Harley Davidson has recalled about 308,000 motorcycles due to a switch problem that has the potential to cause failure of the brake lights and even the rear brakes as well.

This problem is caused when the brake light switches are exposed to too much heat given off from the exhaust system. In turn the brake lights fail from the heat and can also cause fluid leaks and failure of the rear brakes. This problem is present in Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles model years 2009-2012, (Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee,

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/24/4002839/harley-to-recall-more-than-308000.html).

This issue was first discovered in June of 2010 when a report of a Trike model motorcycle that lost its rear brakes. The company began an investigation after that, which lead to a crash in Louisiana, but it has been undetermined if this issue was the cause.

The company will notify owners of the recall as it will affect 251,000 motorcycles in the U.S. If you are one of the owners of a bike with this problem, installation of rear brake light switch kits are free at dealerships.

This recall is going to cost around $10 million to $12 million that will be an expense for the fourth quarter, according to the filing the company placed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee).