Harley-Davidson Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 of its electric LiveWire motorcycles because they “may unexpectedly shut down and not restart.”
Written content by Rich Kirchen via Milwaukee Business Journal
Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) said a “software issue” on the 2020 LiveWire’s onboard charging system could cause “an unexpected loss of propulsion” that “may increase the risk of a crash,” according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the issue.
The company estimates that only 1% of the bikes have the defect, according to the NHTSA documents. The agency said this is the first recall of the LiveWire, which Harley introduced in 2019 as its first electric motorcycle.
Much is riding on the success of the LiveWire, which the iconic motorcycle manufacturer launched in an effort to appeal to young and environmentally conscious riders who want an electric motorcycle. One challenge out of the gate has been the list price of $29,799.
About one year ago, Harley-Davidson temporarily halted production and delivery of LiveWire motorcycles after discovering a non-standard condition in a final quality check. The Wall Street Journal reported glitches that were related to the motorcycle’s charging equipment.
Harley informed customers of the recall in letters dated Oct. 19 after notifying dealers in letters dated Oct. 15, according to documents filed with the NHTSA.
“Leading in the electrification of motorcycles requires agility and a clear commitment to quality and integrity, and Harley-Davidson continues to demonstrate both,” the company said in the letter to dealers. “This safety recall is one example of how we deploy rigorous quality protocols and face challenges directly.”
The company voluntarily notified the federal agency of plans for the recall, the NHTSA said in an Oct. 8 acknowledgement letter to Harley-Davidson.
A Harley-Davidson spokesperson issued the following statement Wednesday to the Milwaukee Business Journal:
“In the interest of customers’ safety and satisfaction, Harley-Davidson announced a voluntary safety recall involving certain model year 2020 LiveWire motorcycles, which will require a software update. This update will be performed at no cost to customers.”
Customers with these motorcycles should contact an authorized Harley-Davidson LiveWire dealer to schedule an appointment to have updated software installed, the spokesperson said. Read more from Milwaukee Business Journal.
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