NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE03037

ODI IS UNABLE TO STATE WITH CERTAINITY HOW MANY HOT GRIPS BRAND KITS HAVE BEEN SOLD WITH A POLYMER RESISTOR,DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INABILITY TO ACCOUNT FOR EACH SUCH KIT.HOWEVER, TO DATE, ODI IS UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER FIRES AND /OR MELTED RESISTORS INVOLVING MORE THAN THE ONE FLEET INITIALLY REPORTING THE PROBLEM.THE SINGLE ODI COMPLAINT IS FROM A LOCAL WASHINGTON DC AREA POLICE MOTORCYCLE FLEET.OF IT 13 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH HOT GRIPS AND PLASTIC COATED RESISTORS, EIGHT WERE FOUND WITH MELTED RESISTORS AND ONE IS ALLEGED TO HAVE BURNED AS A RESULT.ODI HAS NOT CONFIRMED THAT THE SUBJECT RESISTOR WAS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE FIRE.THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THAT IT IS AWARE OF ONLY THE SINGLE INCIDENT IDENTIFIED BY ODI WHEN THE INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED. IN THE ABSENCE OF A DEFECT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.