2021 Harley-Davidson RA1250S
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 13 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 3 RA1250S model years with reports.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJan 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."
Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
5 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 23, 2026
My motorcycle suffered a serious engine failure at approximately 12,500 km (7,800 miles) while I was riding. Before the failure, I noticed an unusual ticking/rattling noise coming from the engine, especially when the engine was under load or when the throttle was closed. The failure occurred while riding and caused a sudden loss of engine performance. This happened while I was in traffic and I was extremely close to having an accident because the motorcycle did not respond as expected when I needed power. After the motorcycle was inspected, the failure was found to be related to the camshaft/cam chain tensioning system. The cam chain tensioner had become loose and the resulting failure caused internal engine damage, including damage to components in the valve train. The motorcycle had been properly maintained and serviced, and there was no missed scheduled maintenance that could explain the failure. The mileage was also relatively low for such a serious internal engine failure. What concerns me is that I am now finding other reports describing similar failures on Revolution Max engines, particularly involving the cam chain tensioner and its retaining bolt. If a tensioner can lose its position during normal operation and cause the cam timing to fail, the consequences can be extremely serious. In my case, this was not simply a mechanical failure that left me stranded. It created an actual safety risk while riding and nearly caused an accident. I am sharing this as a separate report because I believe these incidents should be documented individually. If other Pan America owners have experienced similar cam chain tensioner, cam chain, camshaft or valve train failures, especially on 2021–2022 models, please share your mileage, symptoms and the exact components that failed. I hope Harley-Davidson and the relevant authorities will look at these reports collectively rather than treating each failure as an isolated incident.
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Engine, Sep 23, 2026
My motorcycle suffered a serious engine failure at approximately 12,500 km (7,800 miles) while I was riding. Before the failure, I noticed an unusual ticking/rattling noise coming from the engine, especially when the engine was under load or when the throttle was closed. The failure occurred while riding and caused a sudden loss of engine performance. This happened while I was in traffic and I was extremely close to having an accident because the motorcycle did not respond as expected when I needed power. After the motorcycle was inspected, the failure was found to be related to the camshaft/cam chain tensioning system. The cam chain tensioner had become loose and the resulting failure caused internal engine damage, including damage to components in the valve train. The motorcycle had been properly maintained and serviced, and there was no missed scheduled maintenance that could explain the failure. The mileage was also relatively low for such a serious internal engine failure. What concerns me is that I am now finding other reports describing similar failures on Revolution Max engines, particularly involving the cam chain tensioner and its retaining bolt. If a tensioner can lose its position during normal operation and cause the cam timing to fail, the consequences can be extremely serious. In my case, this was not simply a mechanical failure that left me stranded. It created an actual safety risk while riding and nearly caused an accident. I am sharing this as a separate report because I believe these incidents should be documented individually. If other Pan America owners have experienced similar cam chain tensioner, cam chain, camshaft or valve train failures, especially on 2021–2022 models, please share your mileage, symptoms and the exact components that failed. I hope Harley-Davidson and the relevant authorities will look at these reports collectively rather than treating each failure as an isolated incident.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 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 already sealed. Harley Davidson’s solution for this problem has been to continue replacing the fuel pump with a new one identical to the one that failed at the customers expense. No warning lamps or messages appear when the pump is failing or completely failed occasionally riders have stated they begin hearing a growling or screeching sound from the tank soon before failure. Others have stated that the fuel pump has left them stranded or in a dangerous situation due to the pump failing while on the roadway with no warning. A recall to reseal or replace the tanks on older model years needs to be done to ensure the safety of the rider and others on the roadway.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 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 discontinued the sale and replacement of problematic part in model years 2021-2023. Owners of vehicles with model years 2021-2023 that experience failure of OEM stator and rotor now discontinued part are required to purchase "upgrade kit" with additional motor parts to accommodate the increased size of replacement part and required pay additional hours in labor rates for installation. Contacting manufacturer customer care, representative explained there will be no assistance from manufacturer to cover increased expenses for repair of discontinued part at fault.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 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 is not available but has been replaced by a 2024 upgrade kit. The cost for the kit is $3,500 (some report $6,000) including labor. Harley Davidson is aware that the rotor will separate from the stator and not generate power resulting in engine failure. This is evidenced by the fact that the original part has been replaced. They know that part is defective. I called Harley Customer Service this morning and was told there is nothing they will do. I will be taking the bike in for repairs next week.