2013 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR103

The contact owns a 2013 Harley-Davidson FLHRC103 Road King Classic. The contact stated while riding at approximately 10 MPH, the rear brake pedal had seized, and the contact was unable to properly stop the motorcycle. The contact was able to stop the motorcycle by using the front brake. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.

On my 2013 Road King, intermittently the Rear Brake Pedal will not depress while riding, and whenever that occurs, I have no rear braking whatsoever. Obviously, this is an extremely dangerous situation that could lead to death or injury. After a little internet research, I found this is an extremely common problem with Harley-Davidsons that have ABS (Antilock Braking Systems). When the ABS fails, rather than simply having regular, non-antilock brakes, the motorcycle has no brakes. This allegedly occurs because valves in the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit corrode and then stick in the closed position, preventing brake fluid from closing the brake calipers. Harley should resign their ABS with a fail-safe to prevent this dangerous scenario.