1978 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1000 (XLCH) Recalls — Canada & USA

The 1978 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000 (XLCH) has two recalls, both affecting braking: the front brake master cylinder can leak hydraulic fluid and gradually lose braking force, and the rear brake pedal casting can crack and break, eliminating rear braking entirely. The front brake issue stems from the master cylinder bore running slightly oversized, which allows fluid to bypass the piston seals and bleed out over time, reducing stopping power at the front wheel. This recall applies to vehicles sold in Ontario. The rear brake pedal is cast aluminum and can fracture at the pedal arm or mounting point, leaving the rider with no rear brake at all.