In case you’re wondering, recalls aren’t an endemic that’s exclusive to the auto industry. Motorcycles go through the same course, if not more often than cars due to the more dangerous nature of these bikes. That said, it’s been a while since Harley-Davidson->ke300 has issued a recall for any of its motorcycles so when it announced that problems were discovered with the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder, the famed American bikemaker did what had to be done.

According to the statement issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the corrosion of the brake line banjo bolt on these bikes could result in a “sudden loss of fluid”, which in turn could lead to the loss of power on the front brakes, thus increasing the possibility of a crash happening. In other words, uh-oh.

Fortunately, the issue seems to affect only a limited number of full-sized cruisers built between August 22, 2011 and February 24, 2012. Models affected generally belong to the FL and FX->ke1819 families so if you own a V-Rod->ke3300 or a Sportster->ke1818, you’re still in the clear. But if your bike is part of the affected lot of 19,015 bikes in the US, it might be in your best interest to have your Harleys brought to your local dealers so certified engineers can do a proper inspection on your bike’s master cylinder.

If it’s determined that there’s a problem, Harley-Davidson will fix the problem at no cost to the bike owner. The recall begins on January 14, 2015 so better find out soon if you’re bike is part of the affected bunch.

Click past the jump to read more about the Harley-Davidson's recall of 19,015 bikes.

Why It Matters

If you've been around the auto industry long enough to understand recalls, you know that they're the kind of things you don't just sweep under the rug. Well, you can do it, but you better be prepared for the inherent risks that come with your stubbornness.

The same holds true in the bike business where motorcycles are constantly subjected to the same safety regulations as cars. In some cases, bikes are put at an even bigger microscope, which is why bike recalls should be treated with utmost importance.

In this case, Harley-Davidson doesn't always issue these types of recalls so you know that there's something seriously wrong if it takes this step. Besides, it's not like you're going to lose money out of it. Harley has said that it's going to foot the bill on any potential fixes that need to be made. All you have to do is bring your bike to a local dealer and the dealership will sort through the rest.

Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic

The Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is aptly named for a reason. It imbibes the classic styling of a Harley and combines it with arguably the smoothest ride in its class.

The 40’s-style leather saddlebags is a true blast from the past, and with its low seat height and ample luggage space, the Heritage Softail Classic is about as true to Harley-Davidson’s ethos as you can get. The large Lexan windshield may be an acquired taste for some, but its customizable characteristic provides users the ability to reconfigure the height of the glass based on their whims and preferences.

The Heritage Softail Classic is more than just a looker, too. It’s got the performance credentials that are at the heart of every tried-and-true Harley. The 1,690 cc air-cooled, twin cam engine is mated to a six-speed cruise drive transmission, netting an impressive 96 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. This allows the cruiser to cover long distances, thanks to a combined fuel consumption rating of 42 mpg.