Recalls are never pleasant, especially when it involves a motorcycle that riders trust with their safety every time they hit the road. However, recalls also represent responsibility—and in Harley-Davidson’s latest case, that responsibility could be life-saving.
Harley-Davidson has issued an urgent recall covering more than 82,000 Softail models manufactured between 2018 and 2024. The issue centers on the rear shock preload adjuster, specifically its mounting tab. If the tab fractures, the adjuster may come into contact with the rear tire, potentially causing tire damage. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure while riding—an extremely dangerous situation, especially on a heavyweight cruiser.
Riders might assume their older bikes are unaffected, especially if they’ve been operating smoothly since 2018. However, mechanical failures like these can emerge gradually or under particular riding conditions. That’s why Harley-Davidson is urging all affected owners to take this recall seriously.
Models Impacted by the Recall:
- FLDE (2018–2019)
- FLHC (2018–2021)
- FLHCS (2018–2024)
- FLHCS ANV (2018, 2023)
- FXLRS (2020–2024)
- FXLRST (2022–2024)
- FXRST (2022)
For affected motorcycles, Harley-Davidson will replace the faulty part with a redesigned mounting bracket at no cost to the owner. Official owner notification letters are scheduled to begin distribution on June 16, 2025. Nevertheless, concerned riders don’t need to wait—they can visit their local authorized dealer or access Harley-Davidson’s official website for immediate support.
It’s also crucial for owners who had previous repairs done under the earlier 23V591 recall to verify whether their motorcycle now requires the updated fix. Past repairs do not necessarily mean your bike is currently safe.
While recalls may seem inconvenient, they’re vital to rider safety. Harley-Davidson’s proactive approach demonstrates their continued dedication to customer welfare—even years after purchase. If your Softail is listed, don’t delay—schedule your service and ride with peace of mind.
