2023 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (3) · Engine (2) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Steering:linkages 2026-02-09 · campaign 26V075000 · 9,401 vehicles
Defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the upper triple clamp, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 19, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0191. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V590. Motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
Steering:linkages 2025-09-10 · campaign 25V590000 · 8,424 vehicles
Defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0190.
Service bulletins (46)
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 · 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
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-14 · M1679 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1679: aftermarket exhaust header debris. purpose: initial release. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has identified instances of premature engine failure due to abrasive particle wear, specifically from debris inside new aftermarket exhaust headers. recent evaluati
Showing the 6 most recent of 46 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-17 · Engine“cam tensioner bolt that holds the tensioner in place, broke causing the tensioner to come loose, making the engine make a loud ticking noise and eventually making the engine inoperable.…”
2026-03-05 · Steering · 4,200 mi“the contact owns a 2023 harley-davidson rh1250 sportster s. the contact stated received notifications of nhtsa campaign number: 25v590000 (steering) and 26v075000 (steering); and the vehicle developed a secondary failure in the steering bearings. the contact stated that the recall repair caused the damage, and the dealer refused to include the bear…”
2026-01-05 · Steering“the contact owns a 2023 harley davidson rh1250s. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 25v590000 (steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. the local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amo…”
2026-01-05 · Steering“the contact owns a 2023 harley davidson rh1250s. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 25v590000 (steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. the local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount …”
2025-09-16 · Fuel/Propulsion System“fuel filters clog due to reaction of alcohol in fuel and bare fuel tank. 2024 models are having the fuel tanks coated to prevent the problem. folders bikes stall creating a safety hazard. this issue should be a recall.…”
2024-12-19 · Engine · 13,350 mi · 🔥 fire“the contact owns a 2023 harley-davidson sportster rh1250s. the contact stated that while while driving at 75 mph, the vehicle lost power and he observed a loud popping noise emanating from the exhaust pipe. on another occasion while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and the contact observed flames emanating from the plastic edge of the righ…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.