Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Roadster (XL1200R) problems & recalls
NHTSA records for 2003–2007: 4 recall campaigns and 5 owner complaints. Pick a model year.
By year
What owners complain about (all years)
Recent recalls
Engine And Engine Cooling #07V296000 · 2007 · 35,112 units
Problem: Certain motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe.
Risk: This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider.
Fix: Dealers will add a new exhaust shield which provides additional coverage ofthe exhaust pipe. the recall began on july 12, 2007. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Tires #07V025000 · 2007 · 614 units
Problem: Certain sportster and dyna model motorcycles were built with an incorrect front tire.
Risk: This incorrect tire could cause performance issues, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front tire and replace it if necessary. the recall began on march 5, 2007. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Electrical System #06V476000 · 2006 · 18,758 units
Problem: On certain motorcycles, as a result of a greater body thickness than used in previous model years, the voltage regulator may contact the front fender under certain conditions. in some cases this contact may allow the front fender to catch on the top side of the regulator body which could impede the operator's ability to steer the vehicle.
Risk: This could result in a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.
Fix: On motorcycles which do not have accessory engine guards, dealers will install an intermediate mounting bracket that will relocate the voltage regulator to a position which provides more clearance from the front fender. on vehicles with an accessory engine guards, dealers will install the thinnner dimension voltage regulator to avoide the front fender clearance problem. the recall began on janua
Exterior Lighting #04V218000 · 2004 · 31,070 units
Problem: On certain dyna, xl, and touring motorcycles, the tail light bulb can fall out of the socket.
Risk: The tail light and the brake light become inoperative, which could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the bulbs. owner notification began on june 3, 2004. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Sportster 1200 Roadster.
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Model name source: Harley-Davidson model codes (harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/harley-davidson-model-codes.html).