2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S recalls and problems

The 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S has 3 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S recalls

Recall 26V-075: Steering

Reported Feb 9, 2026 · 9,401 vehicles affected · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Recall 25V-590: Steering

Reported Sep 10, 2025 · 8,424 vehicles affected · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Recall 22V-030: Electrical System

Reported Jan 25, 2022 · 3,917 vehicles affected · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Problem: 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.

2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure2
Engine2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Structure › Motorcycle › Fairing/Cowling/Windscreen › Mounting Fasteners/Hardware — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,941 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Apr 28, 2026
While riding the motorcycle, engine suddenly began making a loud clacking noise. Brought motorcycle in to Harley Davidson dealer and it was diagnosed that they cam chain tensior had become loose and was destroyed inside the engine causing small bits of metal to clog oil ports and damage the engine. The remedy was an engine replacement. Through deliberate research this appears to be an issue with the 2021-2023 model year Sportster S Harley-Davidson motorcycles and should be recalled to remedy the issue before engine failure due to manufacturing negligence.
Engine · reported Dec 28, 2025
There is a known issue with he engines in these motorcycles where the bolt for the timing chain tensioner comes loose and causes excessive wear in the timing chain guid with causes the timing chain tensioner to come apart inside of the engine which will cause the engine to have to be replaced due to loose metal fragments in the engine. I went to my local dealer yesterday 12/27/2025 to talk to them about my issues and one of the mechanics pulled me back too look at a bike with the same issue and the engines was completely disassembled so they can fix it.
Structure · at 11,941 miles · reported May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S. The contact stated that the motorcycle was ridden 17-miles to work. The contact stated that after completing the workday and riding back to the residence, there was an abnormal whizzing sound coming from the motorcycle while riding on the Interstate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the bolts on the frame tube were damaged. The contact stated that another motorist motioned for him to stop. The contact pulled over and noticed that the hold assembly had detached from the motorcycle and was being dragged by the…

Other Harley-Davidson RH1250S years

Compare all Harley-Davidson RH1250S years · All Harley-Davidson models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S: 26V-075 (steering), 25V-590 (steering), 22V-030 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S?

Owners report structure problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,941 miles.

Are Harley-Davidson recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.