Harley-Davidson is initiating a recall for more than 82,100 Softail motorcycles due to a defective component that may affect the rear tire, potentially causing a sudden loss of pressure.
The manufacturer disclosed in a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2024 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2024 FXLRS, 2022-2024 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles may have been equipped with a type of rear shock adjuster mounting tab that is prone to fracturing.
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Should the mounting tab break, it may cause the adjuster to come into contact with the rear tire, potentially gouging it and leading to a rapid loss of tire pressure, according to the recall notice.
“A sudden loss of tire pressure heightens the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA stated.
FOX Business has contacted Harley-Davidson for further details.
The Harley Davidson Motorcycles corporate logo is visible. (Credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
The company plans to notify owners of the potentially affected Softail motorcycles via letter in mid-June.
Owners will be required to have their motorcycle serviced by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer to address the issue as stated in the recall report.
This service will include the installation of “new hardware” that encompasses a new bracket aimed at limiting the movement of the preload adjuster and preventing it from making contact with the rear tire; the repair will be provided at no cost.
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Some of the recalled 82,100 Softail motorcycles had been “previously repaired” under another recall and “will need to undergo the new remedy,” as noted by the NHTSA. This previous recall occurred in August 2023 and affected more than 65,200 motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson indicated in the most recent NHTSA recall notification that there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue.
“Other Softail models utilizing a different style of rear shock adjuster are not included in this recall,” the company added in the notice.
Harley-Davidson has a dedicated webpage where motorcycle owners can verify if their bike is part of a recall using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number is generally found on the steering head or a label affixed to the right front down tube of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
On a global scale, the company announced it shipped nearly 149,000 motorcycles across various models during the year 2024.
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