On certain motorcycles, the sidestand may not retract as designed if contact is made with the ground when the vehicle is in motion.
2004-2006 · 3 model years
Buell XB12S Problems by year
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the Buell XB12S across 3 model years, and it has 2 recalls. The 2004 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (7). The most reported problem area is the lights, followed by the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
XB12S complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common XB12S problems
Buell XB12S recalls 2
On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn...
Latest XB12S complaints
Motorcycle started stalling while driving and at lights. Throttle was unresponsive and almost caused an accident. Bike would backfire and not idle. At 6250 miles six wires from the ecm harness rubbed the sharp metal shock fluid line and shorted out the coil, tps, o2 sensor and injectors. The bike was undriveable. Dealer resoldered harness. This is the second rub through harness problem. Engine harness was covered with electrical conduit and sharp fluid line was covered with rubber fuel line. *Tr
Removed seat and noticed harness to ecm chaffing on seat. Problem could cause engine not to run. Wire harness felt was rubbed completely through exposing multiple copper wires in harness. Mileage of motorcycle is 4925. Cause is harness vibrates against the sharp edge of underside of seat. Dealer states this is a common problem. Dealer repaired harness and secured harness to a lower position with tie straps. No known solution from buell has been released. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 buell xb12s. While driving various speeds up to 130 mph, the kickstand almost detached from the vehicle. When riding around curves, the kickstand protruded and nearly caused a crash. The contact was able to ride the vehicle to his residence and, when he propped up the vehicle with the kickstand, it fell forward. The dealer retorched the bolts, however, the contact believes this was done improperly because they did not lock the bolts tightly. The current mileage was 4,200 and failure mileage was 3,800.
2004 Buell xb12r. Poor lighting due to deterioration of inside reflector. *Tr
Headlights become dimmer and dimmer, bulbs ok, chrome finish on inside of headlight housings comes off so bulbs do not reflect making night driving dangerous. Buell chat sites confirm others with xbr models having same failures. *Jb
Headlight on buell motorcycles "r" models (2004 to current year) degrades over time. The reflective coating material in the headlight housing degrades and turns to powder and causes the headlight to be un-useful. The degrade is cause by heat from the headlight. Failure isn't corrected as of today. *Jb
Questions about the Buell XB12S
Which Buell XB12S years have the most problems?
What are the most common Buell XB12S problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the lights (5), electrical system (4), body, doors & structure (1) most often.
How many recalls does the Buell XB12S have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls across all Buell XB12S model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data