MYRModel Year Report

1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster

○ Not enough data
1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:00:50.818Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Harley-Davidson Sportster Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1988: 2 complaints 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2005: 4 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 2 complaints 2008
1985: 1 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19851
19882
19921
19966
19971
19986
19996
20009
20016
20026
20038
20054
20071
20082

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 1 total report mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

IN A SIMPLE COLLISION WITH A DEER' I LAYED THE MOTORCYCLE DOWN "VERY HARD" ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE,BUT DUE TO THE FOOT PEG/REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY BEING SUPPORTED ONLY BY AN ALUMINUM SPROCKET CASE,THE PEG SNAPED OFF 'BREAKING MY FOOT!

NHTSA ODI report, 20000314

IN A SIMPLE COLLISION WITH A DEER' I LAYED THE MOTORCYCLE DOWN "VERY HARD" ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE,BUT DUE TO THE FOOT PEG/REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY BEING SUPPORTED ONLY BY AN ALUMINUM SPROCKET CASE,THE PEG SNAPED OFF 'BREAKING MY FOOT!

NHTSA ODI report, 20000314

IN A SIMPLE COLISION WITH A DEER' I LAYED THE BIKE DOWN "VERY HARD" ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE,BUT DUE TO THE FOOT PEG/REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY BEING SUPPORTED ONLY BY AN ALUMINUM SPROCKET CASE,THE PEG SNAPED OFF 'BREAKING MY FOOT!

NHTSA ODI report, 20000314

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.