2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

A redesign in the left and right handle controls of the Harley 2014 model’s, the Press to Talk (PTT) button and Cruise Control buttons were switched from the left hand grip to the right throttle/brake hand grip. The PTT button is used for the Citizens Band (CB) radio. The PTT button had always been located on the left hand grip and the Cruise Control button had always been located on the right throttle/brake hand grip. In order for the operator to use the CB to talk, the PTT button is used. To activate the PTT button, the operator’s right thumb is used. When performing this action the operator needs to remove the thumb from the right hand grip and press the PTT button, and maintain continuous pressure to the button in order to talk using a motorcycle helmet microphone. The PTT button is the farthest button from the right hand grip at 2 ½ inches. Because the right thumb is removed from the right hand grip, the operator no longer has a grip on the right hand grip for only 4 fingers are on the grip. This is not safe for the operator when controlling the vehicle. The right hand grip has the throttle control and has the brake lever. When using the throttle control, you grip the right hand grip, with all fingers and thumb, and twist the grip to accelerate, decelerate or maintain speed. This setup, when using the PTT button, the operator no longer can maintain speed, accelerate or decelerate the vehicle because the operator does not have a grip on the right hand grip, only 4 fingers. The operator also cannot use the brake lever because the operator does not have a grip on the right hand grip. This setup, when using the brake lever the operator only uses 4 fingers to apply pressure while maintaining their thumb on the PTT button. The operator cannot safely use the PTT button while operating the right throttle/brake grip on the right hand grip. Harley Davidson provided an update to the 2014 models but not for the 2021 models, the update switched the buttons back correctly.

Recently while riding my motorcycle, I experienced a near total loss of clutch control. Fortunately, was able to safely limp it back to the garage. What I found when checking components, my clutch lever lost most of its tension. I thought it might be a stripped plastic tensioner that others have experienced. Instead, it was partially the plastic push button slipped and the metal retaining threads on the clutch cable separated from the upper clutch cable causing an immediate loss in tension to engage the clutch. I did not take a photo, but included a photo of exactly what the failure looks like. Photo from [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)