NHTSA Complaint #10482827 — 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU103

DURING OPERATION, UPON INITIAL DELIVERY, I NOTED HEAT COMING UP THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER NOTED HEAT UNCOMFORTABLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WITH MY COMPLAINT, I WAS TOLD THE LOCATION OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSES HEAT TO RISE CAUSING DISCOMFORT TO THE RIDER AND PASSENGER. I WAS TOLD THIS IS COMMON. AND THE ONLY OPTION TO CORRECT IS TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET EXHAUST. THIS ELIMINATES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE AFTERMARKET EXHAUST CAUSES A NEED TO HAVE AN AFTERMARKET COMPUTER WHICH CAN COMPENSATE FOR THE ALTERATIONS, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO USE MORE FUEL. I AM EXPECTED TO CHANGE THE FACTORY EXHAUST, AT MY EXPENSE, MAKING THE VEHICLE NON COMPLIANT WITH THE FEDERAL STANDARD. THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE EXHAUST SET UP. THE HEAT MAKES IT UNBEARABLE AT TIMES, CAUSING DISTRACTION, AND HAVING TO PULL OVER AND "COOL OFF". I AM CONCERNED OF BURNS FROM THE EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I UNDERSTAND MOST RIDERS FEEL IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO ALTER THE EXHAUST, I FEEL IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO CHANGE ANY VEHICLE WHICH WOULD CHANGE THE EMISSION FROM THE SET FEDERAL STANDARD. *TR