Consumer Complaint Detail

INDIAN / SPIRIT / 2001

Recalls
0 Injured
Investigations
0 Death
Complaints
No Fire
Components - Details
NHTSA Complaint Number: 003234049 Incident Date: Aug, 24 2003
Consumer's City: PLYMOUTH Consumer's State: MN
Vehicle Transmission Type: MAN Manufacturers Name: Indian Motorcycle Company
Model Name: SPIRIT Model Year: 2001
Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No Component's Description: Engine and engine cooling:engine
Vehicle Involved in a Fire: No Persons Injured: 0
Vehicle's VIN#: 5CDM5B5111G Date added to File: May, 25 2021
Date Complaint Received: Sep, 07 2003 Complaint Type: IVOQ
Incident Reported To Police: No Purchase Date: Nov, 22 2001
Was Original Owner: Yes Anti-lock Brakes: No
Number of Cylinders: 2 Date of Manufacturer: -
Was Vehicle Towed: - Description of the Complaints: I currently (purchased 9/2001) own a 2001 indian spirit motorcycle purchased from thomas automall in coon rapids, mn. the engine leaks oil through the oil breather/carbuerator blow by quite profusely. i have had the bike in at least 5 times (i do have documentation) for this problem. he dealers (1 in minneapolis and 3 in phoenix) have all stated that the engine and it's design (for performance) will cause an oil leak. i have recently sent an email to the engine builder (s&s motors in viola, wi) notifying them of the problem. my email was forwarded to indian motorcycle company in which they have replied that they realize the problem but due to epa standards (their written quote from the vp of service was "we are running a fine legal line" here) and performance requirements an oil leak can be expected. (i do have copies of the email and reply fyi). here's where i need your attention (and that of other owner/riders) is not only is the oil leak an environmental issue it is a significant safety issue. the oil comes out of the breather/blow by system onto the lower portion of the engine/frame, exhaust system, rear brake and last but not least, the rear tire. i have almost dumped the bike several times due to greasy rear tire and the rear brake performs poorly. indian motorcycle company and it's dealers cannot correct the problem as stated. i am looking to you for assistance in making these people accountable. appreciate your prompt reply and attention. sincerely, jerry anderson. *ak