Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1986 Harley-Davidson Fxr Series — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
BOLTS IN PIVOT SHAFT THAT ATTACHES THE SWING ARM TO THE FRAME MAY NOT BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BOLTS COULD LOSE ALL TORQUE AND VIBRATE FREE OF THE MOTORCYCLE, CAUSING A SEVERE HANDLING PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
PROPERLY TORQUE SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT BOLT.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1986 Harley-Davidson Fxr Series. 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.