2021 Harley-Davidson RA1250S: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 10 complaints (90.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 50.0% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 20.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 10.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Electrical System: 9; Engine: 3; Power Train: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 8 |
2024: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 8
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11622753 · 2024-10-30 (October 30, 2024)
The stator/ rotor on the 2021 Pan America will fail resulting in engine failure, leaving the rider exposed in traffic or stranded. In my case the amp gauge went below 12 and the battery light came on while riding in traffic. Even while running the engine at high RPM's the amp's won't reach 12 (positive charging). My motorcycle died while idling at two traffic lights. I was able to get it restarted and make it home before the battery completely drained. I talked to the local Harley Dealer, and have read forum reports. The 2021 stator/ rotor…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11622753 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11689629 · 2025-09-25 (September 25, 2025)
OEM Stator and Rotor failure around 10,000 miles. Failure of adhesive laminate for magnets causing magnets to separate from assembly causing engine to knocking sound, electrical power voltage drop, engine may shut down while in operation / at idle causing safety issue in traffic. In 2024, manufacturer revised design for engine case, increased size of stator and rotor parts, and changed other related electronic parts. Manufacturer then discontinued original part and created an "upgrade kit" for previous 2021-2023 models. Manufacturer has discont…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11689629 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11713121 · 2026-01-24 (January 24, 2026)
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people have mentioned this known issue but Harley Davidson still refuses to seal the aluminum tanks or replace the tank with the later model ones that are al…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11713121 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11734699 · 2026-04-29 (April 29, 2026)
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 these bike and refuse to take care of this!
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11734699 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11735318 · 2026-05-02 (May 2, 2026)
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 concerns while driving down the road. Harley Davidson is aware of the issues but will not repair the issues. This is a common problem with most Harley pan americas. Harley has updated the charging system on …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11735318 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11737606 · 2026-05-13 (May 13, 2026)
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 job working motorcycle to the dealer.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11737606 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11737691 · 2026-05-13 (May 13, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11737691 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11744734 · 2026-06-17 (June 17, 2026)
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 electrical rotor and cause catastrophic damage requiring engine replacement.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11744734 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
22V030000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Reported: 2022-01-25 (January 25, 2022)
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."
Consequence: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗