NHTSA Complaint #10037450 — 2001 INDIAN SPIRIT

I CURRENTLY (PURCHASED 9/2001) OWN A 2001 INDIAN SPIRIT MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED FROM THOMAS AUTOMALL IN COON RAPIDS, MN. THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL THROUGH THE OIL BREATHER/CARBUERATOR BLOW BY QUITE PROFUSELY. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES (I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION) FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE DEALERS (1 IN MINNEAPOLIS AND 3 IN PHOENIX) HAVE ALL STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND IT'S DESIGN (FOR PERFORMANCE) WILL CAUSE AN OIL LEAK. I HAVE RECENTLY SENT AN EMAIL TO THE ENGINE BUILDER (S&S MOTORS IN VIOLA, WI) NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEM. MY EMAIL WAS FORWARDED TO INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY IN WHICH THEY HAVE REPLIED THAT THEY REALIZE THE PROBLEM BUT DUE TO EPA STANDARDS (THEIR WRITTEN QUOTE FROM THE VP OF SERVICE WAS "WE ARE RUNNING A FINE LEGAL LINE" HERE) AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AN OIL LEAK CAN BE EXPECTED. (I DO HAVE COPIES OF THE EMAIL AND REPLY FYI). HERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR ATTENTION (AND THAT OF OTHER OWNER/RIDERS) IS NOT ONLY IS THE OIL LEAK AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE OIL COMES OUT OF THE BREATHER/BLOW BY SYSTEM ONTO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE ENGINE/FRAME, EXHAUST SYSTEM, REAR BRAKE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE REAR TIRE. I HAVE ALMOST DUMPED THE BIKE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO GREASY REAR TIRE AND THE REAR BRAKE PERFORMS POORLY. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY AND IT'S DEALERS CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AS STATED. I AM LOOKING TO YOU FOR ASSISTANCE IN MAKING THESE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. APPRECIATE YOUR PROMPT REPLY AND ATTENTION. SINCERELY, JERRY ANDERSON. *AK