2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S recalls and problems

The 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2023 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.

2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	3
Engine	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 13,350 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 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S complaints

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

Engine · reported Aug 17, 2026

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.

Steering · at 4,200 miles · reported Mar 5, 2026

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 bearings in the recall repair or provide a no-cost repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired, but the steering bearings were not included in the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage…

Steering · reported Jan 5, 2026

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 amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Steering · reported Jan 5, 2026

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 of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 16, 2025

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.

Other Harley-Davidson RH1250S years

2026 2025 202420232022 2021

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S: 26V-075 (steering), 25V-590 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S?

Owners report steering problems most often (3 reports), followed by engine (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 13,350 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.