AI Damage2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 33% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 33% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 âobsoleteâ and stated there was no parts being manufactured to replace it.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,150 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XL1200C has 2 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 3, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, structure. Total complaints: 3. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: won't start (33%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200C from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.