Known problems
Oil sumping on early Milwaukee-Eight engines
medium concern2017 to 2019
Harley-Davidson service bulletin M1450 says 2017 to 2019 Touring models with the Milwaukee-Eight engine can experience sumping during extended high rpm or heavy engine load. Excess oil sits in the crankcase, which can cause loss of power, strong engine braking and potential engine damage. The bulletin gives dealers a diagnostic procedure and lists a replacement oil pump assembly. It names the Touring family, not the Road Glide by name, and we did not confirm how many Road Glides were affected.
Ask or check: Ask about loss of power or strong engine braking on long high-rpm runs. Ask whether a dealer did work under bulletin M1450 and ask for the records.
Sources: Harley-Davidson service bulletin M1450, on file with NHTSA
Cam chain tensioner shoe wear on early Twin Cams
high concernUp to 2006
Rider and Hot Bike both describe the spring-loaded tensioners on early Twin Cam engines as a weak point. The plastic shoes wear, and broken pieces can reach the oil pump and damage the engine. Harley sells a hydraulic tensioner upgrade kit for 1999 to 2006 Touring models. None of these sources names the Road Glide, so this rests on the Touring family and Twin Cam engine.
Ask or check: Ask if the cam tensioners were inspected or upgraded to hydraulic tensioners or gear-drive cams. Ask for the receipt. If it was not done, factor the work into your offer.
Sources: Rider: Relieving a Tension Headache , Hot Bike: Speed's Spotlight (the shop featured sells gear drives) , Harley-Davidson: hydraulic tensioner upgrade kit (fitment list)
Hydraulic tensioner shoes on higher-mileage Twin Cams
low concern2007 to 2016
Hot Bike says the hydraulic tensioners helped somewhat but did not eliminate shoe wear. The 2012 owner thread we read has mixed reports. One owner found worn-out shoes on a 2008 bike at about 20,000 miles. Others found little wear at 50,000 to 62,000 miles. We did not find a factory inspection interval, and no source in this group was specific to the Road Glide.
Ask or check: On a high-mileage Twin Cam, ask when the cam chest was last opened and what was found.
Sources: Hot Bike: Speed's Spotlight (the shop featured sells gear drives) , HDForums: owner reports on Twin Cam 96 tensioner wear
What to check on a Road Glide
- Work out the trim and engine from the VIN and the engine case: base Road Glide, Special, Ultra, Limited or a CVO. Equipment and engine size differ a lot.
- Stand in front and check the fairing sits straight and level with an even gap to the tank on both sides. Owners report a crooked fairing after a drop, often from a bent engine guard or fairing support.
- Check the fairing support clamp and mounts for cracks, and look for fresh paint or non-original engine guards.
- Check the vent cover and inner fairing for uneven gaps. Owners of 2015 and 2016 bikes report a gap at the top vent cover on some bikes.
- Look inside the outer fairing around the radio housing for wear-through, mainly on pre-2011 bikes.
- Test the infotainment: radio, GPS, Bluetooth, speakers and touchscreen. Ask about any aftermarket amplifier or speakers.
- On pre-2017 bikes with the air-adjustable rear shocks, check the shocks hold air. On later bikes, check the rear preload knob turns.
- Pre-2007 bikes: ask for proof the cam chain tensioners were inspected or upgraded.
- 2017 to 2019 bikes: ask about loss of power or heavy engine braking at high rpm, and about dealer work under M1450.
- Ride it on a hot day or in traffic if you can. Rider found the 2015 Special gives off noticeable engine heat, mostly on the right side.
- Check the belt for cracks, missing teeth and rock damage. Belt replacement is expensive.
- Check the bag latches, lids and mounts work and are not cracked. Test the cruise control, ABS light and all lights.
- Ask for a list of every modification, who did it, which tuner and map are installed, and whether the stock parts come with the bike.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list. Want a pro to look it over? Find a local shop.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2024 wiring #24V672000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXSE, FLTRXSTSE. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles. The voltage regulator output wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, exposing the wire and causing an electrical short circuit. A short can result in a loss of electrical power and drive power.
Risk: The unexpected loss of drive power and the loss of electrical power while in motion increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, and install a secondary retention strap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0186.
2024 to 2026 crankcase (pcv) #26V270000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2024-2026 FLTRX, FLHX, 2025-2026 FXBR, FLFB, 2025 FLHXU, 2026 FLTRXL, FLTRT, FLHXL, and FLHLT motorcycles built with an Airbox Baseplate (part number 29000373). The airbox backplate breather port may be blocked, allowing pressure to build up inside the crankcase.
Risk: When the dipstick is removed while the crankcase is pressurized, oil may eject from the fill spout, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the breather port, and if the port is blocked, repair the blockage, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 14, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov April 16, 2025. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0193.
2023 hoses, lines/piping, and fittings #23V672000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRXSE. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2023 FLHXSE and FLTRXSE motorcycles. The rear brake line may not be secured properly, allowing it to chafe against the exhaust pipe, which can result in a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake line clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0184.
2020 to 2022 brake lights #22V781000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRK, FLTRXSE, FLTRKSE, FLTRXST. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Trike and CVO Trike and 2020-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0635.
2017 to 2018 clutch assembly #18V734000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRU, FLTRXSE. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.
Risk: If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.
2017 engine and engine cooling #17V333000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, a clamp used to secure an engine oil cooler line may have been improperly installed.
Risk: The incorrectly installed clamp may result in the engine oil cooler line detaching, causing a sudden loss of oil, potentially into the path of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the oil cooler line clamps, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0170.
2016 clutch assembly #16V471000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRU. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2016 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS), Softail Slim S (FLSS), and CVO Softail Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.
Risk: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder for the presence of gas in the fluid, if so, the dealer will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0169.
2016 to 2019 visibility #19V574000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRU, FLTRUSE. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, including 2017-2019 FLHTCU, FLHTCUL, FLHTK ANV, FLHTKL, FLTRU, FLHTK, and 2016-2019 FLHTKSE, FLHTKSE ANV, and FLTRUSE models equipped with a Harley-Davidson Detachable Tour-Pak Luggage Conversion Kit (Part numbers 53000291, 53000291A, and 53000567). The kit did not include replacement rear red reflectors for the ones that are eliminated by installing this kit. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without the rear red reflectors, the motorcycle has reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will install the replacement reflectors, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0629.
2015 equipment #15V427000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRUSE. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Road King (FLHR), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Road King (FLHP), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), CVO Ultra Limited (FLHTKSE), 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE), and 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), and CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have saddlebag mounting receptacles that may not adequately secure the saddlebags to the motorcycle.
Risk: If a saddlebag is not adequately secured, it may separate from the motorcycle while riding, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected saddlebag mounting receptacles with updated receptacles, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0166.
2015 clutch assembly #15V216000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRX, FLTRXS. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) notified the agency on April 9, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic - Twin Cooled (FLHTCU TC), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low - Twin Cooled (FLHTCUL TC), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE) motorcycles. On July 31, 2015, Harley-Davidson expanded the recall to cover an additional 61,065 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.
Risk: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0165.
2009 to 2012 switch #11V506000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRX, FLTRU, FLTRXSE, FLTRUSE, FLTRSE3. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Risk: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
2009 mounting #09V457000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRSE3. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 TOURING FAMILY MOTORCYCLES, INCLUDING CVO TOURING AND TRIKE PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19, 2009. THE FRONT FUEL TANK MOUNTS MAY DISTORT IN REACTION TO SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE FROM A FRONTAL COLLISION. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AT THE WELD OF THE FRONT BRACKET TO THE TUNNEL.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LEFT AND RIGHT BRACE, WHICH ARE INTENDED TO REDUCE FRONT MOUNT DISTORTION DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS. THIS REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
2009 wheels #09V267000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRSE3. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 1,759 MY 2009 FLTRSE3 MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH BLADE REAR WHEEL ACCESSORY KITS. SOME WHEELS WITHIN THE SUBJECT POPULATION UNDERWENT A SECONDARY HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS. AS A RESULT OF THIS SECONDARY HEAT TREATMENT, THESE WHEELS MAY HAVE A CRACK.
Risk: IF A CRACK IS PRESENT, IT COULD RESULT IN WHEEL FAILURE DURING USE, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH OF THE RIDER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE REAR WHEEL AND INSPECT THE MANUFACTURER'S CODE. WHEELS WITH THE CODES THAT INDICATE THAT THEY UNDERWENT A SECONDARY HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS WILL BE REPLACED. WHEELS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE SUSPECT CODE WILL BE RE-INSTALLED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
2008 to 2011 fluid #18V076000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRX, FLTRX103, FLTRU103, FLTRUSE, FLTRSE3. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the OwnerÂ’s Manual.
Risk: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.
2008 filler pipe and cap #08V357000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 47,579 MY 2008 FLHP, FLHPE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP, FLHX, AND FLTR MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CRACKING OF THE FUEL FILTER SHELL LEADING TO LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. THIS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE AND, IN SOME CASES, MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE STALL OR A NO-START CONDITION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER SHELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
2003 tail lights #04V218000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRI. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
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.
2000 clutch assembly #02V272000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRSEI. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BRAIDED CLUTCH CABLE COULD CONTACT THE REAR BRAKE LINE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO ABRADE OVER TIME, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: THE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FLUID COULD CAUSE THE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION, POSSIBLY WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAIDED CLUTCH CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
1999 gasoline #99V003000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRI. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
1999 to 2003 fuses and circuit breakers #04V134000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTRI, FLTRSEI. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN TOURING AND POLICE MODEL MOTORCYCLES, THE 40 AMP MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER CAN "OPEN" FOR REASONS OTHER THAN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED, CAUSING AN UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
1998 switch #98V158000
NHTSA lists this for: FLTR, FLTRI. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-06.
Is it a good first bike?
It weighs roughly 790 to 840 lb in the tests we read, and the frame-mounted fairing does not change that at a stop. Get a season on something lighter first, or take a big-bike handling course.
Generations
Early Twin Cam
Up to 2006
Twin Cam engines with spring-loaded cam chain tensioners on Touring models from 1999 to 2006. NHTSA lists the Road Glide as FLTR and FLTRI. We did not confirm engine details for the earliest years.
Twin Cam 96 and 103
2007 to 2013
Hydraulic cam chain tensioners from 2007. The 2009 Touring line got a new frame, swingarm and stiffer triple clamps, with a Twin Cam 96 and a 6-speed. The 2010 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) added a rear suspension lowered one inch. NHTSA also lists FLTRX103 codes for 2011 to 2013.
2015 return
2015 to 2016
Harley left the Road Glide out of the 2014 lineup, then brought it back for 2015 with a redesigned frame-mounted sharknose fairing and the High Output Twin Cam 103. Base FLTRX and Special FLTRXS. The Special has linked brakes with ABS. Rider's test noted a stiffer 49 mm fork and only 2.1 inches of rear travel.
Milwaukee-Eight
2017 to 2023
Four-valve Milwaukee-Eight 107 replaced the Twin Cam, with upgraded suspension. For 2020 the Road Glide Limited (FLTRK, Milwaukee-Eight 114) replaced the Road Glide Ultra.
Redesigned Road Glide
2024 to present
Revised sharknose fairing with a 12.3 inch touchscreen and ride modes. Milwaukee-Eight 117 with liquid-cooled cylinder heads and about 50 percent more rear suspension travel. Reviewers put curb weight near 838 lb.