Harley-Davidson RH1250S Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Harley-Davidson RH1250S (2022–2023) that have at least 5 complaints. 2023 has the most, with 6. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (5 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All RH1250S model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 8,775 | 2 | 46 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 5 | 3,575 | 2 | 52 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering5 38%
- Engine5 38%
- Transmission and drivetrain1 7.7%
- Fuel system1 7.7%
- Engine cooling1 7.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2022: “Harley Davidson Panamerica bikes have a problem with their internal clutch system When the bike gets hot and you at a stop it can be impossible to get it into neutral. when attempting this it will just go to 2end or first with a verry hard shift. the dealer informed me that it is a known defect in the clutch. they said the designer just dint take the time needed. so, the dealers are aware.”
NHTSA complaint #11709460, filed 2026-012023: “The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250 Sportster S. The contact stated received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (Steering) and 26V075000 (Steering); and the vehicle developed a secondary failure in the steering bearings. The contact stated that the recall repair caused the damage, and the dealer refused to include the bearings in the recall repair or provide a no-cost repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired, but the steering bearings were not included in the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11722348, filed 2026-03, 4,200 milesOther Harley-Davidson models
263 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhx
174 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtk
147 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcui
100 complaintsHarley-Davidson XG750
85 complaintsHarley-Davidson Harley Davidson
84 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtc
82 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcutg
76 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology