By Associated Press
DETROIT-Ignition switch problems that have plagued General
Motors and Chrysler have now turned up in the motorcycle
business.
Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 3,300 FXDL Dyna Low Rider
bikes because engine vibration can turn the switches from "on" to
"accessory."
The recall covers motorcycles from the 2014 ½ model year. If the
motorcycles have been modified to rev higher than 5,600 RPMs, an
engine mount bracket can vibrate excessively, causing the
problem.
If the switch goes to "accessory," the engine can shut off while
being driven and potentially cause a crash. The company said there
have been no crashes or injuries reported from the problem.
Dealers will replace the bracket assembly and ignition switch
knob free of charge. Harley began notifying owners in late
July.
Harley said in documents posted Friday by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the motorcycles are
limited at the factory to 5,600 RPMs, but Harley offers performance
calibrations that let the engine rev higher than the limit. If the
bikes hit 5,800 RPMs, the top engine mount bracket can vibrate too
much and cause the ignition switches to malfunction.
The company said it began looking into the problem after its
service department discovered that an ignition switch slipped out
of the "on" position in testing. The company found four warranty
claims and complaints about the problem, all in bikes with
non-Harley exhaust systems.
The Milwaukee company's recall comes after General Motors
recalled 17.3 million vehicles to fix problems with ignition
switches that can cause engine stalling. Chrysler has recalled
another 1.7 million for the same problem. So far this year the auto
industry has recalled more than 40 million vehicles, passing the
old full-year record of 30.8 million set in 2004.
Federal safety regulators in June began a broad investigation of
ignition-switch and air-bag problems across the auto industry. That
investigation is still open, although the agency wouldn't say if
more auto makers could be affected.
The investigation and recalls come after GM bungled an
ignition-switch recall of older small cars. GM acknowledged that it
knew of the ignition problem for more than a decade but failed to
recall the cars until earlier this year, when it recalled 2.6
million small cars such as the Chevrolet Cobalt. Subsequent safety
reviews caused GM to recall millions more vehicles for faulty
switches.
--Copyright 2014 Associated Press
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