Recall 23V257 covers 30 2021-2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead and 1190 Sx motorcycles for an index-spring defect. Repair is free at any franchised Buell dealer.
Buell is recalling 30 2021-2022 1190 Rx Hammerhead and 1190 Sx motorcycles because the index spring can be installed improperly. The defect can prevent the transmission from shifting into the intended gear or let the gear slip without warning, increasing crash risk; Buell dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2021-2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead and 1190 Sx, the index spring is part of the shift mechanism inside the engine and manual transmission. It pushes on an index shim, a small shift-position part, so the gearbox can stay in the gear you selected and move cleanly when you shift.
On affected motorcycles, the spring was installed in the wrong orientation during assembly. Instead of sitting in the indented location with the right clockwise rotation, it applies less force to the index shim. That weak hold can let the shift mechanism feel loose, miss its intended position, drop into neutral between gears, or shift up or down without rider input.
What you notice is in the shift feel. Gear changes can feel sloppy or inconsistent, the motorcycle can neutralize between gears, and an upshift or downshift can happen without you asking for it.
Who's affected?
Covers both 1190 Rx Hammerhead and 1190 Sx motorcycles across the 2021 and 2022 model years, tied to the same index spring.
| 2021 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead | manual transmission |
| 2021 Buell 1190 Sx | Engine |
| 2021 Buell 1190 Sx | manual transmission |
| 2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead | Engine |
| 2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead | manual transmission |
| 2022 Buell 1190 Sx | Engine |
| 2022 Buell 1190 Sx | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorcycle.
What's the safety risk?
An improperly installed index spring can keep the motorcycle from shifting into the intended gear or let the gear slip without warning, increasing crash risk. Sloppy or inconsistent shifts, neutral between gears, or shifting up or down without input are warning signs to stop riding and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Buell dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead or 1190 Sx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buell dealer to schedule the free index-spring repair that fixes the shifting and gear-slip problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Buell mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V257 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop riding and call the dealer if the motorcycle will not shift into the intended gear or the gear slips without warning.
- Call Buell customer service at 1-616-719-5917 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buell technician installs the index spring in the correct position. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Buell has a reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket for the same repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices, receipts, or other service paperwork to the dealer or contact Buell customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 7, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 14, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 5, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V257?
Recall 23V257 covers 30 2021-2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead and 1190 Sx motorcycles with an index spring installed in the wrong position. That defect can stop the motorcycle from shifting into the intended gear or let the gear slip without warning, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Buell 1190 Rx Hammerhead or 1190 Sx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 23V257. If it is, contact a franchised Buell dealer to schedule the index spring repair. The dealer will install the spring in the correct position for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Buell's remedy says dealers will install the index spring in the correct position free of charge.
What is the safety risk for this Buell recall?
The risk is a gear-shift failure without warning. An improperly installed index spring can prevent the motorcycle from shifting into the intended gear or let the gear slip, which increases the risk of a crash under NHTSA campaign 23V257.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the gear slips. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and tell the service desk the recall involves the index spring position. Buell customer service is listed at 1-616-719-5917.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V257000 |
|---|---|
| Buell customer service | 1-616-719-5917 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V257 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V257000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →