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Harley-Davidson Ordered to Fix Warranties in ‘Right-to-Repair’ Cases

Federal Trade Commission Shuts Down Illegal Restriction, Customers Can Now Use Third-Party Repairers for their Bike

A Harley-Davidson Sportster. Media sourced from British GQ.
A Harley-Davidson Sportster. Media sourced from British GQ.

Harley-Davidson has gotten themselves in a spot of trouble lately – and now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized orders mandating that Harley remedy the situation.

The issue started with a series of warranty issues and regulatory fractions that were filed against Harley, as well as two more companies (grilling brand Weber-Stephen Products, and the manufacturer of Westinghouse outdoor power equipment, MWE Investments). 

A Harley bike with rider, enjoying the scenery. Media sourced from VisorDown.
A Harley bike with rider, enjoying the scenery. Media sourced from VisorDown.

According to NewsBreak, Harley told her customers that “warranties would be void if customers used independent repairers or third-party parts, in violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the FTC Act.”

In plain-speak, If riders used any dealership apart from Harley’s, then they wouldn’t be protected under the promised warranty. Period. 

That’s a bit of a problem for riders who might not be near a dealership at the time of reparation, and it was made all the worse by the fact that someone on Harley’s side “failed to properly disclose all warranty terms in a single document, and instead directed consumers to visit a local dealership to fully understand the warranty.”

Harley's Wildcat dealership location. Media sourced from Wildcat Harley-Davidson.
Harley’s Wildcat dealership location. Media sourced from Wildcat Harley-Davidson.

As of yet, Harley refuses to comment on the proceedings – but hey, at least y’all can take your bike to get fixed anywhere knowing your warranty will stay intact. 

For other related news, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter; drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from Wildcat Harley-Davidson, British GQ, and VisorDown*