If you're the owner of a 2025 or 2026 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Low Rider S, or Low Rider ST, then you need to know about the Motor Company's most recent safety recall announcement. Why? Because it affects 100% of these bikes. According to company records, that's about 16,994 individual motorcycles in the US alone.
The issue is one of clearance; specifically, these models all incorporate "a new electrical architecture" along with "a narrow frame." That's why other Softail models from 2025 and 2026 aren't included in this recall; those bikes have a wider frame, and so don't have the same clearance issue that the bikes involved in this recall have.
Because of the location of the Body Control Module (BCM) and the new, narrower frame, as well as the new electrical architecture, it is possible for the BCM to come into contact with the rear brake line. This is because there is not enough clearance between the BCM and the rear brake line within this frame layout.
Over time, this could wear a hole in that rear brake line, which could then leak brake fluid. At best, brake fluid can be unkind to paint; at worst, this could of course cause a loss of rear braking ability, increasing the possibility of a crash and injuries.
As for any warning signs that a rider could notice, brake fluid underneath the motorcycle is one, as is a potential decrease in expected rear brake performance when a rider pushes down on the pedal.
Harley-Davidson has been investigating this issue since the beginning of March 2026. As of April 13, 2026, the company says that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
The recall service will involve replacement of the BCM caddy with a new, revised unit, as well as inspection of the rear brake line. If the rear brake line has been compromised, it will also be replaced with a new unit. The revised BCM caddy establishes greater clearance from the rear brake line, and is also in use on all new production Softails with this frame architecture that have been manufactured since March 18, 2026.
Harley-Davidson is notifying its dealer network about this issue between April 20, 2026 and April 27, 2026. Additionally, the company plans to send owner notification letters to all registered owners of affected bikes between May 18, 2026 and May 25, 2026. Affected VINs will be searchable in the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database as of April 16, 2026.
Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Additionally, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
