Harley-Davidson Issues Massive Recall On 82,000+ Softail Motorcycles

The shock mounting tab can break off and potentially puncture the rear tire.

By: Enrico Punsalang

Jun 16, 2025 at 11:23am ET

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Let’s face it—recalls are never fun. No one likes being told that their motorcycle, the very machine they trust with their life on the road, has a defect. It’s inconvenient, maybe even a little frustrating, especially if you’ve had no issues up until now. But the truth is, recalls aren’t just about problems—they’re also about accountability.

When a manufacturer issues a recall, they’re stepping up and owning the fact that something needs fixing. And in the case of Harley-Davidson’s latest recall, that accountability could quite literally save lives.

Harley-Davidson has announced a recall affecting over 82,000 Softail models built between 2018 and 2024. The issue lies with the rear shock pre-load adjuster, specifically the mounting tab that can break. If it does, the adjuster can rub against the rear tire and potentially damage it. Worst case? You lose rear tire pressure suddenly while riding—a situation no one wants to be in, especially not on a heavy cruiser barreling down the highway.

If you’re thinking, “My bike’s from 2018 and I’ve been riding it for years without a hitch,” that’s totally understandable. But mechanical issues like this don’t always show up right away. Some develop slowly, some only happen under specific conditions. Just because it hasn’t happened to you yet doesn’t mean it can’t. That’s why it’s worth taking this recall seriously—because even if your bike feels fine, there’s a risk that can’t be ignored.

The affected models include:

FLDE (2018–2019)
FLHC (2018–2021)
FLHCS (2018–2024)
FLHCS ANV (2018, 2023)
FXLRS (2020–2024)
FXLRST (2022–2024)
FXRST (2022)

If your bike’s on this list, Harley-Davidson will fix the issue by installing a new bracket, and they’ll do it free of charge. Owner notification letters will start going out on June 16, 2025, but if you don’t want to wait around, you can contact Harley-Davidson directly by heading over to your nearest dealership or checking out their official website.

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Also worth noting: some bikes that were repaired under the older 23V591 recall may need to come back in for this updated fix, so don’t assume your bike is clear just yet.

Recalls might feel like a hassle, but they’re part of what keeps riders safe. Harley-Davidson stepping up like this shows they’re still invested in the well-being of their riders—even years after the bikes have left the showroom floor. So if your Softail is on this list, book that service appointment. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.