Harley Davidson Recall 2014, 'DO NOT RIDE' Notice Announced Due To Clutch Defect: What Bikes Are Affected?

A Harley-Davidson recall affecting 2014 model year motorcycles have been announced. The Milwaukee motorcycle company effectively posted a "Do Not Ride" notice to owners and a "Do Not Deliver" notice to dealers until technicians can address a serious clutch defect. 29,000 motorcycles are affected.

Specifically, the hydraulic clutch system on some Harley-Davidson motorcycles are experiencing trouble disengaging the clutch, causing difficulty to slow or stop the motorcycle. "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," read an official statement from Harley-Davidson.

The timing of the recall is a bit complicated as the U.S. government body National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is closed due to the shutdown. That said, the Harley-Davidson recall proceedings are consistent with NHTSA procedures. What's more, the timing is somewhat of a relief for Harley-Davidson riders as the fall season marks the tail end of the riding season, making the "Do Not Ride" notice slightly less disappointing.

According to the motorcycle maker, the Harley-Davidson recall affects the following Touring models: FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, plus Softail CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013. Harley-Davidson advises owners to arrange an inspection at an authoritzed Harley-Davidson dealer. Inspection and repairs will be performed at no cost. "The repairs have been identified and should take less than one hour."