Consumers are facing this problem with almost every product they own, from their phone, to their tractor and for AMA members, their motorcycles and ATVs. This issue is collectively known as "Right to Repair" and put in the simplest terms, right to repair is the idea that when you buy something, you have the right to repair it or seek an independent repair shop to do the work and manufacturers must make the parts and information needed for these repairs available to the public for a fair and reasonable price.
Fortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives has reintroduced the REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair), H.R. 906, for the 118th Congress. The bill would ensure that motorcyclists and independent repair shops have access to the information, tools, and parts needed to repair motorcycles. On November 2, 2023, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a markup on the REPAIR Act. Republicans and Democrats both agree this legislation is important for consumers to make repair decisions best suited for their situation. Lawmakers in the markup offered bipartisan amendments to protect personally identifiable data associated with your vehicle. The AMA is asking you to tell your Representative to co-sponsor this bi-partisan bill and protect your right to repair.
If you would like to learn more about Right to Repair, you can read the Federal Trade Commission Report to Congress from May 2021 "Nixing the Fix" which details the ways some manufacturers limit repairs by consumers.