Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson 1200 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 33% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 22% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 11% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 11% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE HANDLE BARS ON THESE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE HANDLE BARS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.”
“99V290/ STEERING WHEEL HANDLE BARS: RECEIVED RECALL, AND UNABLE TO GET DEALER TO HONOR IT DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NOTIFIED MANFACTURER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NO PARTS WERE SENT TO DEALER BECAUSE DEALER DID NOT MAKE A REQUEST. DEALER MADE REQUEST, RECEIVED PARTS SHORTLY AFTER AND REPAIRED…”
“WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH OR WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP, THE MOTORCYCLE JUST DIES.MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.”
“WHILE AT A GAS STATION AND GETTING READY TO LEAVE, CLUTCH CABLE POPPED OUT AND MOTORCYCLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Harley-Davidson 1200. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.