Recall 25V590 affects 8,424 2021-2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S motorcycles for an upper triple clamp fracture. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 8,424 2021-2025 RH1250S motorcycles because the upper triple clamp can fracture while the bike is in use. A fractured clamp can lead to loss of control and increase crash risk; the Harley-Davidson dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The upper triple clamp on 2021-2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S motorcycles is part of the steering and front fork assembly. It clamps the upper ends of the fork tubes and helps keep the handlebar, steering stem, and front suspension aligned. When it is intact, steering input from the rider moves cleanly through the front end.
On affected Sportster S motorcycles, extreme loading events can exceed the strength of the upper triple clamp. That stress can start a crack in the clamp. Once cracked, the part no longer holds the front end with the same designed strength, which can change how the motorcycle responds to steering input.
An owner with a developing failure can see a crack during inspection or washing. The rider can also feel a change in handling, such as steering that feels different from normal.
Who's affected?
All included model years use the same upper triple clamp part in the steering linkage.
| 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250S | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2022 Harley-Davidson RH1250S | steering linkage |
| 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S | steering linkage |
| 2024 Harley-Davidson RH1250S | steering linkage |
| 2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 8,424 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured upper triple clamp affects motorcycle control and increases the risk of a crash. Watch for visible cracking or a change in handling, and schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S is included in this recall.
- Wait for Harley-Davidson to confirm the free upper-triple-clamp replacement is open; that repair addresses the fracture risk in the steering linkage.
- Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 or a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer with questions, and reference recall number 25V590.
- Bring the owner letter Harley-Davidson mailed if you have it when the repair opens.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until you have confirmed your VIN status and repair instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician will replace the upper triple clamp covered by recall 25V590. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. If you already paid for an upper triple clamp repair tied to this condition before the recall notice, Harley-Davidson's standard reimbursement plan covers documented eligible expenses. Keep repair orders and payment receipts for the service desk or Harley-Davidson customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 10, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 19, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 1, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V590?
Recall 25V590 covers 8,424 2021-2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S motorcycles with an upper triple clamp that can fracture. If it fractures while riding, the rider can lose control, increasing crash risk. Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the upper triple clamp for free once the repair is open.
What should I do if my 2021-2025 Harley-Davidson RH1250S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 25V590. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and ask whether the upper triple clamp replacement is open for your motorcycle. Reference recall 25V590 or Harley-Davidson recall 0191 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the upper triple clamp free of charge, including parts and labor, once the repair is open for your included motorcycle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control while riding. The upper triple clamp is part of the steering assembly. If it fractures while the motorcycle is being operated, the rider can lose control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What if I bought this Harley-Davidson RH1250S used?
The recall still follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used RH1250S is included. Owner letters were mailed October 1, 2025, but a used owner who missed that letter can still receive the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V590000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V590 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V590000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →