NHTSA Complaint #11663578 — 2004 HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL883C

To change the rear tire requires the following several steps including, removal of disc brake pads and compressing the brake caliper piston inward, removing the axle and drive belt also required . After completion of the Disassembly and then reassembly of components including brake pads.The rear brake master cylinder failed, to function, no hydraulic pressure was supplied to activate the brake caliper. I believe when compressing the caliper piston inward (which is a common and necessary practice) caused the master cylinder to fail. Researching this issue I found that this is a common failure to 2004 - 2006 Harley Sportster motorcycles.