Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Harley-Davidson Flh1200 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FRONT FENDER BOLTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY LOOSEN AFTER EXTENDED VEHICLE USE. IF UNDETECTED, THE LOOSENING COULD RESULT IN EITHER BOLT LOSS OR FAILURE WHICH COULD ALLOW THE FENDER TO CONTACT THE TIRE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FRONT FENDER BRACKET SYSTEM AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON ASSEMBLY WHICH ALLOWS EXCESSIVE CALIPER PAD RETRACTION FROM THE FRONT BRAKE DISC. BECAUSE OF THIS, MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION OF THE FRONT HANDLEVER COULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE EFFECTIVE FRONT BRAKING OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS IN WHICH THE PLUNGER PISTON BORE DIAMETER WAS HONED .015 INCHES OVER MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS. THIS OVERSIZED BORE RESULTS IN A POOR FIT BETWEEN THE ELASTOMERIC PISTON CUP AND THE CYLINDER BORE, WHICH ALLOWS FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Harley-Davidson Flh1200. 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.