2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S Safety Overview
The 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S has been closely monitored for safety issues.
Official NHTSA Recalls
The NHTSA has issued 3 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:
- Steering:linkages
- Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Severe Defect Warnings
Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as an upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Consumer Complaints
Consumers have also filed 3 safety complaints.
Common areas of concern reported by owners include engine.
Why It Matters
Staying informed about these safety records is critical for HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.
Latest Vehicle Recalls
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motor...
An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Recall 26V075000: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorc...
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.
NHTSA Recall 25V590000: An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA12...
Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Recall 22V030000: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Recent Complaints
Component: 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 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."
Component: 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 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."
Component: STRUCTURE
"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."