If you’re rolling on a newer Softail, this is one of those stories you don’t scroll past.
Harley-Davidson has officially issued a recall on nearly 17,000 motorcycles due to a defect that could lead to rear brake failure—and yeah, that’s about as serious as it sounds.
What’s Actually Going On?
The issue comes down to something most riders never think about: clearance between components.
On certain 2025–2026 Softail models, the rear brake line can rub against the bike’s Body Control Module (BCM). Over time, that contact can wear a hole in the line, causing brake fluid to leak out.
And when that fluid goes… so does your rear braking power.
Not ideal when you’re cruising at highway speed or navigating tight corners.
Which Bikes Are Affected?
This recall hits specific Softail models, including:
- FLHC (Heritage Classic)
- FXBB (Street Bob)
- FXLRS (Low Rider S)
- FXLRST (Low Rider ST)
All from model years 2025–2026, built between late 2024 and early 2026.
Harley estimates that basically every bike in this recall group could have the issue.
How Serious Is It?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—losing rear brake function increases your crash risk.
That said, there’s a bit of good news:
- No crashes or injuries have been officially reported (yet)
- The issue was caught early through service reports before things escalated
Still, if you ride one of these bikes, this isn’t something you “get around to later.”
Warning Signs to Watch For
Until you get it checked, keep an eye out for:
- Brake fluid pooling under your bike
- A soft or weak rear brake feel
- Longer stopping distances
If you notice any of that—park it. Seriously.
What Harley Is Doing About It
Harley isn’t leaving riders hanging here.
The fix includes:
- Replacing mounting hardware to create proper clearance
- Inspecting the brake line
- Replacing damaged parts if needed
And yes—it’s all free.
Owner notification letters are expected to go out starting May 18, 2026.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’ve got a 2025 or 2026 Softail:
- Don’t ignore this
- Check your VIN through Harley’s recall system
- Call your local dealer and schedule the fix
Even if your bike “feels fine,” this is one of those issues that can sneak up on you.
Final Thoughts (From One Rider to Another)
This isn’t about panic—it’s about awareness.
Modern bikes are packed with tech, and sometimes that complexity creates new failure points. The good news? Harley caught it, owned it, and is fixing it.
But at the end of the day, you’re the one twisting the throttle.
Stay sharp. Stay safe. And if your bike’s on that list—get it handled before your next ride.
.
Biker Dad 