The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) applauds the recent settlement between John Deere and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with the attorneys general of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona regarding consumers' right to repair their own equipment.
While the agreement focuses on agricultural equipment, the states involved represent the heart of America's motorcycling community. These same states are home to countless riders, motorcyclist rights organizations, and independent repair shops that understand the importance of giving owners access to the tools, software, parts, and information needed to maintain their bikes.
We hope this settlement serves as a precedent for other major manufacturers, including motorcycle manufacturers, to recognize that customers should have the right to repair the products they own. Ownership should include the ability to maintain, diagnose, and repair your vehicle.
The MRF Is pleased to see the snowballing right to repair results, which continue to consistently support consumer rights. The MRF will continue working with lawmakers, industry partners, and consumer advocates to ensure motorcyclists enjoy the same repair freedoms that Americans expect for every vehicle they own.
ABATE of Wisconsin's release about this settlement:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the attorneys general of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona reached a settlement with John Deere over allegations that the company unfairly restricted customers' ability to repair its agricultural equipment.
ABATE of Wisconsin and the motorcyclists in the state have been advocating for broader "right to repair" policies, arguing that vehicle owners should be able to repair and maintain the products they purchase without unnecessary manufacturer restrictions. While this settlement is about farm equipment rather than motorcycles, it reflects the same underlying principle: that owners and independent repair shops should have fair access to the tools, software, and information needed to perform repairs.
The settlement generally requires John Deere to:
In the complaint, the FTC argued that Deere provides a service software tool to authorized dealers but does not provide the full version to equipment owners or independent shops. This does not directly change repair rights for motorcycles, but it is viewed by many as a significant precedent that could influence other industries, including powersports and automotive repair.
ABATE of Wisconsin would like to thank the Attorney General of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, for his work on protecting consumers' rights.
See the full story here;
Steve Panten
ABATE of Wisconsin – Legislative Committee Chair
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