Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Harley-Davidson MT500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE CERTIFICATION LABEL WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence
IF THE CORRECT TIRE INFORMATION IS NOT GIVEN, UNDERRATED TIRES COULD BE PLACED ON THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CERTIFICATION LABEL ON AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR IS NOT LABELED IN CONFORMANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 122, "MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy
DEALERS WILL LABEL THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE MANUAL CHOKE LEVER IS NOT LABELED IN CONFORMANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 123, "MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."
Remedy
DEALERS WILL LABEL THE CHOKE LEVER.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN THE PROPER OWNER NOTIFICATION AS SPECIFIED IN 49 CFR PART 575.6.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSERT PAGE FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Harley-Davidson MT500. 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.