2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S

Recalls

3 recalls name the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S. Newest first.

• Steering › Linkages

  Feb 9, 2026NHTSA 26V0750009,401 vehicles

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

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Steering › Linkages

  Sep 10, 2025NHTSA 25V5900008,424 vehicles

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

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  Jan 25, 2022NHTSA 22V0300003,917 vehicles

  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…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine2
2. Structure2

Latest complaints

• Apr 28, 2026VA
  Engine
  While riding the motorcycle, engine suddenly began making a loud clacking noise. Brought motorcycle in to Harley Davidson dealer and it was diagnosed that they cam chain tensior had become loose and was destroyed inside the engine causing small bits of metal to clog oil ports and damage the…

  While riding the motorcycle, engine suddenly began making a loud clacking noise. Brought motorcycle in to Harley Davidson dealer and it was diagnosed that they cam chain tensior had become loose and was destroyed inside the engine causing small bits of metal to clog oil ports and damage the engine. The remedy was an engine replacement. Through deliberate research this appears to be an issue with the 2021-2023 model year Sportster S Harley-Davidson motorcycles and should be recalled to remedy the issue before engine failure due to manufacturing negligence.

• Dec 28, 2025TX
  Engine
  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…

  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 to loose metal fragments in the engine. I went to my local dealer yesterday 12/27/2025 to talk to them about my issues and one of the mechanics pulled me back too look at a bike with the same issue and the engines was completely disassembled so they can fix it.

• May 20, 2025UT11,941 mi
  Structure › Frame and members · Structure › Motorcycle › Fairing/cowling/windscreen › Mounting fasteners/hardware
  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.…

  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. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the bolts on the frame tube were damaged. The contact stated that another motorist motioned for him to stop. The contact pulled over and noticed that the hold assembly had detached from the motorcycle and was being dragged by the signal and brake lights. The bolts had sheared off. The local dealer was not contacted. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,941.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010221WARRANTY BULLETIN W146 (REV B): TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision B. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide. Add tire part numbers 43200063 and 43200038A.] To provide tire tread depth specifications for the dealership network to consult when filling warranty claims on used tires. Please see the Warranty Manual of your region for tire policy guidelines. Updated: Tire Tread Guide. Add tire part number 43100038B. Update tire tread depth, adjustment and reimbursement.
• 11010218SERVICE BULLETIN M1663: REVOLUTION MAX INSTRUMENT MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs the dealers that there is a new Instrument Module (IM) software (LM7_51456370_20240322) and (LM4_51456370_20240325). Refer to: Infotainment Support Resources page on Service Information Portal (SIP).
• 11010215SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV F): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester. Added: Supplemental Procedure Video.] This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
• 11008738SERVICE BULLETIN M1655: REVOLUTION MAX CLUTCH CABLE FREE PLAY SPECIFICATION. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that the clutch cable free play specification has been updated on all Revolution Max vehicles. Original specification: Dimension: 0.0390.079 in (12 mm). Free play has now been changed to: Dimension: 0.0790.118 in (23 mm). All online electronic service manuals and future publications will reflect this information.
• 11008736SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
• 11007550SERVICE BULLETIN M1654: DTII MODULE REPLACE MENU CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealer technicians that there is a new menu item in Digital Technician II (DT II). DT II now has a stand alone Module Replace menu inside of Vehicle Setup. This will allow you to program the factory settings, for the connected vehicle, to the Electronic Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM) and Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) (if equipped) in a single menu. Initial Release. 8/7/2024.
• 11007544SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.
• 11001293SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution Max, and 2024 Touring.
• 10251384SERVICE BULLETIN M1631: REVOLUTION MAX OIL CHECK PROCEDURE UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of a new procedure for checking oil levels on Revolution Max powered vehicles. The procedure has been updated to account for potential concerns of a low oil fill condition when set on the side stand. This condition could be caused by having varying degree lean angles of the vehicles in the Revolution Max family while utilizing the same dipstick. Compounding this is the difference in lean angle of vehicles that come equipped with Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) set in the locked position (high) and set to drop when coming to a stop (low). To remedy this potential concern, the final step in checking the oil level will now be performed with the oil at operating temperature in the upright position for consistency across vehicle family and suspension settings. The side stand markings on the dipstick will only be used for a quick reference. NOTE: Oil levels checked on the side stand may read high after servicing the oil level in the upright position hot. This is a normal condition.
• 10249805SERVICE BULLETIN M1615: 2024 REVOLUTION MAX CHARGING SYSTEM CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers of updates made to the charging system on 2024 Revolution Max powered vehicles. For 2024, the charging system has been updated to improve electrical output at idle and low Revolutions Per Minute (rpm). Maximum output has remained the same. The following components have been changed: Stator and Stator Screws: The stator has increased in thickness, adding more wire length and longer stator screws; Cooling Manifold: The cooling manifold needed to be machined deeper to accommodate the stator size change; Alternator Cover Screws: The screws were shortened to prevent breaking through the new cooling manifold; Rotor Assembly: The magnets were moved, re-centering them over the new stator windings. NOTE: Using any of these parts in a 2021-2023 Revolution Max motor can result in catastrophic engine failure. NOTE: All Parts Catalogs have been updated to show correct service part numbers.
• 10249804SERVICE BULLETIN M1608: REVOLUTION MAX VVT SERVICE KIT. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that an improved Variable Valve Timing (VVT) harness connector and terminals are going to be used on 2024 Revolution Max powered vehicles. The old connector and terminals used on 2021-2023 Revolution Max powered vehicles will no longer be supported. Various kits have been created to support dealers in the change over of these parts.
• 10248399SERVICE BULLETIN M1619: DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) U04438F AND U04318F. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that the current software version for the Left Hand Control Module (LHCM) and Right Hand Control Module (RHCM) have Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) U04438F (reported by the LHCM) and U04318F (reported by the RHCM), that are being set-off intermittently, shortly after a starting event and then seen as historic DTCs but there are no actual faults or operational concerns with the vehicle. In these cases where these codes are being found as historic, no further troubleshooting or hardware replacement should take place to resolve these historic DTCs. This will be addressed in a future software release. NOTE: If DTCs U04438F or U04318F are found to be CURRENT, follow troubleshooting steps in the Electrical Diagnostic Manual (EDM). Current affected software levels: LHCM: 0.33.02 RHCM: 0.37.02.
• 10248396SERVICE BULLETIN M1590: REVOLUTION MAX CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT. Purpose: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has a new part available to allow replacement of the Cruise Control Switch on Revolution Max powered vehicles. Replacing the entire Left Hand Control Module (LHCM) is no longer required due to a broken cruise control switch. Revision: Updated Required Dealer Action, Add graphic.
• 10238845SERVICE BULLETIN M1590: REVOLUTION MAX CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has a new part available to allow replacement of the Cruise Control Switch on Revolution Max powered vehicles. Replacing the entire Left Hand Control Module (LHCM) is no longer required due to a broken cruise control switch.
• 10233721SERVICE BULLETIN M1573: REVOLUTION MAX TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS. PURPOSE: Revision. Added Pan America information, Required Dealer Action, and Credit Procedure. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has specific areas of interest while troubleshooting on the Revolution Max platform. These areas of interest should be used in conjunction with the Service Manual and Electric Diagnostic Manual while troubleshooting. This information should be used as an aid to current troubleshooting steps and not a replacement. Best practice is to first troubleshoot current Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), in order of priority if there are multiple.
• 10232450SERVICE BULLETIN M1579 (REV B): REVOLUTION MAX BCM AND ECM UPDATE. PURPOSE: REVISION. This bulletin informs dealers that a BCM and Electronic Control Module (ECM) update is available on Digital Technician II (DT II). Revision: Updated Body Control Module (BCM) part numbers. Updated Part Numbers Affected.
• 10232448SERVICE BULLETIN M1578: REVOLUTION MAX FOB TROUBLESHOOTING. PURPOSE: To provide dealers with a list of items to check for when troubleshooting an inoperative security FOB for Revolution Max applications.
• 10231506SERVICE BULLETIN M1579: REVOLUTION MAX BCM AND ECM UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that a Body Control Module (BCM) and Electronic Control Module (ECM) update is available on Digital Technician II (DT II). The BCM update addresses potential nuisance Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and ride mode faults, most commonly found after a low voltage crank event or cold temperature start attempt. The ECM calibration update is to address a crank, but no start condition that can occur after a stall, followed by Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0347. This condition can sometimes be corrected by turning the Ignition OFF and waiting 30 or more seconds before turning the Ignition ON again, allowing the starter button to operate as normal.
• 10231502SERVICE BULLETIN M1573: REVOLUTION MAX TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS. PURPOSE: Revision. Updated Motorcycles Affected and Required Dealer Action. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has specific areas of interest while troubleshooting on the Revolution Max platform. These areas of interest should be used in conjunction with the Service Manual and Electric Diagnostic Manual while troubleshooting. This information should be used as an aid to current troubleshooting steps and not a replacement. Best practice is to first troubleshoot current Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), in order of priority if there are multiple.
• 10231501SERVICE BULLETIN M1571: REVOLUTION MAX CLUTCH PART AND SERVICE PROCEDURE CHANGE. PURPOSE: Revision. Updated Motorcycles Affected. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson RevolutionMax clutches will be serviced by a clutch disc kit and not with individual plates. A new clutch disc service kit (Part No. 37000383) will be provided for making clutch repairs on all Revolution Max powered vehicles moving forward. The procedure of replacing individual discs is no longer recommended. If one steel or fiber plate requires replacement, a clutch disc kit will need to be installed. Online Service Manuals located in Service Information Portal (SIP) and future printed copies will reflect this information. See https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com for the latest electronic version of the service manual.
• 10228752SERVICE BULLETIN M1573: REVOLUTION MAX TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has specific areas of interest while troubleshooting on the Revolution Max platform. These areas of interest should be used in conjunction with the Service Manual and Electric Diagnostic Manual while troubleshooting. This information should be used as an aid to current troubleshooting steps and not a replacement. Best practice is to first troubleshoot current Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), in order of priority if there are multiple.
• 10228748SERVICE BULLETIN M1571: REVOLUTION MAX CLUTCH PART AND SERVICE PROCEDURE CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson Revolution Max clutches will be serviced by a clutch disc kit and not with individual plates. A new clutch disc service kit (Part No. 37000383) will be provided for making clutch repairs on all Revolution Max powered vehicles moving forward. The procedure of replacing individual discs is no longer recommended. If one steel or fiber plate requires replacement, a clutch disc kit will need to be installed. Online Service Manuals located in Service Information Portal (SIP) and future printed copies will reflect this information. See https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com for the latest electronic version of the service manual.
• 10228745SERVICE BULLETIN M1553: REVOLUTION MAX SPECIAL TOOL HD-53023 UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealers that Harley-Davidson has updated the Camshaft Chain Retraction tool for all Revolution Max powertrains. The original tool (Part No. HD-53023) was made with a wire gauge too large to fit into the camshaft chain tensioner access hole without modification. A new Camshaft Chain Retraction tool (Part No. HD-53023-A) will be shipped to dealers at no charge. Vehicles Affected: All 2021 through 2023 Revolution Max powered vehicles.
• 10227224SERVICE BULLETIN M1569: PAN AMERICA AND SPORTSTER S INSTRUMENT MODULE UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified an Instrument Module (IM) software concern on 2021 and 2022 Pan America and Sportster S models. There are two concerns that are being addressed with a software update to the IM. The IM temporarily loses display and "VIN Error" message is displayed. NOTE: This update will not correct an existing "VIN Error" message. It is to prevent the "VIN Error" message from happening. If the condition already exists on a vehicle, call your regional Harley-Davidson center for assistance.
• 10227219SERVICE BULLETIN M1546: REVOLUTION MAX JIFFY STAND HARDWARE TORQUE CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that a change has been made to the hardware installation procedure for screws securing the jiffy stand on vehicles powered by the Revolution Max engine. See Figure 1 through Figure 4. When installing all jiffy stand screws, use LOCTITE 243 MEDIUM STRENGTH THREADLOCKER AND SEALANT (BLUE) (99642-97) and tighten to updated torque specification: 2022 ft-lbs (2730 Nm). Update all printed service manuals for Revolution Max products to include the use of threadlocker and updated torque. See https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com
• 10219042SERVICE BULLETIN M1560: REVOLUTION MAX STARTER CLUTCH GEAR UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson wants to make aware of changes to the Revolution Max Starter Clutch Gear and aid in properly diagnosing the condition making replacement necessary.
• 10219041SERVICE BULLETIN M1559: REVOLUTION MAX ECM UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has an Electronic Control Module (ECM) update that is available on Digital Technician II (DT II). This update is to address Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P000000 setting and putting the bike into the fast idle position (4,000 rpm). The update also addresses the concern of an inadvertent tripping of P227900 for the intake air leak under certain riding conditions when no intake leak is present.
• 10204145SERVICE BULLETIN M1541: 2021 PAN AMERICA/SPORTSTER S FUEL LINE PDI. PUPORSE: This bulletin is to inform dealers the Predelivery Inspection (PDI) procedure for checking the fuel line connection has been updated. View the latest version in Service Information Portal (SIP).
• 10202125SERVICE BULLETIN M1537: 2021 SPORTSTER S - INITIAL CARE. PURPOSE: Revision. The purpose of this program is to monitor Harley-Davidson quality delivered to the customers and assist dealers with diagnostics and support on this newly released motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Technical Service is providing an Initial Care program for 2021 Sportster S vehicles. Harley-Davidson is asking dealers to provide information on the parts listed in Table 2 to Technical Service within 24 h of a customer concern. The goal is to provide diagnostic support and a rapid resolution that enables Harley-Davidson to have the customer back on the road within 72 h. Duration of Program: September 20, 2021 to December 20, 2021. Motorcycles Affected: All 2021 Sportster S (RH1250S) vehicles

Every Harley-Davidson RH1250S model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.