Harley-Davidson, Inc. is recalling approximately 308,000 motorcycles in order to fix a switch problem that can cause failure of the brake lights and possibly even the rear brakes themselves.

The company said that brake light switches can be exposed to too much heat from the exhaust system which can then cause the brake lights to fail.  In addition, the problem can cause fluid leaks and the loss of rear brakes.

The recalls affect those motorcycles built between June 6, 2008 and September 16, 2011.  The recall will affect 251,000 motorcycles in the United States alone with the balance being in other countries.

According to the Associated Press, Harley-Davidson, Inc. began investigating these problems in June 2010 when it received reports of several crashes occurring due to the problem.