on ABS equipped and non-ABS brakes as well. You listed a pile of users you say that claim an ABS brake failure. How did you confirm the actual cause of these failures? Plus, what exactly are you trying to do?

 

I had a 12' Street Glide for 3 years and 35K miles with no problems.

 

I tried to list only the ABS failures discussed in this forum that appear to be due to this well documented mode of failure that is responsible for the recent recall. I have done no confirmation or follow up to verify the actual cause of failure. What am I trying to do?

1. Make my fellow biker's aware that their ABS brakes could fail giving them a frozen pedal or lever.
2. Provide evidence that the incidence of failure may be greater than many think.
3. Get the MOCO to reimburse for the costs to replace a failed system.
4. Get the MOCO to redesign the system so if it fails, it would fail in a fail safe mode giving the rider normal non ABS brakes like they claim in their advertising.

 

Talking to an Indian owner Sunday about this and his service dept. asked him if he has changed his brake fluid lately. Seems they are on the two year program also.

 

Thank you for taking the time to compile this list.

 

Apparently, the NHSTB doesn't believe the HD system is a bad design since the same design is widely used on other types of vehicles successfully. The fault seems to lie in specific maintenance needed every two years due to the type of fluid used. It must be flushed and renewed to prevent possible corrosion. A fail safe feature would not be feasible since a complete redundant braking system would be required. The cost would be prohibitive. As long as the fluid is changed in accord with the requirements these failures won't happen. But there is an unresolved issue. In order to properly flush the fluid, the HCU must be cycled using the proprietary Digital Technician software available only to HD dealers. This severely limits an owner's access to the maintenance remedy required by HD and presents a safety hazard to the owner. This needs to be corrected.

 

 

I had my 09 RK fixed 2 years ago. I just had the ABS removed and it has worked perfect since.