2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

7

Owner Complaints

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

23

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

The 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S has received a total of 7 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. 23 technical service bulletins have been issued by Harley-Davidson Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (3 complaints), Electrical System (2 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (1 complaint).

Recalls for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S, potentially affecting up to 7,834 vehicles.

Recall 22V030000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

| 3,917 vehicles affected

Defect: Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA1250S), Pan America 1250 (RA1250), and Sportster S (RH1250S) motorcycles. The instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number...

Consequence: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 8, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0631.

View full details →

Recall 22V030000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

| 3,917 vehicles affected

Defect: Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA1250S), Pan America 1250 (RA1250), and Sportster S (RH1250S) motorcycles. The instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number...

Consequence: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 8, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0631.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11713121 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people have mentioned this known issue but Harley Davidson still refuses to seal the aluminum tanks or replace the tank with the later model ones that are already sealed. Harley Davidson’s solution for this problem has been to continue replacing the fuel pump with a new one identical to the one that failed at the customers expense. No warning lamps or messages appear when the pump is failing or completely failed occasionally riders have stated they begin hearing a growling or screeching sound from the tank soon before failure. Others have stated that the fuel pump has left them stranded or in a dangerous situation due to the pump failing while on the roadway with no warning. A recall to reseal or replace the tanks on older model years needs to be done to ensure the safety of the rider and others on the roadway.
#11713121 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people have mentioned this known issue but Harley Davidson still refuses to seal the aluminum tanks or replace the tank with the later model ones that are already sealed. Harley Davidson’s solution for this problem has been to continue replacing the fuel pump with a new one identical to the one that failed at the customers expense. No warning lamps or messages appear when the pump is failing or completely failed occasionally riders have stated they begin hearing a growling or screeching sound from the tank soon before failure. Others have stated that the fuel pump has left them stranded or in a dangerous situation due to the pump failing while on the roadway with no warning. A recall to reseal or replace the tanks on older model years needs to be done to ensure the safety of the rider and others on the roadway.
#11713121 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
The fuel pump for the engine is known for failing due to ethanol in the fuel reacting with the bare aluminum. Harley Davidson has recognized this issue with the newer model but has not recalled any of its previous models. This could cause a serious safety risk for the rider or other pedestrians on the roadway as this could cause the bike to suddenly lose all power causing an accident. Many people have mentioned this known issue but Harley Davidson still refuses to seal the aluminum tanks or replace the tank with the later model ones that are already sealed. Harley Davidson’s solution for this problem has been to continue replacing the fuel pump with a new one identical to the one that failed at the customers expense. No warning lamps or messages appear when the pump is failing or completely failed occasionally riders have stated they begin hearing a growling or screeching sound from the tank soon before failure. Others have stated that the fuel pump has left them stranded or in a dangerous situation due to the pump failing while on the roadway with no warning. A recall to reseal or replace the tanks on older model years needs to be done to ensure the safety of the rider and others on the roadway.
#11689629 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
OEM Stator and Rotor failure around 10,000 miles. Failure of adhesive laminate for magnets causing magnets to separate from assembly causing engine to knocking sound, electrical power voltage drop, engine may shut down while in operation / at idle causing safety issue in traffic. In 2024, manufacturer revised design for engine case, increased size of stator and rotor parts, and changed other related electronic parts. Manufacturer then discontinued original part and created an "upgrade kit" for previous 2021-2023 models. Manufacturer has discontinued the sale and replacement of problematic part in model years 2021-2023. Owners of vehicles with model years 2021-2023 that experience failure of OEM stator and rotor now discontinued part are required to purchase "upgrade kit" with additional motor parts to accommodate the increased size of replacement part and required pay additional hours in labor rates for installation. Contacting manufacturer customer care, representative explained there will be no assistance from manufacturer to cover increased expenses for repair of discontinued part at fault.
#11689629 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
OEM Stator and Rotor failure around 10,000 miles. Failure of adhesive laminate for magnets causing magnets to separate from assembly causing engine to knocking sound, electrical power voltage drop, engine may shut down while in operation / at idle causing safety issue in traffic. In 2024, manufacturer revised design for engine case, increased size of stator and rotor parts, and changed other related electronic parts. Manufacturer then discontinued original part and created an "upgrade kit" for previous 2021-2023 models. Manufacturer has discontinued the sale and replacement of problematic part in model years 2021-2023. Owners of vehicles with model years 2021-2023 that experience failure of OEM stator and rotor now discontinued part are required to purchase "upgrade kit" with additional motor parts to accommodate the increased size of replacement part and required pay additional hours in labor rates for installation. Contacting manufacturer customer care, representative explained there will be no assistance from manufacturer to cover increased expenses for repair of discontinued part at fault.

View all Engine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has issued 23 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

M1663 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SERVICE BULLETIN M1663: REVOLUTION MAX INSTRUMENT MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs the dealers that there is a new Instrument Module (IM) software (LM7_51456370_20240322) and (LM4_51456370_20240325). Refer to: Infotainment Support Resources page on Service Information Portal (SIP).

M1608 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1608: REVOLUTION MAX VVT SERVICE KIT. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that an improved Variable Valve Timing (VVT) harness connector and terminals are going to be used on 2024 Revolution® Max powered vehicles. The old connector and terminals used on 2021-2023 Revolution® Max powered vehicles will no longer...

M1608 — POWER TRAIN

SERVICE BULLETIN M1608: REVOLUTION MAX VVT SERVICE KIT. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that an improved Variable Valve Timing (VVT) harness connector and terminals are going to be used on 2024 Revolution® Max powered vehicles. The old connector and terminals used on 2021-2023 Revolution® Max powered vehicles will no longer...

M1615 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SERVICE BULLETIN M1615: 2024 REVOLUTION MAX CHARGING SYSTEM CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers of updates made to the charging system on 2024 Revolution® Max powered vehicles. For 2024, the charging system has been updated to improve electrical output at idle and low Revolutions Per Minute (rpm). Maximum output has...

M1573 — SUSPENSION

SERVICE BULLETIN M1573 (REV C): REVOLUTION MAX TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS. PURPOSE: Revision. Informs dealers about Revolution® Max powered vehicles. Updated purpose of the bulletin to call out 1 repair per Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has specific areas of interest while troubleshooting on Revolution® Max platform...

M1590 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SERVICE BULLETIN M1590: REVOLUTION MAX CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has a new part available to allow replacement of the Cruise Control Switch on Revolution® Max powered vehicles. Replacing the entire Left Hand Control Module (LHCM) is no longer required due to a broken...

M1579 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1579: REVOLUTION MAX BCM AND ECM UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that a Body Control Module (BCM) and Electronic Control Module (ECM) update is available on Digital Technician II (DT II). The BCM update addresses potential nuisance Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and ride mode faults, most commonly...

M1546 — POWER TRAIN

SERVICE BULLETIN M1546: REVOLUTION MAX JIFFY STAND HARDWARE TORQUE CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that a change has been made to the hardware installation procedure for screws securing the jiffy stand on vehicles powered by the Revolution® Max engine. See Figure 1 through Figure 4. When installing all jiffy...

M1546 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SERVICE BULLETIN M1546: REVOLUTION MAX JIFFY STAND HARDWARE TORQUE CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that a change has been made to the hardware installation procedure for screws securing the jiffy stand on vehicles powered by the Revolution® Max engine. See Figure 1 through Figure 4. When installing all jiffy...

M1567 — EQUIPMENT

SERVICE BULLETIN M1567: SUSPENSION DIAGNOSTICS C181014 AND C181064. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified an additional troubleshooting step when dealing with a current or intermittent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C181014 or C181064. Perform troubleshooting steps per the Electrical Diagnostic Manual (EDM) and Digital Technician II (DT II)...

Showing 10 of 23 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HARLEY-DAVIDSON RA1250S

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Other HARLEY-DAVIDSON Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report