Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2006 Harley-Davidson Xl1200l — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 1 | 33% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 33% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 33% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A CONDITION WHEREBY THE PANT LEG OF SOME RIDERS CAN HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PANT LEG TO CHAR OR BURN, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE RIDER.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A NEW EXHAUST SHIELD WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OFTHE EXHAUST PIPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE AT 556 MILES. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE MOTORCYCLE, HE DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION'S DRAIN PLUG HAD A MAGNET WHICH HAD METAL SHAVINGS STUCK TO IT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC…”
“2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE AT 556 MILES. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE MOTORCYCLE, HE DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION'S DRAIN PLUG HAD A MAGNET WHICH HAD METAL SHAVINGS STUCK TO IT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200 LOW. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE ACCELERATED ABOUT 90 MPH WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING HIS ENGINE TO FAIL. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT OFFERED NO…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — 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 2006 Harley-Davidson Xl1200l. 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.