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.

Complaints by model year

Of the 2023 reports, 1 involved a fire.

Primary concernSteering3 reports · 50% of complaints

Owner complaints6Filed with NHTSA

Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

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: engine

2 reports, newest first. Show all

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.
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.