Cam tensioner bolt that holds the tensioner in place, broke causing the tensioner to come loose, making the engine make a loud ticking noise and eventually making the engine inoperable.
The worst 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering3
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering3
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
Recalls 2
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 25V590. Motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
Recall number 26V075000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
- 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.
Recall number 25V590000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S 47
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision C. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- Battery warranty guidelines
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision B. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester
- Battery warranty guidelines
- 2024 revolution max charging system changes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
What 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250 Sportster S. The contact stated received notifications of the federal safety agency 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. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200.
The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Fuel filters clog due to reaction of alcohol in fuel and bare fuel tank. 2024 models are having the fuel tanks coated to prevent the problem. Folders bikes stall creating a safety hazard. This issue should be a recall.
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster RH1250S. The contact stated that while while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and he observed a loud popping noise emanating from the exhaust pipe. On another occasion while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact observed flames emanating from the plastic edge of the right front of the seat. The vehicle was steered off the highway and the flames were distinguished by the contact. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,350.
Compare the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S
Other model years
Questions about the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S
Is the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S, 1.2 times a typical RH1250S model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S?
Steering, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (2).
How many recalls does the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S have?
2 recalls, covering steering.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V075000, 25V590000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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