Tl* the contact owns a 2005 harley davidson soft tail motorcycle. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the rear wheel along with the drive chain unbolted and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the rear wheel, drive chain, and bolts connected to the drive chain were replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been experienced twice with the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the parts were not causing the failure but that the dealer had not properly repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that he did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 15,000. The VIN was not available.
The worst 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Engine1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Engine1
- Transmission1
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system
- What is wrong
- Certain motorcycles may have been produced with defective fuel shut-off valves. The functionality of the 'on' position and the 'reserve' position of the valve may have been reversed.
- Risk
- If the bike were operating with the valve in the 'on' position, the bike could run out of fuel, the expected fuel reserve will not be available. This could lead to the driver running out of gas without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the fuel valve and replace it, if necessary. The recall began february 7, 2005. Owners should contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑342‑4080.
Recall number 04V607000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. On fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. On carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.
- Risk
- These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. The recall began november 4, 2004. Owners should contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 04V465000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
From what I'm learning the hard way, some 2005 harley davidson motorcycles burn oil at a rate of 1 quart per thousand miles - mine is one of them. According to dealer and harley-davidson motor company, this is acceptable. Owners manual states nothing about this, nor was this information made known to me at time of sale in oct. 2004. Obviously this could lead to engine seizure if not checked frequently, possibly resulting in injury or accident if in motion at time of failure. Momentarily, if motorcycle is not covered by warranty it will lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Harley-davidson motor company unwilling to provide this information in writing until my motorcycle is diagnosed. Currently, my 10 month old motorcycle's engine is being disassembled to determine the cause of the oil consumption rate in excess of 2 quarts over a period of 2900 miles. While I appreciate harley's responsiveness to this issue, I am obviously not pleased about paying $20,000 for a motorcycle whose engine is being taken apart. I have no idea what kind of problems this might lead to several years down the line when I am no longer covered by warranty. James fisher.
Repeat discrepancy, failure occurred at night while in forward motion on state highway 17 (north carolina) ref: report # 10132164.
2005 harley davidson softail heritage in a rainstorm a driver did not see me and almost hit me as he turned into my lane. After I got home I discovered my headlights were inoperative. This motorcycle has less than 11,000 miles on it and the deficiency within the electrical system/wiring harnesses could've killed me. The bike is at new river harley davidson at jacksonville north carolina supposedly under repair (within their appointment schedule of course). This type of failure at night or day is completely unacceptable and one would expect more quality controls from a manufacturer with a reputation that harley davidson has.
Compare the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail
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Questions about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail
Is the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail, 1.3 times a typical Softail model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline.
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