U.S. public vehicle records

Harley-Davidson XL1200C problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

28 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

5,200 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 to 2019 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 28 complaints (17.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	4	14.3%
Engine operation	3	10.7%
Braking behavior	3	10.7%
Transmission and shifting	2	7.1%
Fuel system concerns	2	7.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Structure:Frame And Members

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator

Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Engine And Engine Cooling

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	5
Engine	3
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices	3
Power Train:Manual Transmission	2
Structure:Frame And Members	2
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	1
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers	1
Engine And Engine Cooling	1

Electrical System: 5; Engine: 3; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices: 3; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 2; Structure:Frame And Members: 2; Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 21; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (21). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2016

2017

2022

2023

2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2006: 2; 2007: 7; 2008: 1; 2009: 5; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10093169 · 2004-09-27 (September 27, 2004)

BATTERY COVER ON 2004 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM SPORTSTER HAS BLOWN OFF TWICE WHILE TRAVELING DOWN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. FIRST TIME A CAR BEHIND ME SWERVED BUT STILL RAN OVER COVER. SECOND TIME A FRIEND ON HIS MOTORCYCLE BEHIND ME WAS NEARLY HIT BY COVER. I ALLIED HARLEY-DAVIDSON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM AND GAVE ME A REFERENCE NUMBER TO GIVE MY DEALER. MY DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 SPORTSTER AND I WONDER WHY NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10093169 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10183986 · 2007-03-02 (March 2, 2007)

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL 06V476000 FOR THE 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR ON 01/22/07. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO HAD ALREADY ORDERED THE PARTS AND WAS WAITING FOR THEM. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS CAME IN SOMETIMES IN FEBRUARY. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THE PARTS CAME IN ,AND THEY PUT THE RECALL PARTS ON THE MOTORCYCLES ON THEIR SALES FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THEY WOULD HAVE …

Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10183986 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10266432 · 2009-04-22 (April 22, 2009)

TYPICAL MOTORCYCLE RIDING UNKNOWN FREQUENCY REPLACED CKP SENSOR I HAVE A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE. ABOUT A WEEK AGO ,AFTER THE BIKE WAS WARMED UP,IT WOULD STALL AT INTERSECTIONS AND BACKFIRE AND OFTEN DIE AS YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHILE TURNING. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE BIKE RUNNING IS TO REV IT TO A HIGH LEVEL,WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ,PARTICULARLY WHILE TURNING. WASN'T INJURED BUT CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING RUN OFF SEVERAL TIMES ON THE WAY HOME. I HAD TO JOIN A MOTORCYCLE FORUM TO ACTUALLY DISCOVER WH…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10266432 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10186298 · 2007-03-27 (March 27, 2007)

2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM 1300 MI, CONSTANT ENGINE COUGH AND OCCASIONAL STALLING. THE COUGHING AND HESITATION ARE QUITE OFTEN MAKING THIS MOTORCYCLE EXTREMELY UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THE ROADS IN TRAFFIC. IT HAS BEEN IN THE HD SHOP FOR OVER 20 DAYS SINCE I BOUGHT IT MAY 2006. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING AND NOW THE DEALERSHIPS CANNOT FIX IT. I PAID OVER $11,199.00 FOR THE BIKE AND THEY OFFERED ME &6700.00 FOR IT. IT IS DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC. NO ONE WANTS IT-WHAT TO DO? *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 20 miles reported. Look up ODI 10186298 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10361311 · 2010-10-19 (October 19, 2010)

REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XLC 1200. TECH'S COULD DISCOVER NO LEAKAGE IN THE BRAKE LINE. HD TECH'S COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOTED THAT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS UNSAFE AND TOTAL REPLACEMENT NEEDED. MOTORCYCLE MILEAGE WAS UNDER 9,000 MI. AND ALL SERVICES PERFORMED ON TIME. HD REFUSED FREE REPLACEMENT, DENIED RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10361311 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10254357 · 2009-01-09 (January 9, 2009)

HARLEY-DAVIDSON USES THE SAME PART ON MANY OF THEIR MOTORCYCLES WHICH HAS PROVEN TO BE DEFECTIVE. THIS PART IS THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO ACTIVATE THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WHEN THE RIDER APPLIES PRESSURE TO THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL. THIS PART HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON HUNDREDS OF THEIR PRODUCTS (IN SOME CASES MORE THAN ONCE AS THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS ALSO FAILED) DATING BAKE SEVERAL YEARS YET THEY CONTINUE TO USE IT WITHOUT UPGRADING IT. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE AND WE, THE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE IT, WOUL…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10254357 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10196790 · 2007-07-19 (July 19, 2007)

THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTERS THAT CAUSES THE MOTORCYCLE TO LURCH BADLY IN FIRST GEAR. THIS BEGINS AT AROUND 10K AND THE DEALERS SAY THIS IS RELATED TO SPORTSTERS BUT THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS COULD CAUSE A NOVICE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL, ESPECIALLY ON LOOSE SURFACES SUCH AS GRAVEL OR SAND. I HAVE SPOKEN TO HD BUT GOTTEN NOWHERE. THE STANDARD REPLY IS TO TRADE IT OFF. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED MY BIKE IN SLOW TURNS IN FIRST GEAR MORE THAN ONCE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10196790 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10282900 · 2009-09-04 (September 4, 2009)

09/04/2009 2006 XL1200C HARLEY DAVIDSON DEFECTIVE PART: CLUTCH SPRING INCIDENT = MY 2006 XL 1200C STARTED SHIFTING HARD. I NOTICED AT A STOP WHEN I HAD THE CLUTCH LEVER FULLY PULLED BACK THE BIKE STILL WANTED TO MOVE FORWARD. I HAD TO KEEP THE FRONT BRAKE ON TO KEEP THE BIKE FROM MOVING. I TOOK THE BIKE TO REDWOOD HARLEY DAVIDSON AS I AM A LONG WAY FROM HOME. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE OIL LEVEL WAS INCORRECT SO I HAD THEM CHECK IT. THE TECH, TOLD ME I HAD A BROKEN CLUTCH SPRING, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FAC…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10282900 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157670 · 2006-05-16 (May 16, 2006)

WHILE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE (2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C) MY LEFT MIRROR BROKE OFF AND SINCE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ATTACHED TO MIRROR CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BREAK AND HAD TO HOLD IT FROM DAMAGING THE GAS TANK. I WAS APROX. 15 MILES FROM HOME AND THIS MADE THE RIDE QUITE DANGEROUS HAVING TO HOLD THE LIGHT AS WELL AS USE THE CLUTCH. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 15,460 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157670 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10204714 · 2007-10-02 (October 2, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C. THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE AND CREATED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE ENGINE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,100.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10204714 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2014

2019

2003: 1; 2004: 0; 2005: 0; 2006: 0; 2007: 1; 2008: 0; 2009: 0; 2014: 0; 2019: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Harley-Davidson XL1200C model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2000	1	0	Not available
2001	1	0	0
2002	1	0	0
2003	3	1	+1
2004	2	0	-1
2005	4	0	0
2006	6	0	0
2007	4	1	+1
2008	1	0	-1
2009	3	0	0
2014	2	0	Not available
2019	0	1	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

28 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

89.3%Usable mileage25 / 28 records

100.0%Valid incident date28 / 28 records

100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates28 / 28 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2014	2019
Electrical System	125.0% ODI 10266432 · 9,500 mi TYPICAL MOTORCYCLE RIDING UNKNOWN FREQUENCY REPLACED CKP SENSOR I HAVE A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE. ABOUT A WEEK AGO ,AFTER THE BIKE WAS WARMED UP,IT WOULD STALL AT INTERSECTIONS AND BACKFIRE AND OFTEN DIE AS YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHILE TURNING. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE BIKE RUNNING IS TO REV IT TO A HIGH LEVEL,WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ,PARTICULARLY WHILE TURNING. WASN'T INJURED BUT CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING RUN OFF SEVERAL TIMES ON THE WAY HOME. I HAD TO JOIN A MOTORCYCLE FORUM TO ACTUALLY DISCOVER WH… Look up ODI 10266432 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10268582 · 5,200 mi I OWN A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C AND A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS AS WELL AS MYSELF HAVE NOTICED A DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR PROBLEM RECURRING WITH THIS BIKE AND IT COULD BE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE ON IN CITY ROADWAYS WHERE YOU HAVE TO STOP AND GO MORE FREQUENTLY SHOULD THEY BE REPLACING THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS TO PROTECT THE CUSTOMER FROM POSSIBLE HAZARDS OPERATING THEIR PRODUCT AND RECALLING THESE BIKES OR IS IT UP TO US AS CONSUMERS TO TAKE THE HIT AND DECIDE TO SPEND A FEW HUNDRED TO HAVE IT REPLACED TO ONLY FAIL AGAIN ? I KNOW I WOU… Look up ODI 10268582 at NHTSA ↗	250.0% ODI 10206453 · 1,000 mi BIKE ACTING LIKE IT WAS DEAD. TURN IGNITION ON, LIGHTS COME ON AND WHEN YOU HIT THE STARTER YOU GET A CLICK AND THEN EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE LIGHTS GO DEAD. THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM CORROSION ON A RELAY. THE BIKE IS BRAND NEW. NEW PARTS SHOULDN'T FAIL WITHIN 1000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10206453 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11515476 The stock TMS (Turn Signal Module) on my Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 failed. This sensor controls the auto cancel turn signal feature as well as a combination bank angle sensor. This sensor has a built in kill switch which if the bike detects an angle of lean indicative of a crash it will kill the engine preventing it from starting by preventing spark from occurring to the cylinders. My problem is when my sensor failed my motorcycle will not start now. I called all local Harley Davidson dealerships in the area who told me the part is “obsole… Look up ODI 11515476 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	125.0% ODI 10522284 · 25,000 mi FAULTY ENGINE. NEEDS COMPLETE REBUILD. BIKE WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED. HARLEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY ENGINES BUT IGNORED. *TR Look up ODI 10522284 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10628132 · 1,734 mi I WAS RIDING MY 2009 HARLEY SPORTSTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AT ABOUT 9AM, AND I HEARD A BOOM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL. I REGAINED CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, WHERE I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER MY TIRE, AND THE GROUND AROUND MY BIKE. THEN I DISCOVERED THE BOOM I HEARD WAS ACTUALLY MY OIL TANK BLOWING AT THE SEAM. THE OIL TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND ITS NOT BROKEN, JUST SEPARATED AT GLUE-PLASTIC WELD SEAM. I BROUGHT THIS TO ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON IN WI. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO HD DEALERSHIP, AT A C… Look up ODI 10628132 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11020012 · 8,500 mi UNCONTROLLED RPM WHEN DECELERATING. ENGINE RPM RAISED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO 3200 RPM'S WHEN ALL THROTTLE UP WAS REMOVED. ENGINE KILL AND RESTART DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM THE RPM WOULD NOT DROP UNTIL KEY WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN RESTARTED ENGINE REV'S IN IDLE AT 1350 RPM 15 MINUTES THEN DROPS TO JUMPING BETWEEN 900 AND 1000 RPM'S NEVER HOLDING A CONSTANT IDLE. UNIT CAN BE RAN AN HOUR, DAY, MONTH BEFORE REOCCURRING AGAIN. NO SIGN OF WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN UNTIL IT HAPPENS. YOU DOWN SHIFT, LET OFF THE THROTTLE AND THE BIKE TAKES OFF ON YOU. HA… Look up ODI 11020012 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Manual Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10282900 · 37,500 mi 09/04/2009 2006 XL1200C HARLEY DAVIDSON DEFECTIVE PART: CLUTCH SPRING INCIDENT = MY 2006 XL 1200C STARTED SHIFTING HARD. I NOTICED AT A STOP WHEN I HAD THE CLUTCH LEVER FULLY PULLED BACK THE BIKE STILL WANTED TO MOVE FORWARD. I HAD TO KEEP THE FRONT BRAKE ON TO KEEP THE BIKE FROM MOVING. I TOOK THE BIKE TO REDWOOD HARLEY DAVIDSON AS I AM A LONG WAY FROM HOME. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE OIL LEVEL WAS INCORRECT SO I HAD THEM CHECK IT. THE TECH, TOLD ME I HAD A BROKEN CLUTCH SPRING, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FAC… Look up ODI 10282900 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Frame And Members	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10344825 · 4,160 mi THUNDER MOUNTAIN CUSTOM CYCLES FRAME FAILURE AT RISERS FOR SWINGARM AND ENGINE MOUNT. R/H WELD SEPARATED FROM FRAME. R/H WELD YIELDING WITH TUBING CRACKING. MILEAGE AT 4160. FAILURE COLLAPSES REAR OF MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION FOULING DRIVE BELT WITH FENDER AND TRACKING ALIGNMENT OF REAR TIRE. FRAME RECONSTRUCTION REQUIRED AT SUPPORT LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED. THE COMPANY NO LONGER EXISTS AND HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS ARE STILL SELLING THIS MODEL,'SPITFIRE' WITH NO NOTIFICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10344825 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10409367 · 6,464 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPITFIRE XI1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN HE SUDDENLY FELT AN ABNORMAL RUBBING ON THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE OWNER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FENDER AND BRACE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED AT THE FAILURE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CO… Look up ODI 10409367 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10183986 · 600 mi TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL 06V476000 FOR THE 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR ON 01/22/07. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO HAD ALREADY ORDERED THE PARTS AND WAS WAITING FOR THEM. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS CAME IN SOMETIMES IN FEBRUARY. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THE PARTS CAME IN ,AND THEY PUT THE RECALL PARTS ON THE MOTORCYCLES ON THEIR SALES FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THEY WOULD HAVE … Look up ODI 10183986 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10198647 · 800 mi THE IDLE AIR CONTROLLER (IAC) IS RECEIVING POWER FROM THE ECM WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE RUN/STOP SWITCH IN THE STOP POSITION. THE IAC DRAINS THE BATTERY VOLTAGE RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY. THE CAUSE IS CORROSION ON THE SYSTEM RELAY IN THE FUSE BOX. THE SYSTEM RELAY HAS CONSTANT POWER APPLIED TO IT AND WITH THE CORROSION THIS POWER IS BEING FEED TO THE ECM WHICH IN TURN FEEDS POWER TO THE IAC. HARLEY DAVIDSON- TT322- SAYS THAT THE CORROSION IS CAUSED BY WATER RUNNING DOWN A WIRING HARNESS AND ENDING UP AT THE SYSTEM RELAY. I'… Look up ODI 10198647 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	7,350 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10266432 · 9,500 mi TYPICAL MOTORCYCLE RIDING UNKNOWN FREQUENCY REPLACED CKP SENSOR I HAVE A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE. ABOUT A WEEK AGO ,AFTER THE BIKE WAS WARMED UP,IT WOULD STALL AT INTERSECTIONS AND BACKFIRE AND OFTEN DIE AS YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHILE TURNING. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE BIKE RUNNING IS TO REV IT TO A HIGH LEVEL,WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ,PARTICULARLY WHILE TURNING. WASN'T INJURED BUT CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING RUN OFF SEVERAL TIMES ON THE WAY HOME. I HAD TO JOIN A MOTORCYCLE FORUM TO ACTUALLY DISCOVER WH… Look up ODI 10266432 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10268582 · 5,200 mi I OWN A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C AND A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS AS WELL AS MYSELF HAVE NOTICED A DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR PROBLEM RECURRING WITH THIS BIKE AND IT COULD BE DANGEROUS TO OPERATE ON IN CITY ROADWAYS WHERE YOU HAVE TO STOP AND GO MORE FREQUENTLY SHOULD THEY BE REPLACING THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS TO PROTECT THE CUSTOMER FROM POSSIBLE HAZARDS OPERATING THEIR PRODUCT AND RECALLING THESE BIKES OR IS IT UP TO US AS CONSUMERS TO TAKE THE HIT AND DECIDE TO SPEND A FEW HUNDRED TO HAVE IT REPLACED TO ONLY FAIL AGAIN ? I KNOW I WOU… Look up ODI 10268582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10206453 · 1,000 mi BIKE ACTING LIKE IT WAS DEAD. TURN IGNITION ON, LIGHTS COME ON AND WHEN YOU HIT THE STARTER YOU GET A CLICK AND THEN EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE LIGHTS GO DEAD. THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM CORROSION ON A RELAY. THE BIKE IS BRAND NEW. NEW PARTS SHOULDN'T FAIL WITHIN 1000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10206453 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	8,500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10522284 · 25,000 mi FAULTY ENGINE. NEEDS COMPLETE REBUILD. BIKE WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED. HARLEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY ENGINES BUT IGNORED. *TR Look up ODI 10522284 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10628132 · 1,734 mi I WAS RIDING MY 2009 HARLEY SPORTSTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AT ABOUT 9AM, AND I HEARD A BOOM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL. I REGAINED CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, WHERE I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER MY TIRE, AND THE GROUND AROUND MY BIKE. THEN I DISCOVERED THE BOOM I HEARD WAS ACTUALLY MY OIL TANK BLOWING AT THE SEAM. THE OIL TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND ITS NOT BROKEN, JUST SEPARATED AT GLUE-PLASTIC WELD SEAM. I BROUGHT THIS TO ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON IN WI. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO HD DEALERSHIP, AT A C… Look up ODI 10628132 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11020012 · 8,500 mi UNCONTROLLED RPM WHEN DECELERATING. ENGINE RPM RAISED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO 3200 RPM'S WHEN ALL THROTTLE UP WAS REMOVED. ENGINE KILL AND RESTART DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM THE RPM WOULD NOT DROP UNTIL KEY WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN RESTARTED ENGINE REV'S IN IDLE AT 1350 RPM 15 MINUTES THEN DROPS TO JUMPING BETWEEN 900 AND 1000 RPM'S NEVER HOLDING A CONSTANT IDLE. UNIT CAN BE RAN AN HOUR, DAY, MONTH BEFORE REOCCURRING AGAIN. NO SIGN OF WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN UNTIL IT HAPPENS. YOU DOWN SHIFT, LET OFF THE THROTTLE AND THE BIKE TAKES OFF ON YOU. HA… Look up ODI 11020012 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices	Too few reports for a range	500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10188474 · 500 mi MIRRORS SHAKE THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE CARS BEHIND ME AND UNSAFE AT NIGHT WITH THE LIGHTS OF CAR BEHIND ME. JB Look up ODI 10188474 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10141615 · 1 mi THE MIRRORS VIBRATE SO YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING BEHIND YOU. WHEN YOU CHANGE LANES OR PASS, YOU MUST TURN AROUND TO CHECK TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE BLOWS OIL FROM THE AIR CLEANER ONTO THE REAR TIRE AND DRIVE BELT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. JB Look up ODI 10141615 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10157670 · 15,460 mi WHILE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE (2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C) MY LEFT MIRROR BROKE OFF AND SINCE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ATTACHED TO MIRROR CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BREAK AND HAD TO HOLD IT FROM DAMAGING THE GAS TANK. I WAS APROX. 15 MILES FROM HOME AND THIS MADE THE RIDE QUITE DANGEROUS HAVING TO HOLD THE LIGHT AS WELL AS USE THE CLUTCH. *NM Look up ODI 10157670 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	Too few reports for a range	23,750 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10196790 · 10,000 mi THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTERS THAT CAUSES THE MOTORCYCLE TO LURCH BADLY IN FIRST GEAR. THIS BEGINS AT AROUND 10K AND THE DEALERS SAY THIS IS RELATED TO SPORTSTERS BUT THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS COULD CAUSE A NOVICE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL, ESPECIALLY ON LOOSE SURFACES SUCH AS GRAVEL OR SAND. I HAVE SPOKEN TO HD BUT GOTTEN NOWHERE. THE STANDARD REPLY IS TO TRADE IT OFF. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED MY BIKE IN SLOW TURNS IN FIRST GEAR MORE THAN ONCE. *TR Look up ODI 10196790 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10282900 · 37,500 mi 09/04/2009 2006 XL1200C HARLEY DAVIDSON DEFECTIVE PART: CLUTCH SPRING INCIDENT = MY 2006 XL 1200C STARTED SHIFTING HARD. I NOTICED AT A STOP WHEN I HAD THE CLUTCH LEVER FULLY PULLED BACK THE BIKE STILL WANTED TO MOVE FORWARD. I HAD TO KEEP THE FRONT BRAKE ON TO KEEP THE BIKE FROM MOVING. I TOOK THE BIKE TO REDWOOD HARLEY DAVIDSON AS I AM A LONG WAY FROM HOME. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE OIL LEVEL WAS INCORRECT SO I HAD THEM CHECK IT. THE TECH, TOLD ME I HAD A BROKEN CLUTCH SPRING, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FAC… Look up ODI 10282900 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Frame And Members	Too few reports for a range	5,312 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10344825 · 4,160 mi THUNDER MOUNTAIN CUSTOM CYCLES FRAME FAILURE AT RISERS FOR SWINGARM AND ENGINE MOUNT. R/H WELD SEPARATED FROM FRAME. R/H WELD YIELDING WITH TUBING CRACKING. MILEAGE AT 4160. FAILURE COLLAPSES REAR OF MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION FOULING DRIVE BELT WITH FENDER AND TRACKING ALIGNMENT OF REAR TIRE. FRAME RECONSTRUCTION REQUIRED AT SUPPORT LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED. THE COMPANY NO LONGER EXISTS AND HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS ARE STILL SELLING THIS MODEL,'SPITFIRE' WITH NO NOTIFICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE. TR Look up ODI 10344825 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10409367 · 6,464 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPITFIRE XI1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN HE SUDDENLY FELT AN ABNORMAL RUBBING ON THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE OWNER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FENDER AND BRACE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED AT THE FAILURE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CO… Look up ODI 10409367 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	Too few reports for a range	600 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10183986 · 600 mi TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL 06V476000 FOR THE 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR ON 01/22/07. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO HAD ALREADY ORDERED THE PARTS AND WAS WAITING FOR THEM. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS CAME IN SOMETIMES IN FEBRUARY. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THE PARTS CAME IN ,AND THEY PUT THE RECALL PARTS ON THE MOTORCYCLES ON THEIR SALES FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THEY WOULD HAVE … Look up ODI 10183986 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers	Too few reports for a range	800 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10198647 · 800 mi THE IDLE AIR CONTROLLER (IAC) IS RECEIVING POWER FROM THE ECM WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE RUN/STOP SWITCH IN THE STOP POSITION. THE IAC DRAINS THE BATTERY VOLTAGE RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY. THE CAUSE IS CORROSION ON THE SYSTEM RELAY IN THE FUSE BOX. THE SYSTEM RELAY HAS CONSTANT POWER APPLIED TO IT AND WITH THE CORROSION THIS POWER IS BEING FEED TO THE ECM WHICH IN TURN FEEDS POWER TO THE IAC. HARLEY DAVIDSON- TT322- SAYS THAT THE CORROSION IS CAUSED BY WATER RUNNING DOWN A WIRING HARNESS AND ENDING UP AT THE SYSTEM RELAY. I'… Look up ODI 10198647 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2014: 1 complaints · 2019: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2014	0	0	1
2019	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2014	2	0	0
2019	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices	Power Train:Manual Transmission	Structure:Frame And Members	Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers	Engine And Engine Cooling
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Manual Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Structure:Frame And Members	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 10.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 9,500 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10266432 · 9,500 mi

Look up ODI 10266432 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10186298 · 20 mi

Look up ODI 10186298 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10421323 · 43,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 09/28/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

Look up ODI 10421323 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 5,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10361311 · 7,000 mi

Look up ODI 10361311 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10254357 · 3,000 mi

Look up ODI 10254357 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 800 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10198647 · 800 mi

THE IDLE AIR CONTROLLER (IAC) IS RECEIVING POWER FROM THE ECM WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE RUN/STOP SWITCH IN THE STOP POSITION. THE IAC DRAINS THE BATTERY VOLTAGE RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY. THE CAUSE IS CORROSION ON THE SYSTEM RELAY IN THE FUSE BOX. THE SYSTEM RELAY HAS CONSTANT POWER APPLIED TO IT AND WITH THE CORROSION THIS POWER IS BEING FEED TO THE ECM WHICH IN TURN FEEDS POWER TO THE IAC. HARLEY DAVIDSON- TT322- SAYS THAT THE CORROSION IS CAUSED BY WATER RUNNING DOWN A WIRING HARNESS AND ENDING UP AT THE SYSTEM RELAY. I'…

Look up ODI 10198647 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 4,100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10204714 · 4,100 mi

Look up ODI 10204714 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10196790 · 10,000 mi

Look up ODI 10196790 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule