NHTSA Complaint #10212567 — 2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXST

I OWN A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXST SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN MY POSSESSION FOR TEN MONTHS WHEN I NOTICED A DRY ROT ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT TIRE. THE REAR TIRE IS IN GREAT CONDITION, WITH NO DRY ROT AT ALL. I KEEP MY MOTORCYCLE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED CONTINUOUSLY. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NEVER LOW, OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. I HAVE BEEN AN AVID RIDER AND OWNER OF MANY MOTORCYCLES. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH A MOTORCYCLE TIRE ON A NEW MOTORCYCLE BEFORE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, NEW RIVER HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THEY IN NOT SO MANY WORDS ADVISED ME "OH WELL, YOUR PROBLEM, NOT OURS WE DON'T COVER TIRES!". I HAVE HEARD OF AT LEAST THREE OR MORE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM THE AREA WHERE I LIVE. THE OWNERS COMPLAINED OF THE EXACT SAME FRONT TIRE PROBLEM. I AM NOT SURE IF THEY HAVE TAKEN IT TO THIS LEVEL. I AM WORRIED THAT THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COOPERATION IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ISSUE OF SUCH IMPORTANCE THAT COULD LEAD TO SOMEONE BEING KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS. IF THERE IS ANOTHER LEVEL I COULD GO TO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECTIVE TIRE INSTALLED ON MY BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE. THANK YOU, JACK COHEN *TR