VehicleVerdict

2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Rh1250s years?

Rh1250s NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted6 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Rh1250s NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rh1250s years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine250%
Body & Structure250%

Does the 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V075000SteeringFebruary 9, 2026 · 9,401 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.

Consequence

An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the upper triple clamp, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 19, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0191. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V590. Motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.

25V590000SteeringSeptember 10, 2025 · 8,424 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.

Consequence

An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0190.

22V030000Electrical SystemJanuary 25, 2022 · 3,917 units

Defect

Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA1250S), Pan America 1250 (RA1250), and Sportster S (RH1250S) motorcycles. The instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."

Consequence

Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 8, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0631.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S. The contact stated that the motorcycle was ridden 17-miles to work. The contact stated that after completing the workday and riding back to the residence, there was an abnormal whizzing sound coming from the motorcycle while riding on the Interstate.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 19, 2025

“There is a known issue with he engines in these motorcycles where the bolt for the timing chain tensioner comes loose and causes excessive wear in the timing chain guid with causes the timing chain tensioner to come apart inside of the engine which will cause the engine to have to be replaced due…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2025

2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s — common questions

Is the 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Harley-Davidson Rh1250s. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.