Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Harley-Davidson Flhxs
The 2021 Harley-Davidson FLHXS appears to have a single notable issue, involving brake light malfunction due to a software error. While there aren't many complaints, ensure the brake light function is carefully checked. Overall, the bike generally performs well as a used purchase if the recall is addressed.
Known issues to inspect
Brake lights illuminate randomly
How to check: Inspect brake lights for random illumination without applying brakes.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Observe the dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the engine area.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 03
Stable driving
What to check: Verify brake lights function correctly when brakes are applied.
Red flag: Brake lights staying on constantly
- 04
Braking
What to check: Ensure bike stops smoothly without issues.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed stopping
- 05
Post-trip check
What to check: Check for any fluid leaks under the bike.
Red flag: Pooled fluids
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the brake light recall been fixed?
- Are there any current issues with the bike?
- Has the motorcycle been in any accidents?
- What maintenance has been performed recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/7/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Flhxs.