Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer, has confirmed that it is currently engaged in a search for a new CEO as part of its board’s succession planning. This comes after current CEO Jochen Zeitz expressed his intention to retire in 2025 following five years in the role. Despite the ongoing search, no suitable replacement has yet been identified.
In a recent statement, the Harley-Davidson Board announced that the search process is continuing, led by a dedicated committee. Meanwhile, the company is facing challenges as it has had to recall over 82,000 motorcycles due to safety concerns about certain 2018-2024 Softail models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that a defect may cause the rear shock pre-load adjuster to break, which could lead to damage to the rear tire and result in a loss of tire pressure. This presents a significant risk, as it may increase the potential for accidents.
Affected models include the FLDE (2018-2019), FLHCS (2018-2024), FLHC (2018-2021), FXLRS (2020-2024), FXLRST (2022-2024), FLHCS ANV (2018, 2023), and FXRST (2022). Harley-Davidson has advised owners of these motorcycles to seek service, where a new bracket will be installed to prevent the adjuster from making contact with the rear tire, thus addressing the safety issues.
This recall emphasizes the importance of vehicle safety in the motorcycle industry, and it reflects Harley-Davidson’s commitment to addressing concerns proactively, thereby ensuring the well-being of its riders. As the company navigates both leadership transitions and safety challenges, there remains a hopeful outlook for the future of this storied brand.