2014 Harley Davidson FL Touring Hydraulic Clutch Malfunction Safety Recall #2 | NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V-537

September 25, 2014 By Ryan Urlacher 9 Comments

BLOG-There was a 2014 Harley-Davidson clutch recall in the fall of 2013 in which they replace a plunger in the master cylinder. This is an entirely new clutch recall that came out September 8, 2014 in where the primary cup (seal) on the master cylinder piston develops a tear. In both cases the system may lose the ability to maintain sufficient lift to keep the clutch disengaged. This could allow the motorcycle to “creep” forward from a stop, which could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle possibly causing a crash. You should get this done right away.

Take your Harley Davidson to a dealer and they will rebuild the clutch mastercylinder using the recall kit at no charge of course. Below is the information to give your dealer.

This is NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V-537.
Harley Davidson recall campaign number: 0159

Check your VIN Number here to see if your Harley-Davidson has any recalls.

Here is the full information and effected Harley-Davidson Models:

Certain 2014 [Read more…]

VLOG-04-Law Abiding Biker | Motorcycle Podcast, Videos, and Blogs

October 18, 2013 By Ryan Urlacher Leave a Comment

VLOG-In this Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast and Media Production VLOG I advise and update you on the recent 2014 Harley Davidson Hydraulic Clutch Safety Recall. I tell you everything you need to know. For additional information go to my blog post on the issue.

We appreciate all the support our loyal listeners, subscribers, and viewers are showing us here at Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast and Media. Thank you so much and we are humbled.

If you like the content we are providing, please to to the home page of www.LawAbidingBiker.com and hit the PayPal donation button. God Bless!

#LawAbidingBiker #MotorcyclePodcast #BikerPodcast

2014 Harley Davidson Hydraulic Clutch Safety Recall Video

2014 Harley Davidson Hydraulic Clutch Malfunction Safety Recall #1: Law Abiding Biker |NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V-515

October 18, 2013 By Ryan Urlacher 32 Comments

BLOG-This hydraulic clutch malfunction happened to my 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special over a month ago and before this recall came out. The Harley Davidson mechanics at my local dealer and I had no idea it would be a recall issue. We thought it was just an isolated problem to my motorcycle. This recall came out on October 16, 2013.

HERE IS ANOTHER CLUTCH RECALL THAT CAME OUT ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

I quickly realized that the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast and Media should jump on this and get some of the truths out about the 2014 Harley Davidson Hydraulic Clutch Malfunction Safety Recall. I actually ride a Harley that experienced this problem, so I figured I am more qualified to write about it.

The day I drove my new Harley Street Glide Special home, the hydraulic clutch malfunctioned and would not disengage. What that means is, when you pull the clutch lever in the Harley keeps moving forward. So I limped it back several times to the Harley dealer (you can shift w/o a clutch if you know how). Several times the Harley Davidson mechanics (great guys) bled the hydraulic clutch system, as we believed there may be an air bubble.

Anyways, that did not work, so they robbed a master hydraulic clutch cylinder off another 2014 floor model and put it on my motorcycle. My motorcycle was so new that they did not have any new parts in stock yet.

My 2014 Harley Street Glide Special's hydraulic clutch system has been working like a dream ever since. It appears it is just some hydraulic master cylinders that are faulty, as in my case. I love my 2014 Harley Street Glide Special and if you want to see my full review and video CLICK HERE.

I stopped by my local Harley Davidson dealer today, where I know everyone, and conversed with them about the recall. I spoke with their service advisor and the mechanics. They obviously remembered the problem they initially had with my Street Glide Special. Of course, they are supposed to advise persons not to ride the bike until this recall is done. NOT A CHANCE FOR ME-LOL and they know that, but did their required duty.

They know me well and my ridding abilities. It is not a huge deal if you don't freak out when or if it ever even happens to you. It could happen on any bike if you have a clutch malfunction. This particular clutch issue on select 2014 Harley models will likely not happen to many people and your hydraulic clutch will likely give you signs of problems before is completely happens.

Some news sources and blogs are blowing this recall out of proportion of course and scaring some riders. Harley has to take it very seriously of course, because of law suits and attorneys. And it should be taken seriously, because it can be a serious or fatal problem to some riders, depending on riding experience.

These things happen in a non perfect world and Harley is all over it and taking care of it as expected. Chill out for now…….. If you are really worried, then Harley will come pick up your affected 2014 model, take it to the shop, fix the recall, and deliver it back to you.

The guys at my local Harley dealer said the new recall parts are supposed to be in on October 21, 2013 with instructions on what the mechanics need to do exactly to complete the recall. They should get to fixing the effected 2014 Harley models as soon as possible after that date.

If your clutch will not disengage don't freak out. Here are some basic tips, but my advice is that of Harley-Davidson, which is not to ride your effected model until the recall work is done. These are just a few tips for any motorcycle where the clutch fails to disengage.

Turn engine switch to OFF immediately and use your brakes to stop. Turn on hazard lights.
Or apply your brakes hard until your engine dies and then you will be stopped. Turn on hazard lights.
Whatever you do, don't freak out and swerve into oncoming lanes or in front of other cars.
Your hydraulic clutch will likely give you signs before it stops disengaging completely, like rough shifting (loud clanking when shifting and jerking), so pay attention and get off the road ASAP if you notice anything unusual.

Below is the official Harley Davidson press release: (taken directly from their website)

MILWAUKEE (October 16, 2013) – Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) is acting quickly to address potential safety issues by voluntarily recalling certain 2014 Touring motorcycles equipped with a hydraulic clutch system that may pose a safety issue for riders and/or passengers. The recalls include a Do Not Ride notice to owners and a Do Not Deliver notice to Harley-Davidson dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.

“The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” said Tony Wilcox, Harley-Davidson General Manager of Motorcycle New Product Delivery. “We have identified potential safety issues and are moving quickly to notify our customers and dealers. The inspection and repair of these motorcycles is extremely important, so it’s critical that our customers with affected vehicles contact their dealers immediately. We apologize for this circumstance. The company is committed to correcting this issue and providing customers with the quality experience and service they expect.

”The recalls affect 25,185 Touring motorcycles, models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, and 3,861 Softail® CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. Harley-Davidson has initiated these recalls to correct the affected motorcycles.The company is taking the additional measure of issuing a Do Not Ride notice to riders given the potential safety issues. The company wants owners of affected motorcycles to contact an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer immediately to arrange for an inspection. The dealer will pick up, inspect and make the necessary repairs at no cost to the owner. The repairs have been identified and should take less than one hour.

Although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is closed as a result of the partial government shutdown, Harley-Davidson is proceeding with these voluntary recalls consistent with NHTSA’s process.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.

Don't forget to check out all the episodes of the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast along with our many videos and blogs. Join the Law Abiding Biker Community Today!! Thanks for all our loyal listeners and followers support. We are always humbled by the support and feedback we get.

Update 10/24/13:

I rode my 214 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special to my local dealer and spoke with the service manager in-depth. I also looked at the exact parts that they are installing. In the Harley Davidson recall kit that they have sent all dealers is a plunger and a gasket. It takes about one hour and they install a new plunger into the master clutch cylinder. They also remove your clutch inspection plate to inspect and make sure you have the correct pressure plate. The gasket for the kit is for putting the clutch inspection (derby cover) cover back on after the inspection. Good to go!

2014 Street Glide Special Review, Pictures, and Video; Law Abiding Biker | Motorcycle Podcast, Videos, and Blogs

October 17, 2013 By Ryan Urlacher 61 Comments

VIDEO & BLOG-I purchased my brand new 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS) in early September 2013 from my local Harley Davidson dealership (Owen's Cycle). I traded in my denim black 2011 Street Glide to make this purchase. See the below video and pictures to get a good and extensive look at the 2014 Street Glide Special.

I wanted to put this blog out for our entire Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast and Media Community or anyone else who may be considering purchasing this motorcycle. We will also be going over this bike on an upcoming episode of the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast, so stay tuned!

Harley Davidson Boom!™ Box Infotainment System!

3 Must see videos on everything you need to know on how to operate the new Boom!™ Box Infotainment System. Don't be frustrated, I will show you how.

NEWEST-VIDEO OVERVIEW 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS)

OLDER-VIDEO OVERVIEW 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS)

I was absolutely sold on the “amber whiskey” color, which is what I ended up with. For one to truly appreciate the “amber whiskey” color on the 2014 Street Glide Special, you really must take the bike into natural light and especially sunlight. Wow, when you do so, it really pops and is so gorgeous! Looking at it on the Harley Davidson website or while it is sitting inside a dealership simply does not do the color justice.

[Show as slideshow]

The 2014 Street Glide Special sports the air cooled 103” cu in V-Twin High Output Motor (1690 cc). There is also an integrated oil cooler. This 103 cu in V-Twin now comes stock with the 255 cam kit already installed. The 255 cam offers substantial increase in low-end torque. I have been very impressed with the performance of this motor and it is a runner for sure. It is awesome to have that extra power at take off and when passing for certain. This bike really gets up and goes and feels extremely smooth.

The 2014 Street Glide Special comes stock with a hydraulic clutch, 6 speed Cruise Drive transmission, of course the 6 gallon fuel tank, and the bike weighs in at 818 lbs. The motor has Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The engine is said to get around 42 miles per gallon combined city/highway and I have found that to be accurate.

The 2014 Street Glide Special sports beautiful stock black Enforcer Cast Aluminum wheels on front and back. The front wheel is 19 inches and has a Dunlop D408F 130/60B19 tire, while the rear wheel is 16 inches and has a Dunlop D407T 180/65B16. The tires handle well and you can drag floorboards all day long around corners!

The gauges on the dash now run along the top, making room for the 6” touch screen Boom Box Infotainment System below. For a complete and thorough instructional video on how to set up and operate the new Harley Davidson Boom Box Infotainment System CLICK HERE. I also wrote a very informational article on the lack of MAC support for the new Boom Box Infotainment System and how the download updates work.

The speedometer and tachometer are 10% larger and have 68% wider numbers. It has a 28% larger fuel and volt gauge with 30% wider numbers. The display features odometer, trip A, trip B, range to empty, and gear indicator. All the gauges are beautifully backlit.

On the left handlebar controls on top is a trigger switch (odometer, trip A, trip B, and range to empty). Also on the left handlebar controls is a switch to operate voice commands via a bluetooth headset to the Boom Box Infotainment System. The cruise control is now solely operated by a joystick and has been moved to the left handlebar controls. Now you can rock the throttle back with your right hand and set the cruise with your left. This was a very nice change.

On the right handlebar controls is an information switch to display ambient temperature, oil pressure and whether your engine idle temperature management system (EITMS) is enabled. This is all displayed on the large 6” Boom Box Infotainment System Screen.

These are all new ergonomic hand controls and include joysticks on each side to control all the functions of the Boom Box Infotainment System and cruise control. I can tell you that everything to operate the electronics is right at your fingertips and feels great!

The inside of the fairing is beautiful on the 2014 Street Glide Special and is painted in an eye catching gloss black finish. This really completes the inside of fairing and makes it stand out.

Of course the new front fairing vent or “wind tunnel” is a huge new addition to the 2014 Street Glide Special. You can close the vent by a large button on the upper left inside of the fairing. This new vent is placed there to reduce head buffering, which it does. Essentially the air rushes through the fairing vent and shoots a wall of air straight up in front of you in order to slow the oncoming air. This is my assessment of how it operates.

I have tested this vent “wind tunnel” in all different conditions and at many different speeds. My personal estimation is that it reduces head buffering by about 25-30%. The only time I can see that I would close the vent is during extremely heavy rains or hail. I have opened it and closed on very cold mornings and nights and it does not seem to matter. The only downfall to the new fairing vent is that you can now not install inside fairing storage pouches on your dash, as it would block the wind tunnel, but I believe the trade off is well worth it.

The FLHXS comes standard with dual front brakes, ABS, and the new linked braking system they call the Reflex Braking System. Essentially in an emergency stop, not only do the ABS brakes kick in, but if you apply too much front or rear brakes, the sensors within recognize this problem and even out the braking pressures. This all results in very quick braking in an emergency.

The beautiful thing is that the linked braking system does not kick in until 20-25 mph. This is super important for motorcycle law enforcement officers, who do a lot of low speed aggressive maneuvers and have to use the rear brake a lot while doing so. On other brands of bikes that had similar linked type brakes, they activated even at very low speeds, making the slow speed maneuvers much more difficult for the police motorcycle officer. This of course goes for anyone who practices or knows how to perform aggressive slow speed maneuvers. Harley Davidson really thought this one out!

A few other things worth mentioning are the restyled hard saddle bags with a one touch design latch, dual halogen headlight, 49 mm telescopic front forks, stiffer triple clamps, larger steering bearings, low profile front fender, Jukebox media compartment with a USB connection and one touch access door, and of course the Harley Davidson Factory Security System with hands free security fob.

All these additions and changes have made an awesome riding 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special. The bike is tight, smooth, fast, and powerful. It corners like a dream and it is even hard to tell how fast you are going unless looking at the speedometer. That is how smooth this bike runs. The new Boom Box Infotainment System with integrated GPS is just what I was calling for. The audio system sounds great and can be heard fine, even at freeway speeds.

The only thing I did to the bike is have the fuel injection remapped and replaced the stock mufflers with Vance and Hines Dresser Twin Slash Rounds slip on mufflers. To see that review and video CLICK HERE. To get a complete step by step tutorial video on how to uninstall your stock Harley headers and install new aftermarket headers/exhaust CLICK HERE. I will likely put a different air intake on the bike at some point, but I am still trying to decide which one. Other than that I will leave the bike as it is. To get a step by step tutorial video on installing a Stage One Air Intake or installing a Dyno Jet Power Commander V on you Harley Davidson CLICK HERE.

I really don't have a bad thing to say about the 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special. It is a big improvement over my 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide, but I loved that bike too.

Just when you think there is nothing more Harley Davidson can do to make their bikes even better, they knock it out of the park! Well done Harley Davidson and you should be very proud of this bike!

Don't forget to check out all the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcasts and other Media. We will be discussing this bike on an upcoming episode. Of course, don't miss out on all of the great content provided on our podcasts and website. You can listen to the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast in iTunes, Zune, Blackberry, Stitcher Radio or right from this website! What are you waiting for? Come join the Law Abiding Biker Community and get involved!

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW

-Ride safe and keep the rubber side down