1986 Harley-Davidson Fxr Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. BOLTS IN PIVOT SHAFT THAT ATTACHES THE SWING ARM TO THE FRAME MAY NOT BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BOLTS COULD LOSE ALL TORQUE AND VIBRATE FREE OF THE MOTORCYCLE, CAUSING A SEVERE HANDLING PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: PROPERLY TORQUE SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT BOLT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 FXR SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V087000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: BOLTS IN PIVOT SHAFT THAT ATTACHES THE SWING ARM TO THE FRAME MAY NOT BE TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BOLTS COULD LOSE ALL TORQUE AND VIBRATE FREE OF THE MOTORCYCLE, CAUSING A SEVERE HANDLING PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT BOLT.
Notes: SYSTEM: SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT BOLT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1986 Harley-Davidson Fxr Series owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
07/20/1995 · Electrical system · crash
HORN UNDER THE BATTERY FALL OFF WHEN ON THE BACK TIRE AND CAUSE ACCIDENT . TT