- There was already a first recall in 2024 due to the same triple clamp
- The repair at that time was apparently not sufficient
- Now 21,698 Sportster S motorcycles are being recalled worldwide again, this time for a complete replacement
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S has a persistent problem. Back in 2024, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer had to recall the model to workshops due to a potentially incorrectly fastened upper triple clamp. At that time, dealers were instructed as part of the NHTSA campaign 24V-750 to check the clamping screw of the upper triple clamp and retighten it to the specified torque. However, it now appears that this measure did not reliably fix the problem.
Initial repair was not sufficient
Under the new NHTSA campaign number 25V-427, Harley-Davidson has initiated a second recall for the Sportster S. The reason: the repair carried out during the first recall, i.e., simply tightening the clamping screw, was apparently not a permanent solution. Despite the initial workshop measure, the bolt on the upper triple clamp can loosen again under normal driving vibrations. If the connection comes loose, there is a risk that the triple clamp will lose its secure fit. In the worst case, this could lead to a loss of steering control, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.
This time, Sportster S models built between 2021 and 2026 are affected, i.e., one model year more than in the first recall, which covered the 2021 to 2025 model years. A total of 21,698 motorcycles are affected worldwide, including 17,091 in the United States. This also includes vehicles that were already in the workshop as part of the first recall.
This time, the triple clamp will be completely replaced
Unlike the first recall, Harley-Davidson is not just tightening a screw this time. Instead, the upper triple clamp will be completely replaced on the affected motorcycles. Apparently, the manufacturer has come to the conclusion that only replacing the entire component can permanently solve the problem. The repair will be carried out by authorized Harley-Davidson dealers and is free of charge for owners.
Harley-Davidson states that it identified the problem again during internal quality controls. To date, no accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported. Owners of Sportster S models from model years 2021 to 2026 should contact their dealer to clarify the status of their vehicle. Alternatively, the NHTSA website can be used to check whether your motorcycle is affected by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Repeated recall raises questions
It is remarkable that Harley-Davidson has had to recall the Sportster S a second time within a relatively short period due to the same component. This shows that the repair method originally chosen did not address the root cause of the problem. For affected owners, this means another visit to the repair shop. Anyone who rides a Sportster S from the model years mentioned and notices unusual steering behavior should exercise particular caution when riding the motorcycle until the repair has been carried out.
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