Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 Harley-Davidson 1000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED CYCLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD WHICH HAS INSUFFICIENT CONTACT AREA WITH THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE ROD PENETRATING THE PISTON DURING EXTREMELY HIGH PEDAL EFFORT.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, ONE OR BOTH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS MAY BREAK. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BROKEN PORTION OF THE BOLT TO DRIFT INTO THE ADJACENT ROTATING WHEEL SPOKES. SHOULD BOTH CALIPER BOLTS BREAK, THE INNER CALIPER HALF MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS WITH IMPROVED TYPE BOLTS, WHERE NECESSARY.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Harley-Davidson 1000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.