On August 12, 2026, at 5,826 miles, my 2022 Harley-Davidson FXLRST M8 117 suffered catastrophic engine failure while traveling 65 mph on the freeway. I lost motive power and had to reach the shoulder, creating a serious crash hazard. About five miles into the ride, severe metallic clanging/pinging began. The engine shut down, locked completely and would not restart. No oil-pressure or other warning light illuminated. No engine/oil DTC was stored; only a battery fault was found. Harley-Davidson of Sacramento performed the 1,000-mile service at 1,004 miles and returned the bike at 1,007. Its invoice documents an oil/filter change and five quarts of oil. The engine failed 4,819 miles later. Afterward, I found the oil extremely low. Less than one quart was recovered from a roughly 5-quart system, with no external leak observed. Two independent mechanics, including a former Harley-Davidson technician, disassembled the engine. A rear-cylinder exhaust-valve head had separated from its stem, causing extensive piston, cylinder/liner, spark-plug and internal engine damage. The springs and keepers remained intact. The failed parts are preserved for inspection. NHTSA data I reviewed shows about 244 M8-era complaints involving stalls, power loss or engine/powertrain issues; about 81 hard mechanical/oiling failures, including about 15 sumping/oil-pump complaints. Harley has made numerous M8 engineering changes, including exhaust-valve and valve-spring changes for 2023 and later cylinder-head revisions. In 2026, approximately 88,000 M8-family motorcycles were recalled for an oil/breather defect. Given the freeway power loss, seizure, dangerously low oil without warning, confirmed exhaust-valve separation and broader M8 failure history, I believe this warrants a formal safety investigation.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757838 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

motorcycle continuous to turn off, has happened in turns, while on the freeway and loosing full control of the motorcycle and having to pull off while cars are behind me at fast speeds. Issue continuous to occur has happened continuously even after being taken to a Harley dealership where they have assured me it’s fine.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11563434 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

UNKNOWN 35+ MPH noticeable bounce in front end also 70+ left then front end sometimes begins to wobble and becomes unstable. Dealer 1 checked and found wheels not balanced properly front the factory. Both front and rear wheel had three weights added for balance. Advised bunch is still present and is “normal”. Issue persists. Dealer 2 inspected. Found no issue with wheel or tire with measurements. Only issue observed was tire over inflated to 41 PSI by Dealer 1. Departed to 36 PSI and tech took in 21 mile test ride. Unable to replicate bunch issue. Picked bike up rode home on city roads and observed issue to sill he occurring. Contacted Harley Corporate as found proof / invoice of another having same issue where tire was replaced under warranty due to a casting issue. Harley corporate refused to check.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11527204 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov