2005 Buell XB12R Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,410miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Buell XB12R (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buell XB12R. The part named most often is exterior lighting, with 6 complaints (86% of the total), followed by fuel system (1). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,410 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Exterior lighting6 86%
- Fuel system1 14%
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10191940, filed 2007-05, 7,719 milesFuel system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10394197, filed 2011-04, 29,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,800 and 8,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V148000Apr 14, 2005Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center standCovers: Buell XB12R 2005, XB9SX 2005, XB12S 2005
On certain motorcycles, the sidestand may not retract as designed if contact is made with the ground when the vehicle is in motion.
Recall details for the 2005 Buell XB12R → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10026801Oct 16, 2008Engine cooling. Buell motorcycle: the engine oil drain plug torque has changed to 26-29 ft lbs (35.3-39.3nm) for all models listed.
- 10030184Jul 10, 2008Exterior lighting. Buell motorcycle: the headlight assemblies on some 2003-2006 firebolt models have a reflective material which can potentially degrade and reduce light output.
- 10028705Jul 10, 2008Exterior lighting. Buell motorcycles: headlight assemblies on some models have a reflective material which can potentially degrade and reduce light output. Models xb9r and xb12r. Model years 2003-2006.
Other model years of the Buell XB12R
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 7 | 6,410 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 7 | 20,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Buell XB12R have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buell XB12R as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Buell XB12R is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 6 complaints (86% of the total), followed by fuel system with 1.
Has the 2005 Buell XB12R been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Buell XB12R reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,410 miles and the middle half falls between 4,800 and 8,600 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.