NHTSA Complaint #11473442 — 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG

While riding at 55mph the bike suddenly lost oil pressure and started blowing an enormous amount of smoke out the exhaust and the breather tubes in the intake. This caused oil to come out and blow back under the rear tires which could have resulted in loss of control. I was able to stop and when I checked the oil the cap blew out into my hand because of crankcase pressure. The oil level showed it was very low so I added 2 3/4 quarts of new oil. After cooling down the trike ran ok and I was able to ride it home where I checked the oil again and it had the same crankcase pressure however it was now showing overfilled 2 1/2 quarts. The problem is that the oil built up in the crankcase and was not pumped out back to the oil tank. This is known as sumping which is affecting some 2017-2019 Harley’s with the new Milwaukee 8 engine. As I stated before this could have caused loss of control resulting in an accident with a less experienced rider because of the oil blowing back under the rear tires on the trike. I am 70 years old and have been riding since 16 years old and I believe my experience helped me knowing what to do when something like this occurs. There are service bulletins explaining this problem however I firmly believe all 2017-2019 Harley Davidson Milwaukee 8 motorcycle’s and trike need to be recalled and repaired with the updated parts that Harley Davidson began installing in all 2020 and newer Milwaukee 8 engines during manufacturing. Someone may likely lose their life as a result of this know problem.