Harley-Davidson Recalls 65,000 Motorcycles Over Dangerous Defect

Bikers in California and across the country should check to see if their motorcycles are part of a new recall before hitting the road.

Harley-Davidson recently announced that it is calling back some 65,000 motorcycles. Riders could lose control of their motorcycles without warning, the company told federal regulators.

A fastener meant to secure a rear shock absorber could break, potentially causing damage to the rear tire and a loss of tire pressure. That, in turn, could cause even experienced bikers to lose control.

“The risk of a crash exists if contact between the rear shock adjuster and tire remains undetected, resulting in a loss of pressure,” Harley-Davidson said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The federal agency enforces vehicle safety standards and oversees safety recalls.

The Harley-Davidson recall covers a wide range of softail motorcycles from model years 2018 to 2022. The bikes were produced in the U.S. from June 2017 to August 2023.

Owners of recalled bikes should have received notices via mail by early September, Harley-Davidson told NHTSA. Owners can also check the agency’s website to see if their bikes are included in the recall.

California Lemon Law Rights for Motorcycle Owners

Many motorcycle owners understand that getting on a bike comes with certain risks. 

What makes riding so enjoyable - the freedom of hitting the road on an open bike - is also what makes it particularly dangerous: bikers have little physical protection when accidents happen.

But the risks are even greater when bikes are defective or malfunctioning. Sadly, motorcycle manufacturers routinely spot problems and announce recalls long after bikes have left factory floors and hit the road.

Bikers in California should know that they have some important legal rights when it comes to defective motorcycles.

The state’s lemon law forces manufacturers to perform a full range of repairs on motorcycles while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) bikes that they are unable to or decline to fix. 

That includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the motorcycle, as well as for monthly loan payments, the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing and other related expenses. 

A bike manufacturer can instead offer to replace the motorcycle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Our California Lemon Law Attorneys Can Help

At Bickel Sannipoli, our California lemon law attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients across the state stuck with defective or malfunctioning vehicles. 

We are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.