Vehicle Information: 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special Safety Complaint: I am filing this complaint because the excessive engine heat from my 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special has caused repeated burns to my right inner thigh while riding. This is not simply an issue of rider discomfort—it is a safety concern that has resulted in physical injury. During normal riding, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, at traffic lights, or in warm weather, the engine produces an excessive amount of heat that is directed toward my right inner thigh. Despite wearing jeans, I have suffered multiple burns over time. The most recent burn blistered and has now left permanent scarring on my leg. I have owned this motorcycle since it was new and have noticed the excessive heat issue repeatedly. I have also experienced what appears to be increasing heat over time. I believe riders should not be exposed to temperatures capable of causing burns during normal operation of a motorcycle. This condition creates a safety hazard because it can distract the rider, cause sudden pain while operating the motorcycle, and lead to loss of concentration or control. In my case, it has resulted in repeated burns and permanent scars. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue to determine whether excessive engine heat on this model presents an unreasonable safety risk to riders.
The worst 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
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Recalls 1
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.
- Risk
- If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1‑800‑258‑2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.
Recall number 18V734000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx 85
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision C. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- Battery warranty guidelines
- BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision B. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- Battery warranty guidelines
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Cosmetic cylinder staining (all milwaukee-eight models)
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
What 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx
Is the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx, fewer than a typical Fltrx model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx?
Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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