Tumamoto.com – Harley-Davidson has issued a recall affecting 41,637 motorcycles in the United States. The recall includes models from the Street Glide, Road Glide, and their CVO versions. The issue stems from potential cable damage that could lead to electrical system failure, posing serious safety risks for riders.
Short Circuit Risks in Touring Motorcycles
Harley-Davidson’s recall highlights a significant safety concern: the possibility of a short circuit due to wear on the cable connecting the rectifier to the battery. This problem can arise if the cable rubs against the crankcase, leading to wear over time. If this happens, the main fuse (60A) could trip, causing the motorcycle to lose all electrical power. This means the bike could shut down mid-ride, leaving riders stranded and unable to restart their motorcycles.
The recall also provides insight into the scale of Harley-Davidson’s sales. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected models include approximately 19,914 Road Glide units, 15,736 Street Glide units, 1,471 CVO Super versions, 1,651 CVO Road Glide versions, and 2,865 CVO Road Glide ST units.
Models from the 2024 Production Year Affected
The recall applies to motorcycles from the 2024 production year, specifically those manufactured between October 2023 and July 2024. Harley-Davidson addressed the issue by implementing an additional cable bracket starting in late July 2024. However, earlier models remain at risk and are subject to the recall.
The recall currently pertains only to U.S. models identified by the serial number prefix “1HD.” Whether export models, designated by the prefix “5HD,” are affected remains unclear. Harley-Davidson’s German division is conducting further investigations to determine if exported motorcycles are also impacted.
Quick and Free Repairs
According to Harley-Davidson, repairing the issue will take between 20 and 70 minutes, depending on whether the cable simply needs inspection or requires replacement. The repair process includes inspecting the cable, installing an additional bracket to prevent future wear, and replacing damaged components if necessary. Importantly, these repairs will be carried out at no cost to the customers.
The company began notifying affected U.S. owners on September 23, 2024. Harley-Davidson is urging all owners of the identified models to visit authorized dealerships for the necessary inspections and repairs to ensure rider safety.
Conclusion
Harley-Davidson’s recall affects 41,637 motorcycles from the 2024 model year, including Road Glide, Street Glide, and their CVO variants. The issue centers on a cable that can rub against the crankcase, potentially leading to a total loss of electrical power. Repairs are quick, free, and already underway in the United States. Further updates regarding export models are pending, as Harley-Davidson Germany investigates whether international models are similarly affected.