Harley-Davidson recalls over 238,000 motorcycles

Milwaukee, WI (October 23, 2018) BSB — Harley-Davidson said it will recall 238,300 recent-model motorcycles world-wide due to a clutch issue, an effort that will weigh on the company’s earnings this quarter.

Milwaukee-based Harley said it informed dealers of a voluntary safety recall 2017 and 2018 Touring, Trike and CVO Touring models and certain 2017 Softail models due to issues with their hydraulic-clutch assemblies. The company expects the recall to cost $35 million and will take a charge in that amount in the fourth quarter. Harley also reported third-quarter results on Tuesday that beat revenue and profit expectations, sending shares higher in pre-market trading. To see if your model is affected, go to the Harley Owners Website at: Safety Recall Information and enter your models VIN number.

Harley-Davidson recalls 238,300 motorcycles

But the number of motorcycles the manufacturer sold in the period fell again, highlighting the challenges it faces amid shifting customer preferences. Harley reported that world-wide it sold 59,226 bikes in the quarter, down almost 8% compared with the year earlier. In the U.S., Harley’s largest market, sales were down 13% to 36,226 motorcycles. In all overseas markets, the company said sales rose 3% to 23,006 bikes. As Harley’s core customer base ages and slows purchases, it is scrambling to attract younger motorcycle riders who prefer bikes that are smaller and less expensive. Sales at the Milwaukee-based company have declined the last three years.

Harley faces other challenges too, including higher costs on imported steel and aluminium due to tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. Harley earned a profit of $113.9 million, or 68 cents a share, in the third quarter, compared to $68 million, or 40 cents a share, a year earlier. After excluding some manufacturing costs, Harley said it earned 78 a share, compared to the 53 cents a share predicted by analysts surveyed by FactSet. For the quarter, Harley-Davidson said revenue from motorcycles and related products rose 17% from the year earlier to $1.12 billion. Analysts had predicted $1.07 billion.

Shares in Harley, which have fallen 24% so far this year, were up about 2% in pre-market trading to $39.49. The company also reported Tuesday that it expects costs related to its closure of a factory in Kansas City, Mo., to total $155 million to $185 million, down from the previous expectation of $170 million to $200 million through 2019. The company said it still predicts motorcycle shipments of 231,000 to 236,000 for the full year, the same as the previous guidance.

SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal

Harley-Davidson recalls almost 175,000 Motorcycles

Detroit, Michigan (February 7, 2018) — Under pressure from U.S. safety regulators, Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 175,000 motorcycles because the brakes might fail.

The U.S. recall covers more than 30 models from the 2008 through 2011 model years. Harley says deposits can form on brake parts if the fluid isn’t changed every two years as specified in the owner’s manual. That can cause a valve in the anti-lock brake control unit to stick.

The U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating problems in July of 2016 after getting 43 complaints including three reports of crashes and two injuries.

Documents show Harley wanted to do a field service campaign instead of a recall, but the government refused. Messages were left Wednesday for company spokesmen.

Dealers will flush and replace brake fluid starting on February 12.

To see if your bike has a recall, click HERE.

Over 23,000 Indian Motorcycles Recalled

Indian Recalls 23,000+ Motorcycles for Possible Fuel Leak

SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA (December 14, 2016) — Indian Motorcycle Company has issued a recall for certain model year 2014-2017 Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Vintage, Chieftan, Chieftan Dark Horse, Springfield, and Roadmaster motorcycles.

The fuel rail on the affected motorcycles may contact other components and result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Approximately 23,746 motorcycles are impacted by this recall—all of which were manufactured between April 15, 2013 and July 15, 2016.

Pictured: Indian Chief Dark Horse Indian

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the affected motorcycles that will limit movement of the fuel rail. These repairs will be conducted free of charge to owners.

This recall is expected to begin this Month, December 2016. For further details, owners can contact Indian Motorcycle customer service at (877) 204-3697—reference recall number I-16-03.

To find out if your vehicle is affected by this recall, you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s online recall look-up tool here: SafeCar VIN Search