Warranty wars always stir up the grease-stained passions of motorheads, and the latest bout involves Harley-Davidson, aftermarket parts, and a simmering antitrust debate.
At the heart of the Harley-Davidson warranty matter? Whether a motorcycle giant can effectively lock its riders into buying only its branded repair parts or void their warranties if they don’t.
Harley-Davidson Warranty Policies May Have to Change Thanks to Right to Repair Advocates
A group of Harley customers filed a class-action lawsuit in July 2023, accusing the company of violating U.S. antitrust laws by conditioning its warranties on the exclusive use of Harley-Davidson parts. They argue this creates a monopolistic stranglehold, leaving them unable to repair their bikes with affordable alternatives.
The battle seemed lost when a district judge dismissed the case, citing Harley’s compliance with legal definitions of warranty tying. But a fresh twist emerged when another judge revived the case, leaning on the broader implications of the Right to Repair movement.
While the case trudges through legal red tape, its outcome remains uncertain, especially amid a corporate-friendly Supreme Court and shifting regulatory landscapes.
For now, Harley owners are left wondering: Will they regain the freedom to wrench on their bikes without voiding warranties, or will the Motor Company’s grip tighten further? Either way, it’s a high-stakes battle that cuts to the core of ownership and independence.
Source: RideApart
