Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 1997
Engine And Engine Cooling
MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STOP, MOTORCYCLE WILL THEN BACKFIRE THROUGH CARBURETOR WHEN ACCELERATING, IT WILL STALL OUT. NEEDS TO RESTART,DEALERSHIP SAYS CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. HAS BEEN IN SHOP TWICE A WEEK SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT,SERIOUS LOUD PINCH WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF POWER ON ACCLERATION JUST ON HOT DAYS. THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS AC…
Read full complaint
MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STOP, MOTORCYCLE WILL THEN BACKFIRE THROUGH CARBURETOR WHEN ACCELERATING, IT WILL STALL OUT. NEEDS TO RESTART,DEALERSHIP SAYS CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. HAS BEEN IN SHOP TWICE A WEEK SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT,SERIOUS LOUD PINCH WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF POWER ON ACCLERATION JUST ON HOT DAYS. THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #817705
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1997 HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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