This has happened to my 17 RGS twice now, recently. Happens in a flash of a second so details are sketchy but each time I went to apply the brakes I pull the front lever only for the front lever to lock up prior to engagement. Once I tapped the rear brake the front lever actuated again and became normal. Have not contacted a dealership yet since it only happened twice and I know that it can't be replicated until it decides to do it again. Thoughts?

 

Does your bike have ABS and linked brakes ?

 

I thought all Road Glide Specials had ABS, I think your HCU is about to go TU.

 

The bike does have ABS.

 

Did you flush your brakes recently? Maybe air in the line?

 

That means they're linked. Did you do some work recently? Any DTC faults? No faults doesn't necessarily mean it can't be electronic but it is one more piece of information.

Based on the symptom I don't think it's air in the lines. I'm not completely familiar with the workings of the Reflex braking system but I'd at least have a look at what pistons (front and/or rear) were activated when only the front lever was used. Then I'd pull the affected calipers and have a look at the pistons for crud or corrosion that might be stuck or nearly stuck causing the symptom. A stuck piston(s) can create a wall for the fluid/lever pressure.

Barring that, I'm in the camp of the ABS HCU or ICU.

 

Normal feel for Reflex Linked brake system. Take bike out and apply brakes by applying pressure to front lever first. Then apply brakes using rear pedal first and you will feel the difference in front lever,less play and stiffer.

 

Well there ya go

 

You can send the moco a nice "thank you letter" for trying to make the bike better outfitted to decide how to brake than you. Linked brakes, ABS = DUMB

 

What I failed to mention that is noteworthy is that I swapped the front wheel for a 21". This supposedly had an ABS bearing but shortly after putting the wheel on I started having ABS issues, warning light on and a short time ago they would lock up if I hit the panic button, like had to jump on them hard.

I made an appointment to get the bearing swapped at the friendly dealership next weekend. Just hope I don't regret that decision as my faith in dealerships is not all that great.