Harley-Davidson will begin recalling more than 300,000 bikes and trikes built between 2009 and 2012 to fix a brake light switch that may cause brake lights or even the rear brakes to fail.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, if the brake light switches are exposed to too much heat from the exhaust system the brake lights can fail. Fluid leaks and the loss of rear brakes can also result from the issue, according to the report.
The problem affects Touring, CVO Touring and Trike motorcycles from the 2009 through 2012 model years. They were built between June 6, 2008 and Sept. 16, 2011.
Harley says it will notify owners of the recall, and dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit free of charge. The recall is expected to begin Oct. 31.
In the U.S., the recall affects about 251,000 motorcycles with the rest from other countries.
The company also said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it expects the recall to cost $10 – $12 million.