Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer, has issued a recall for its 2023 CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) models, citing a potential risk of loss of control at high speeds. This recall, affecting motorcycles built between May 10, 2023, and October 6, 2023, has been announced following concerns that these specific models may exhibit excessive responsiveness to road and environmental conditions, such as uneven road surfaces or wind gusts, especially when traveling at speeds over 100 mph.
In its detailed Part 573 Safety Recall Reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Harley-Davidson identified that 1,464 units of the CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) are implicated. These motorcycles, all from the 2023 model year and manufactured before October 6, 2023, were found to have a potential issue which was later rectified in models produced after this date. The company filed two distinct reports to the NHTSA regarding the same issue, which is an interesting aspect of this recall.
Harley-Davidson’s official statement highlighted the potential safety risk: if the motorcycle responds unexpectedly to road and environmental factors at high speeds and the rider fails to follow the recommended guidance (like reducing speed and maintaining a relaxed grip), the risk of a crash may increase.
The cause of the recall, as per Harley-Davidson’s reports, is attributed to the specific combination of the front end mass, stiffness, and inertia of these motorcycles, which does not meet the desired performance standards at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Initially, Harley-Davidson suggested that the recall solution would include the addition of a ballast and strap to the front of the motorcycle along with a recalibration of the Engine Control Module (ECM). However, in a subsequent report, the company revised its stance, stating that only an ECM recalibration would be necessary.
This recalibration of the ECM, which is presumably designed to address the high-speed control issue, leaves some questions unanswered regarding how exactly it mitigates the risk of loss of control. Speculation suggests that the recalibration might involve detuning the engine or introducing an automatic power reduction at certain speeds.
The specific model affected by this recall is:
– Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide (Model Year: 2023)
Owners of these models are advised to contact their nearest Harley-Davidson dealer or Harley-Davidson directly to verify if their motorcycle is part of the recall. Unfortunately, Harley-Davidson has not released a range of affected VIN numbers publicly.
As part of the recall process, Harley-Davidson has planned to recalibrate the ECM of the affected motorcycles at no cost to the owners. The company communicated the recall to its dealers on December 14, 2023, with a follow-up notice about the revised fix scheduled for December 21, 2023. Owners are expected to receive notification letters between December 22, 2023, and January 3, 2024.
For those who have experienced harm or injury due to the potential loss of control issue with the 2023 CVO Street Glide motorcycles, there may be legal avenues for recourse. Victims can consider filing a product liability lawsuit, which involves proving that the motorcycle was inherently dangerous due to its design, manufacture, or lack of adequate warnings. This type of lawsuit necessitates the expertise of a skilled attorney at every step, from collecting evidence and filing the lawsuit to navigating complex legal procedures and representing the victim’s interests in court.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
In successful product liability cases, plaintiffs may recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and in some cases, punitive damages. For individuals affected by this issue, Parker Waichman LLP offers legal support and guidance. By contacting the firm at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529), victims can receive a free consultation and explore their options for pursuing justice and compensation for their injuries.
Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide personal injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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