Tl* the contact owns a 2005 harley davidson sportster 1200 custom motorcycle. The transmission would not down shift to 3rd gear because it would lock. The contact would have to up shift to fourth and fifth gear before down shifting to first gear. This went on for a month. The dealer kept repairing the failure, at least four times until the warranty has ran out. There is still a failure with the motor cycle. The manufacturer was called and they stated there should be no failure because they have repaired the problems. The failure mileage was 8,500 the current mileage is 9,000. Updated 5/10/10 *cn the consumer stated the establishment where he purchased the bike from had an accident with the bike. In the process of repairing the damage, the created a problem in the transmission. It locked up in 3rd gear when down shifting, the consumer complained but was told that was the way it shifted. Also, the starter hesitated when starting the bike. Updated 07/01/10.
The worst 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
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
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated there is a problem with the fuel system delivery concerning the carburetor. The vehicle intermittently failed to turn off or start and lost power while driving at various speeds. After inspecting the vehicle the dealership replaced the fuel valve, the drive belt and adjusted the timing. The problems still exists and the vehicle has not been returned to the dealer.
Not long after my 1000 mile new vehicle checkup, my 2005 xl883r sportster's front brake lever would collapse to the handle bar. The front brake would operate, but the lever would not return to the regular position. Also the brake light would stay on. After riding a few hundred yards, and repeatedly squeezing the brake lever, the lever would finally stay fully away from the handlebar. The above problem happens everytime I ride the sportster, and now the lever collapses against the handlebar, and the front brake does not work. The bike is under warranty, however I wanted to report the problem because I can't believe my bike is the only bike in the us to have this problem. I'm worried about riding it back to the dealer because of the importance of using the front brake while motorcycle riding.
Dt: 2005 harley davidson with 37 miles on it. After the owner left with the motorcycle she noticed that it was choking and making terrible noises when the transmission was engaged. The noise being a severe clicking in 4th and 5th gears. It wa s a terrible rattle and ringing in the transmission. Motorcycle was stalling in the middle of the road. It would make a noise and die in the middle of the road. The dealership took care of the stalling, and it was now not as bad, but is still stalling/ cracking/rattling, and ringing worse. Motorcycle is in the shop for a second time, and the dealer has not even looked at it as of yet.
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Questions about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Is the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster, fewer than a typical Sportster model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 2 complaints. Next is transmission (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V607000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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