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Exterior lightingPart report

2005 Buell XB12R Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
86%of 7 total for the year
Median mileage
5,100miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Buell XB12R, 86% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,100 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10185379, filed 2007-03, 8,600 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10183250, filed 2007-02, 4,800 miles

“- 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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10183256, filed 2007-02, 4,800 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10191971, filed 2007-05

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005686%
20047100%

Other parts of the 2005 Buell XB12R

Fuel system
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Buell XB12R

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology