CHICAGO/SINGAPORE - US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 251,000 motorcycles because the brakes may fail, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Thursday (Feb 8).

The recall covers CVO Touring and VSRC bikes equipped with anti-lock brakes, with models from 2008 to 2011, China's Xinhua News Agency reported.

Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said the recall would cost the company US$29.4 million (S$39 million). About 175,000 of those affected motorcycles were sold in the United States, Bernama news agency reported.

The problem is related to the anti-lock brake system which can corrode and fail without warning.

In July 2016, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating problems with the brakes after receiving 43 complaints following reports of three crashes and two injuries.

The problem lies with the brake fluid which some owners do not replace as required every two years.

The fluid can become contaminated by moisture and may corrode the anti-lock brake system's actuator valves, the report said.

In response to queries, Harley-Davidson Singapore said: "Harley-Davidson Motor Company has decided to conduct a safety recall involving certain model year 2008 - 2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VRSC model motorcycles equipped with Antilock Brakes Systems (ABS).

"This is a voluntary recall announced by Harley-Davidson in the interest of our customers' safety and satisfaction with our motorcycles."

The company said that service will be performed at no cost to Singapore customers, and also mentioned that customer notifications will begin around the week of Feb 12.

Customers with the affected motorcycles have been advised to contact authorised Harley-Davidson dealers to have their brake fluid flushed starting in mid-March, when the new brake fluid should be available.

Additional reporting by Zhaki Abdullah