If you own a Harley-Davidson Sportster S (RH1250S) built between 2021 and 2025, you may soon receive a formal recall notice. This isn’t just a routine parts replacement — the upper triple clamp (which holds the front fork and steering controls) may fracture under extreme loading conditions, potentially resulting in loss of control mid-ride.
This recall is especially timely as more American riders are hitting open highways, planning long-distance touring now that gas prices have cooled and the season is favorable. A sudden structural failure in the front end at highway speeds or on twisty roads could be catastrophic — so the recall is being taken seriously by both authorities and Harley itself.
Beyond just safety, this reflects a broader trend: premium motorcycle makers are under increasing scrutiny for component-level reliability. For Harley, which has faced a batch of recalls in recent years, this latest issue tests both customer trust and engineering control.
The Scope & Technical Root of the Problem
Harley-Davidson has officially filed NHTSA Recall 25V590 (Recall No. 0190) covering certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles produced from May 18, 2021 to September 6, 2025. The total number of units possibly affected: about 8,422 bikes.
According to the safety report, under extreme loading (e.g. aggressive braking, hitting a large bump, or sudden shock), internal stresses may exceed the material strength of the existing upper triple clamp design. Harley’s internal testing, simulation, and field reports (including cracked clamps surfaced during routine service or inspection) triggered the recall decision.
It’s noteworthy that Harley decided to take precautionary action even though the incidence rate is low (~0.2% according to the recall report). The decision stems from “abundance of caution.”
What Harley Is Doing: Remedy, Timing, and Production Halt
Harley-Davidson will provide free replacement of the upper triple clamp for all affected bikes. Dealer notifications are being made mid-September 2025, and owner notifications will begin around September 29, 2025.
In the recall report, Harley also states that production of new Sportster S bikes is temporarily on hold, and when production resumes (planned in Q4 2025), the new units will come with an updated clamp design.
Interestingly, the updated clamp has revised geometry, presumably to reduce stress concentrations or improve load distribution.
If you own one of the affected bikes, you should not delay. Harley advises riders to bring their bike to a local authorized dealer to get the replacement installed — free of charge.
One note: the recall only covers RH1250S (Sportster S) models, not other Harley lines.
Spec Table & Real-World Ride Implications
While the recall doesn’t change the core specs of the bike, here’s a refresher on what the Sportster S packs (and what you should watch for while riding):
| Specification | Value / Range | Notes / Real-Life Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1250 cc Revolution® Max V-Twin | Strong torque at mid-rpm, usable in both city and highway |
| Torque | ~92 ft-lb (≈125 Nm) | Good pulling power for overtaking, climbing |
| Top Speed | ~125–130 mph (estimate) | Highway-capable for U.S. riders |
| Fuel Capacity / Range | ~3.8 gal (≈14.3 L) | With a moderate ride you can cover ~130–160 mi |
| Features | Ride modes, ABS, traction control, TFT dash | Modern electronics make the ride safer and adaptable |
Even though the triple clamp is a “hidden” structural component, its failure can override all performance benefits. Imagine cruising Route 66 on a torque-packed Sportster S — all the grunt and tech means nothing if your front end fails mid-curve.
In practice, most riders won’t stress the clamp in everyday use, but hitting a large pothole, hard braking into a sudden corner, or riding on rough secondary roads imposes loads that could trigger weakness. That’s exactly the class of scenario the recall aims to prevent.
How This Compares to Rivals, and What It Means for Brand Trust
In the premium neo-cruiser / power cruiser space, bikes like the Ducati Diavel V4, Yamaha VMAX, or Zero SR/S (for the electric audience) set high bars. Those competitors haven’t faced a recall of this nature lately, which puts Harley in a delicate spot.
And compared to earlier Harley models (Softail, Touring), the Sportster S has always been more performance-forward — stiffer chassis, sharper handling expectations. A structural fault in such a model can damage credibility more severely than in a laid-back cruiser.
For consumers comparing across brands: if you value reliability and component integrity, this recall underscores the importance of post-sale support. Rivals that manufacture their own frame/clamp parts in-house may avoid such supplier-level setbacks.
That said, Harley’s swift response and commitment to remedy can help rebuild trust — assuming dealers execute well and owners see follow-through.
Community Reaction & Tips for Affected Owners
Riders are already sharing recall notices and concerns in forums and social media. On Reddit’s r/sportster, one user summarized the official recall details verbatim, while Facebook groups show owners receiving mailed notices.
Some tips for owners:
- Don’t ignore the notice. Schedule the replacement immediately.
- Limit aggressive riding until the fix is in place.
- On your way to the dealer, ride cautiously — avoid harsh braking or bumps.
- Confirm with your dealer that the new clamp has the updated geometry part number (as per recall details).
- Document everything (service orders, receipts) in case problems arise.
If your local dealer is backlogged, ask whether a loaner or temporary solution is available — but prioritize safety first.
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Safe to Buy Used Sportster S?
If you’re considering buying a 2021–2025 Sportster S, this recall is a red flag — but not a deal-breaker. Before purchase, ask the seller for documentation confirming the clamp fix was done. Verify via VIN lookup against NHTSA’s recall database.
For existing owners, this recall brings mixed feelings: the platform is powerful and exciting, but no one wants to worry about a sudden front-end failure. The good news: Harley is acting preemptively and promises a solid fix.
If you’re a daily commuter, long-distance rider, or power cruiser enthusiast, once the fix is confirmed, the Sportster S still has a lot to offer — torque, electronics, and character. Just be sure that the structural integrity is restored before pushing it hard again.
Ride safe, and don’t delay scheduling your recall fix.