Recall 22V745 affects 862 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 motorcycles for an improperly welded handlebar. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 862 2022 RH975 Nightster motorcycles because a handlebar weld defect can let the handlebar break. A broken handlebar can cause sudden loss of steering control and increase crash risk, so Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the handlebar free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The handlebar on the 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 is the steering control the rider uses to turn the front wheel and support hand controls. On these motorcycles, the handlebar is built from inner and outer sections joined by a weld, so that welded joint has to hold firm when the rider steers, braces, or moves the bike at low speed.
The recalled handlebars were made during a supplier production period with manufacturing variation in that weld. If the weld is weak, the inner and outer sections can separate. Harley-Davidson traced the issue to weld quality on the handlebar, and the risk is that separation while the motorcycle is moving can affect steering control and increase the chance of a crash.
Before failure, a rider can feel slight movement at the handlebar end. Check for that movement before riding, but do not treat a normal-feeling handlebar as proof that the weld is sound.
Who's affected?
| 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 | steering wheel |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 862 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken handlebar can cause sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Check for slight movement at the handlebar end before riding. If it moves, stop using the motorcycle and call a dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free handlebar replacement that fixes the improperly welded handlebar.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V745 when you call.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until the dealer completes the handlebar replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician replaces the handlebar covered by recall 22V745. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket handlebar repairs already paid are handled through Harley-Davidson's limited warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because failures before the owner letter were covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| October 18, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 18, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 18, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 18, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V745?
Recall 22V745 covers 862 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 Nightster motorcycles with a handlebar that was not welded properly and can break. A broken handlebar can cause sudden loss of steering control. Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the handlebar for free.
What should I do if my 2022 Harley-Davidson RH975 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 22V745. If it is included, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free handlebar replacement. Reference recall 22V745 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0179 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the handlebar free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 22V745.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of steering control. The handlebar was not welded properly and can break, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free handlebar replacement before riding again and ask the dealer how to move the motorcycle safely.
When were owners notified about recall 22V745?
Harley-Davidson mailed owner notification letters on October 18, 2022. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RH975 is included, then call a Harley-Davidson dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V745000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V745 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V745000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →