HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL (FL) Recalls

The Harley-Davidson Softail (FL) has 3 recalls spanning 1989 to 2005, with the most serious being a rear brake pedal defect on 1998 models where a weak weld can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever, causing rear braking to fail without warning. Also affecting 1998 models is a tie in severity with the brake recall, though older in production history: 1989 models have a starter relay that can short internally and ignite, potentially burning the relay and surrounding components. On 2005 models, the fuel shut-off valve can be produced with its ON and RESERVE positions reversed, so when the rider sets the valve to ON, the motorcycle is actually drawing from the reserve fuel supply, leaving less fuel available than expected before the engine cuts out.