2021 Harley-Davidson Ra1250s problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (4) · Electrical System (4) · Engine (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Harley-Davidson Ra1250s model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel 2022-01-25 · campaign 22V030000 · 3,917 vehicles
Defect: Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA1250S), Pan America 1250 (RA1250), and Sportster S (RH1250S) motorcycles. The instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."
Risk: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 8, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0631.
Service bulletins (79)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-17 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.9.4): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). new software update. note: the tech
Wheels 2026-07-25 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.8.3): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version version 26.8.3, release dat
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-06-11 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.7.3): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version 26.7.3. release date:• week
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-04-24 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.6.2): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version 26.6.2. release date: week
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-03-31 · M1720 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1720 (rev a): pan america electronic control module (ecm) update. purpose: initial release 3/3/2026. revision a. 3/30/2026. updated: purpose for service bulletin and required dealer action. adjust information for 2024 models. purpose for service bulletin. this bulletin informs dea
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-03-31 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.5.2): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version 26.5.2 release date: week of
Showing the 6 most recent of 79 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-23 · Wheels“my motorcycle suffered a serious engine failure at approximately 12,500 km (7,800 miles) while i was riding. before the failure, i noticed an unusual ticking/rattling noise coming from the engine, especially when the engine was under load or when the throttle was closed. the failure occurred while riding and caused a sudden loss of engine performa…”
2026-09-15 · Power Train“the cam chain tensioner failed while driving down the road, resulting in reduced power during a pass that almost resulted in an accident. there are no maintenance requirements for this component and there are numerous reports of this failing in motorcycles equipped with the revolution max engine. on this engine, the cam chain tensioner is held in …”
2026-06-23 · Power Train“the engine stalled when i was exiting the freeway due to the charging system failure. this is the second time the charging system failed. the first failure has been documented on nhtsa complaint number 11746092. i paid the harley davidson slc dealership in april 2024 to have the charging system repaired and replaced. harley davidson had released a …”
2026-06-23 · Power Train“the charging system for the battery failed when i was on an out of state road trip. the voltage of the bike would drop between 11 and 12 volts when slowing down. i slowed down to make a tight turn on a canyon highway when the bike lost power and stalled. the motorcycle continued to stall several more times while in motion on the highway and i had a…”
2026-06-17 · Electrical System“2021 h-d pan america charging system (stator and/or rotor) failing per dealer testing. not covered by warranty or extended warranty. motorcycle is currently at the dealer awaiting parts. was advised not to ride it because it could run erratic, shut off unexpectedly (very dangerous), fail to start, etc. possible the magnets can separate from the ele…”
2026-05-13 · Electrical System“while going through an intersection at 50 mph the dashboard goes black and resets just like you switched the motor cycle off. this has happened to me three times in last 6 months. dealer says it’s a bad switch and has since been redesigned and he will sell me one for $406.00, for an extra $100.00 they will install it for me. plus towing to get my j…”
2026-05-13 · Electrical System“the ignition kill switch is a known problem all over the internet. when the kill switch is switched the bike continues to run. the more the switch has worn, the longer the delay. i'm afraid at some point it's just not going to kill the engine at all which is a major safety hazard.…”
2026-05-02 · Unknown Or Other“the harley pan america has 2 electrical issues causing safety concerns. the right hand control module fails randomly causing the bike to continue running when turning off. the charging system randomly drops voltage causing the motorcycle to go into a limp mode while driving limiting speed to 55 and reduced throttle input which causes safety concern…”
2026-04-29 · Electrical System“the charging system is not working at low rpm causing bike to die at stop signs. not safe in heavy traffic. the dealer has checked the system and will require an upgrade kit because the parts in the bike now are note available. the kit $2600 plus labor. the extend warranty will not cover this because it’s an upgrade kit. this is a known issue with …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.