2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
6 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
8,775 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 6 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 3 | 50.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 16.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 16.7% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Steering | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Steering: 3; Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 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 | 2 |
| 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: 2; 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 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 4 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 | 4 |
2024: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 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 11631599 · 2024-12-19 (December 19, 2024)
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 right front of the seat. The vehicle was steered off the highway and the flames were distinguished by the contact. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they could not replicate the failure. The manufactu…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 11631599 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11687612 · 2025-09-16 (September 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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11687612 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11708741 · 2026-01-05 (January 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 ex…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11708741 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11708743 · 2026-01-05 (January 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 experi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11708743 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11722348 · 2026-03-05 (March 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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 4,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11722348 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11757486 · 2026-08-17 (August 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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11757486 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
25V590000 · Steering:Linkages
Reported: 2025-09-10 (September 10, 2025)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V075000 · Steering:Linkages
Reported: 2026-02-09 (February 9, 2026)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Consequence: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗