Ignition fuse blew on several occasions in past 2 years causing motorcycle to quit in traffic, inspected wiring harness replaced fuse, no defects noted. While traveling on the highway, the motorcycle died, I was able to get it to the side of the highway but replacing the fuse didn't help, it blew again upon turning the ignition key. Had it towed home and after troubleshooting the failure, I traced it to a chafed wire on the in-tank fuel pump. After researching, I found it to be a fairly common failure. Luckily the tank was full of fuel or a possible explosion could have occurred (think twa flight 800) most failures occur outside warranty although harley davidson/buell has been made aware of the situation, nothing has been done to correct it.
The worst 2005 Buell XB12R problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Lights6
- Fuel system1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Buell XB12R
Recalls 1
Structure: motorcycle: kickstand/center stand
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, the sidestand may not retract as designed if contact is made with the ground when the vehicle is in motion.
- Risk
- This could, in turn, disrupt the stability of the motorcycle leading to a crash, causing death or injury to the rider.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the sidestand pivot bolt with a similar bolt that is .100 inch longer free of charge. This change will allow the sidestand to operate as designed. The recall began may 5, 2005. Owners may contact buell at 1‑414‑343‑8400.
Recall number 05V148000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Buell XB12R 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Buell motorcycle: the engine oil drain plug torque has changed to 26-29 ft lbs (35.3-39.3NM) for all...
- Buell motorcycles: headlight assemblies on some models have a reflective material which CAN potentially...
- Buell motorcycle: the headlight assemblies on some 2003-2006 firebolt models have a reflective material...
What 2005 Buell XB12R owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Reflective coating in headlight housing gets hot and changes color. Headlight output is diminished and night time visiblity deteriorates.
Failure of reflective coating inside of headlight projector, dimming of headlight noticeable at 5,000 miles, took apart the projector and noticed degradation (charring) of reflective material, now at 17,000 miles (8 months) the low beam housing does not illuminate the road enough for safe travel at night.
On my model year 2005 buell model xb12r the reflectors on my headlights are melting.this is most noticeable on the low beam assembly. As a result of this melting and degradation the projected beam is dangerously low. It is now difficult to use after dark.
Headlamps had become extremely dim over time. Re-aiming was attempted as was new bulbs, but the problem remained. Finally I dissasembled the lamp housing and found that the reflective coating was gone and that there was melting occuring on the inside of the plastic housing! Seems like a possible fire concern.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2005 buell xb12r motorcycle headlight coating and light lenses degrading due to heat and poor materials. The contact stated that once degradation began the light output was seriously diminished. The light assembly has been replace donce under warranty on 06/2006. The manufacturer was aware of this defect, but continued to replace the lights with the sme units that have been failing. While driving at night he had difficulty seeing the road in front of him due to these headlights on the motorcycle. The failure mileage was 4800, and the current mileage was 5600.*ak updated 04/12/07.
Headlight issues on 2005 buell xb12r motorcycle. Reflective coating and light lenses degrading due to heat and poor materials. Once degradation begins, headlamp light output is seriously diminished. My light assemblies have been replaced once under warranty. It appears that the manufacturer knows of this defect, but continues to replace the lights with the same units that have been failing.
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Questions about the 2005 Buell XB12R
Is the 2005 Buell XB12R reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2005 Buell XB12R, close to a typical XB12R model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buell XB12R?
Lights, with 6 complaints, typically around 5,100 miles. Next is fuel system (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Buell XB12R have?
1 recall, covering structure.
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