NHTSA Complaint #11046593 — 2003 HONDA GL1800

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE RIDER LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND CRASHED OFF THE SIDE OF A 25 FOOT HILL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER A BLIND HAIRPIN TURN. THE RIDER WAS FATALLY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DESTROYED. PHOTOS FROM THE POLICE REPORT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT, ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES WERE APPLIED, AND THE REAR BRAKE DID NOT APPLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE RIDER DESCENDED DOWN A WINDING ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE USED EXCESSIVELY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. IN DECEMBER 2015 (AFTER THE INCIDENT), THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V700000 (SERVICE BRAKES), WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. *BF UPDATED 8/15/18*JB