Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Harley-Davidson Fl — 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 POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES INSTALLED AS PART OF HARLEY- DAVIDSON'S PREVIOUS RECALL 077 (NHTSA RECALL 92V011000) CAN FAIL IN SERVICE.
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE RESULTS IN LOSS OFELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS OF IGNITION, LIGHTS, AND ACCESSORIES.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW REPLACEMENT BATTERY CABLES.
Defect
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CAN CHAFE BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO THE OIL TANK, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IF THE CABLE SHOULD GROUND.
Consequence
THE HEAT FROM A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEFIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE THE POSTIVE BATTERY CABLE.
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 1989 Harley-Davidson Fl. 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.