Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000 (xlch) Recalls

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000 (XLCH) has 3 recalls, all affecting the brake system, with the most serious being a front brake caliper bolt failure on 1975 models where both bolts can break, allowing the inner caliper half to detach and eliminating front braking entirely.

The 1975 model year also carries the risk of broken bolt fragments contacting the rotating wheel spokes before full separation occurs. On 1978 models, two separate brake recalls apply. The aluminum rear brake pedal casting can crack at the pedal arm or clamping hole, leaving the rider without rear braking. A front brake master cylinder with an oversized piston bore can allow hydraulic fluid to leak past the seals and gradually reduce front braking effectiveness until it is lost; this recall was filed for vehicles sold in Ontario.