Defective weld on handlebars, snapped at mounting point
The worst 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering1
Recalls 2
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XL1200X, XL883N, and 2021 XL1200NS XL Sportster motorcycles. The brake fluid warning labels may detach from the brake fluid reservoir caps. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Missing brake fluid warning labels may lead to improper brake system maintenance, affecting brake performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Harley-Davidson will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owners may also take their motorcycles to a dealer for label inspection and replacement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Harley's number for this recall is 0632.
Recall number 22V160000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights: bulbs
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Sportster (XL) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacement parts for 2005-2019 Sportster, 2005-2017 Softail, 2005-2017 Dyna, and 2005-2011 V-Rod motorcycles. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
- Risk
- A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2021. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1‑800‑258‑2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0177.
Recall number 21V225000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS 36
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
- 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
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
What 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS
Other model years
2021
Questions about the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS
Is the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS, close to a typical XL1200NS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS?
Steering, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS have?
2 recalls, covering equipment and exterior lighting.
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