2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure133.3%
- Electrical133.3%
- Engine133.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPITFIRE XI1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN HE SUDDENLY FELT AN ABNORMAL RUBBING ON THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE OWNER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FENDER AND BRACE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED AT THE FAILURE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURING THE FRAME FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,464. UPDATED 08/8/11*LJ UPDATED 08/15/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The stock TMS (Turn Signal Module) on my Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 failed. This sensor controls the auto cancel turn signal feature as well as a combination bank angle sensor. This sensor has a built in kill switch which if the bike detects an angle of lean indicative of a crash it will kill the engine preventing it from starting by preventing spark from occurring to the cylinders. My problem is when my sensor failed my motorcycle will not start now. I called all local Harley Davidson dealerships in the area who told me the part is “obsolete” and stated there was no parts being manufactured to replace it. They offered no remedy or fix to replace this part and now the motorcycle is completely disabled and can not start without a replacement sensor. I contacted corporate Harley Davidson who advised they would do research with their “parts staff” to attempt to locate any parts in the country in an effort to rectify the situation. They responded after 3 days with they are unable to help and to contact a local dealership for assistance. Which all dealerships advised there was no fix. So currently I have a motorcycle with only 9,900 miles that can not be driven due to a faulty sensor Harley Davidson refuses to manufacture because they want owners to purchase a newer style motorcycle. I am making this report to hopefully force Harley Davison to once again produce this part so myself and many others experiencing this problem can continue to enjoy our motorcycles.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS RIDING MY 2009 HARLEY SPORTSTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AT ABOUT 9AM, AND I HEARD A BOOM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL. I REGAINED CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, WHERE I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER MY TIRE, AND THE GROUND AROUND MY BIKE. THEN I DISCOVERED THE BOOM I HEARD WAS ACTUALLY MY OIL TANK BLOWING AT THE SEAM. THE OIL TANK IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND ITS NOT BROKEN, JUST SEPARATED AT GLUE-PLASTIC WELD SEAM. I BROUGHT THIS TO ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON IN WI. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO HD DEALERSHIP, AT A COST OF $300 TO ME. I DID NOT HAVE $300 TO DO THIS, SO MY OIL TANK IT STILL RUINED. HARLEY WILL NOT BACK UP PRODUCT, OR EVEN ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY CSR THAT IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE, NO DOCUMENTED CASES, AND YET THERE ARE HUNDREDS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .