The 2005 Buell Xb12r has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 149 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
STRUCTURE05V1480002005-04-14149 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE SIDESTAND MAY NOT RETRACT AS DESIGNED IF CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE GROUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1
Total complaints8
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“Reflective coating in headlight housing gets hot and changes color. Headlight output is diminished and night time visiblity deteriorates. *tr”
“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. *tr”
“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…”
“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…”
“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.…”
“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.…”
“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…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2005 Buell Xb12r as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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