2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls and problems

The 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls

Recall 04V-607: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 23, 2004 · 9,501 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Electrical System	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System — 1
Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 8,500 miles · reported Mar 5, 2010

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 the…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 9,200 miles · reported Mar 13, 2006

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 · reported Sep 7, 2005

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…

Power Train · at 37 miles · reported Jun 27, 2005

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…

Other Harley-Davidson Sportster years

20052003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Harley-Davidson Sportster years · All Harley-Davidson models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster: 04V-607 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

Owners report power train problems most often (2 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,500 miles.

Are Harley-Davidson recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.