Harley Davidson faces Class Action Lawsuit

[G.W. Viper]

Harley Davidson Will Face Class Action Over Hot Engines

A defective products class action lawsuit against Harley Davidson, filed by four bikers who allege their Harley Davidson motorcycles were defectively designed, can go forward. The class action lawsuit claims that the Harley Davidson engines run so hot that they pose a constant danger to riders in that the engines cause burns and are therefore not fit for their intended use.

The complaint alleges that since 1999, Twin Cam 88, 96, 103 and 110 cubic inch engines in Harley motorcycles produce severe, excessive heat causing clothing to catch on fire, burn injuries and the danger of burn injury to riders and passengers as well as overheating causing premature engine wear and in models manufactured after 2006, transmission failure.

Although Harley Davidson asked the Eastern District of California court to throw out the claims under state law, a U.S. District Judge sided with the bikers. The recent ruling allows the case to move forward, and Harley Davidson will now face Class Action Certification process at the end of the month.

F.Y.I This was posted May 17, 2016

[clint44]

Air cooled engines get hot? Who woulda thunk it?
Frivolous lawsuit,IMO.

[FRR]

I hope they win.

[hogcowboy]

It is interesting though that Polaris was very quick to send out a national recall on all Indians for similar problems. They are calling it a re-calibration but many that have had the recall done are claiming the bikes are running much cooler. Apparently there were a few bikes that actually caught fire.

[G.W. Viper]

I hope they win.

FRR...What type of bike do you ride ?

[clint44]

FRR...What type of bike do you ride ?

He rides a Goldwing. Why am I not surprised?

Do people actually think that H-D calibrates their engines so lean just because they want to? Really?
If it wasn't for stupid and unrealistic EPA regulations,this would all be a moot point.

[roadking2]

This is only million+ time that a class action lawsuit has been filed against HD. Nothing new. Simply 4 guys and a chasing attorney looking for a payday. Wake me when it's over and they go home empty handed.

[hogcowboy]

He rides a Goldwing. Why am I not surprised?

Do people actually think that H-D calibrates their engines so lean just because they want to? Really?
If it wasn't for stupid and unrealistic EPA regulations,this would all be a moot point.

Exactly. Government in general is ruining everything they touch. I truly hope someone starts shooting so we can cull this nation. We are way over due. Remember, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” Thomas Jefferson.

[rhino 2]

The 2013 Spyders... Had the same problems with Trikes Actually going up in flames... And their water cooled....An engine is a heat pump.... Running too lean makes more heat... Maybe the EPA should also be included in the class action... Their regulations cause most of the heat problem's...

[FRR]

He rides a Goldwing. Why am I not surprised?

Do people actually think that H-D calibrates their engines so lean just because they want to? Really?

If it wasn't for stupid and unrealistic EPA regulations,this would all be a moot point.

Now now, before you get all high and mighty don't assume anything about my riding experience. I've owned 7 Harley Ultras and 9 Wings just since 1992. I never owned one of them that didn't have something go wrong with them, and fortunately most defects eventually were covered. My friends who are and were Harley riders had the same experience. I've had buddies that have spent thousands of bucks trying to deal with the heat issues on their bikes and they were more disgusted then I was.

I purposely never post anything on the Harley thread because of the tendency to attack anyone who posts anything on that site that dares to suggest that Harleys aren't perfection. I am a bit surprised that this moderator, who is quick to condemn several postings never has an issue with that.

My simple response that "I hope they win" shouldn't be criticized any more than any other comment on these pages.

[consitter]

Whoa.

[clint44]

So,H-D should spend millions of dollars totally redesigning their product to suit a small,vocal group of people? They almost certainly knew there was a potential problem,due to oppressive EPA regulations,yet they went ahead and purchased them anyway. When the ambient temp outside is 100 degrees,I bet a GW is pretty hot, too. Under those conditions,I doubt there's a bike or trike made on this earth that isn't hot. Having owned aircooled and watercooled machines,that has sure been my experience living here in North Texas,one of the hottest places in the USA.

Harleys are perfection? You won't find a single post of mine that has even remotely suggested such silliness. Heck,I've said it more than a few times,they are anything,but. I still like them though,just as I like what you and others ride.
We're a trike "family" for a reason,Fred.

[Catfish]

They remind me of the McDonald's coffee lady who sued because she put a hot cup of coffee between her legs. DUH...

[consitter]

[MikeyTX]

I hope they win.

Said the guy that rides a bike built by a company that kicked many american workers to the curb by moving production back to the land of the rising sun.

[DblTrbl]

Can't we all just get along? This is getting interesting.... please continue..

[CrystalPistol]

Years ago .... I accidently made a buddy mad.

Harley Davidson had just released the "twin cam 88" motors .... and I simply said "Welcome to the '40s" ......

He got over it.

He used to pick on my choices of Triumphs, commenting on oil spots. One day we came out of a restaurant and there was a fresh oil drip under his HD. He was acting worried like it was the first time (I bet not) and I told him that "... if it ain't leaking, it's time to be checking the oil level"......

He got over it.

When we'd be out on a ride with our wives like on the Blue Ridge Parkway, he liked to follow, always saying "You lead" .... so I would. There'd be times when he'd ride up closer behind me .... close enough I could hear his HD anyway .... and I'd start looking down at my GW's engine area, side to side, like I was hearing something strange .... then after a good ways, I'd give a big nod like "Oh yeah" .... later when stopped and if he took the bait, he'd ask what all that was about. I'd tell him I started hearing strange knocking noises, loud mechanical noises, like my GW was self destructing .... and " ... then I saw it was just you up close behind .... you had me worried there! "......

He got over it.

I miss my buddy .... he was working in his garden in Summer 2005 and came in to rest and his wife brought him a ice tea as he cooled off, and she went and loaded her horse and went to a hunt club ride .... came home later that night, there he was .... still in that chair.

[MikeyTX]

If one is going to transition to that eternal ride in the sky, he chose the most peaceful way to do so. We should all be so blessed.

[Capt.Bob]

Said the guy that rides a bike built by a company that kicked many american workers to the curb by moving production back to the land of the rising sun.

Mike, We can't throw too many stones at our GW owner. I am sure the percentage of off-shore parts on our new Harleys would make us puke Sadly, the days of all-American products continues to shrink in this world economy and all of us that go to Walmart are hastening our own manufacturing demise for the love of cheap goods.

At least American Honda is making most of their cars for the USA market in the USA with American workers

[Phu Cat]

American Honda is making most of their cars for the USA market in the USA

I'll bet you're right Cap. They're assembled here, then the profits go right back to Japan.

PC