Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 82,000 Motorcycles Due to Safety Hazard
For motorcycle enthusiasts, particularly those loyal to the Harley-Davidson brand, recent news about a substantial recall highlights the importance of awareness and vigilance concerning motorcycle safety. Harley-Davidson, a revered American motorcycle manufacturer known for its iconic bikes, recently announced a recall affecting over 82,000 Softail motorcycles due to a potentially dangerous defect.
Details of the Harley-Davidson Recall
On June 12, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice stating that Harley-Davidson would recall approximately 82,117 motorcycles. Specifically, the recall covers certain Harley-Davidson Softail models produced between the years 2018 and 2024. The primary issue revolves around a faulty rear shock adjuster mount that can potentially break and puncture the rear tire, resulting in a sudden loss of tire pressure. Such a scenario significantly increases the risk of a crash, posing serious safety concerns to riders.
The specific Harley-Davidson Softail models impacted by this recall include:
- FLDE (2018–2019)
- FLHCS (2018–2024)
- FLHC (2018–2021)
- FXLRS (2020–2024)
- FXLRST (2022–2024)
- FLHCS ANV (2018, 2023)
- FXRST (2022)
Identifying the Warning Signs
While there have thankfully been no reports of injuries or fatalities linked to this defect as of now, riders should remain vigilant and be aware of warning signs indicating potential trouble. Common indicators of the problem may include unusual tire wear patterns, noticeable handling problems while riding, strange noises emanating from under the motorcycle seat, or visible damage to the rear tire or the surrounding components when the seat is removed. Recognizing these signs early can significantly mitigate the risk of accidents or further damage.
How to Respond if Your Motorcycle is Affected
Owners of the affected Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles are encouraged to immediately contact Harley-Davidson to address the issue. To verify whether their bike is part of the recall, owners should call Harley-Davidson directly at 1-800-258-2464. It’s important to provide the recall number “0188” to ensure prompt assistance and accurate information regarding the recall.
Alternatively, motorcycle owners can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the agency’s official website at www.nhtsa.gov to gather additional details or report concerns.
Harley-Davidson’s Proposed Remedy
To rectify the issue, Harley-Davidson has developed a recall remedy kit which includes upgraded hardware. This new kit introduces a redesigned bracket that effectively restricts the movement of the preload adjuster, ensuring that it cannot contact or damage the rear tire. Harley-Davidson dealerships will implement this corrective measure at no charge to motorcycle owners.
Importantly, Harley-Davidson has already integrated this new hardware in its production process for Softail models beginning with the 2025 model year. The introduction of this improved bracket and associated hardware aims to prevent future occurrences of the same issue.
Importance of Prompt Action
Addressing this recall promptly is crucial not only for the safety of the rider but also for passengers and other road users. Ignoring or delaying action regarding recalls like this one can potentially lead to dangerous riding conditions, putting lives at risk. This recall underscores the broader importance of regularly checking recall notices and maintaining open communication with motorcycle manufacturers and authorized dealers.
Contact Us if You’ve Been Injured in a Bay Area Motorcycle Accident
The law office of William E. Weiss, Attorney at Law, represents motorcycle riders who have been injured in an accident in San Francisco caused by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, or if your civil rights as a rider have been violated by law enforcement, contact our office for a free consultation to talk about what happened and find out how we can help.
