2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › Sportster › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Certain fuel shut-off valves used as replacement equipment, p/nos 61338-02, 62169-02a, 61338-94d, and 62169-95c for use on certain 2005 carbureted sportsters, dyna, softail, and touring model motorcycles. these valves may have been produced with the functionality of the 'on' position and the 'reserve' position of the valve may have been reversed.
Risk and remedy
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 january 27, 2005. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4080. if you have had or installed a replacement fuel shut-off valve in your motorcycle, please take your vehicle to your dealer to have the valve inspected for proper operation as soon as possible.
Owner complaints
4 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Power train › Manual transmission
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…
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.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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. *nm
- Power train › Manual transmission
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.…
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. *Ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10056035Harley-davidson: see document search button for owner letter. On some motorcycles, a defect exist with some chrome hand control lever kits having excessive chrome plating on brake levers. Model 2014 sportster.
Every Harley-Davidson Sportster model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.