Summary
The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000 (XLH) has 5 recalls spanning the 1979-1994 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a 1994 model year recall where the front fender retention bolts can fail and allow the fender to contact the front tire, making the motorcycle difficult to control.
The 1992 model year has a brake pad issue where the friction pad can separate from its backing plate and fall out of the front or rear brake caliper without warning, reducing stopping ability. On 1990 models, a wire form used to route the positive battery cable can chafe against the cable, cause a short circuit, and start a fire. Going further back, 1987 models have a front brake caliper mounting bolt that can fracture during normal use, allowing a threaded bushing to migrate into the front wheel spokes and cause the front wheel to lock up suddenly. The earliest recall covers certain 1979 models and involves the rear brake linkage pivot arm, which can distort under hard pedal force, increasing free play in the linkage and dropping the pedal position to the point where the rear brake becomes difficult to apply effectively.
