Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 42,000 motorcycles due to increased short-circuit and crash risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Harley-Davidson alerted the NHTSA on Sept. 11 of the issue affecting different models with 2024 manufacturing dates.
The five models subject to the recall are the FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE.
According to the recall notice, a voltage regulator wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, or engine house, over time wearing down the wire’s insulation. Once the wire is exposed, this may lead to an electrical short circuit and subsequent loss of power.
“The unexpected loss of propulsion combined with the loss of all electrical power while in motion, without the ability to restart, may increase the risk of a crash,” Harley-Davidson wrote in its recall report.
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle company said it first received notification of the issue on July 25 and production was halted for all five models. Production resumed four days later when the company corrected the issue by installing a secondary retention strap on the regulator wiring harness.
However, more reports kept coming in. By Aug. 20, the company’s technical committee had received nine notifications related to the same issue.
Harley-Davidson decided that although it was not yet aware of crashes or injuries resulting from the problem, a voluntary recall was in order. Dealers were scheduled to be notified mid-September and owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent out this week.
Though the recall pertains to 41,637 motorcycles, the company estimates that only one percent of those will actually suffer the defect.
Owners of affected vehicles can bring them to their local Harley-Davidson dealership where they will be inspected and put in order free of charge.
“All vehicles will have a secondary retention strap installed to ensure proper wire routing,” Harley Davidson said. “In the unlikely event that damage to the voltage regulator output harness is found, a recall kit consisting of a wire harness extension will be installed to replace the damaged wiring harness prior to the installation of the secondary retention strap.”
The dealerships will inspect and as necessary, repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, and install a secondary retention strap, with no charge to customers.
Owners looking to check the status of their vehicles can enter their information into the NHTSA recall check or contact Harley-Davidson’s customer service directly at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0186.
Harley Davidson, the United States’ most iconic motorcycle brand, was founded 121 years ago in 1903. In 2008, the company opened the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, showcasing motorcycles, parts, and brand paraphernalia.