Sudden rear suspension misalignment

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Mid-West Choppers vehicles. Closed 18 March 2004.

Investigation
PE04007
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
16 January 2004
Closed
18 March 2004

What NHTSA investigated

The subject motorcycles were built using a softail-style frame produced by pro-street frameworks of henryetta, oklahoma.these frames had 1 o.d. Free-floating swingarm left-side pivot bolt spacers.due to inadequate pivot bolt support, this design allowed the pivot bolt to deflect and, in at least one instance, fracture.whether the pivot bolt deflected (bent) or fractured, rear wheel alignment was affected and motorcycle control could be compromised, possibly resulting in a crash.in some instances, riders would become aware of the condition because drive belt tension would be reduced and/or the rear tire would rub on the fender.to remedy this condition, mwc has advised the agency that it contacted all affected owners by telephone and made arrangements to have a 1.75 o.d. Spacer welded to the swingarm.mwc will follow up with letters to the owners.with this recall, odi is closing this investigation.

Recalls that followed

  1. Pro-Street — Structure: Underbody Shields04E03000019 April 2004103 vehicles
  2. Mid-West Choppers — Suspension: Rear04V1080002 March 200430 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Mid-West ChoppersMOTORCYCLE2003

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.