2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL1200C — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The stock TMS (Turn Signal Module) on my Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 failed. This sensor controls the auto cancel turn signal feature as well as a combination bank angle sensor. This sensor has a built in kill switch which if the bike detects an angle of lean indicative of a crash it will kill the engine preventing it from starting by preventing spark from occurring to the cylinders. My problem is when my sensor failed my motorcycle will not start now. I called all local Harley Davidson dealerships in the area who told me the part is “obsolete” and stated there was no parts being manufactured to replace it. They offered no remedy or fix to replace this part and now the motorcycle is completely disabled and can not start without a replacement sensor. I contacted corporate Harley Davidson who advised they would do research with their “parts staff” to attempt to locate any parts in the country in an effort to rectify the situation. They responded after 3 days with they are unable to help and to contact a local dealership for assistance. Which all dealerships advised there was no fix. So currently I have a motorcycle with only 9,900 miles that can not be driven due to a faulty sensor Harley Davidson refuses to manufacture because they want owners to purchase a newer style motorcycle. I am making this report to hopefully force Harley Davison to once again produce this part so myself and many others experiencing this problem can continue to enjoy our motorcycles.

I WAS RIDING MY 2009 HARLEY SPORTSTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AT ABOUT 9AM, AND I HEARD A BOOM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL. I REGAINED CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, WHERE I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER MY TIRE, AND THE GROUND AROUND MY BIKE. THEN I DISCOVERED THE BOOM I HEARD WAS ACTUALLY MY OIL TANK BLOWING AT THE SEAM. THE OIL TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND ITS NOT BROKEN, JUST SEPARATED AT GLUE-PLASTIC WELD SEAM. I BROUGHT THIS TO ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON IN WI. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO HD DEALERSHIP, AT A COST OF $300 TO ME. I DID NOT HAVE $300 TO DO THIS, SO MY OIL TANK IT STILL RUINED. HARLEY WILL NOT BACK UP PRODUCT, OR EVEN ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY CSR THAT IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE, NO DOCUMENTED CASES, AND YET THERE ARE HUNDREDS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPITFIRE XI1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN HE SUDDENLY FELT AN ABNORMAL RUBBING ON THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE OWNER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FENDER AND BRACE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED AT THE FAILURE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURING THE FRAME FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,464. UPDATED 08/8/11*LJ UPDATED 08/15/11