2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 6 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 4 RH1250S model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 1 involved a fire.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, linkagesFeb 9, 2026
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V075000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesSep 10, 2025
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
6 reports, newest first.
Engine, 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, 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 was approximately 4,200.
Steering, 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.
Steering, 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, 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.
Engine, Dec 19, 2024, fire
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,350.