2004 Buell Xb12s problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Exterior Lighting:headlights (3) · Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices (2) · Electrical System:wiring (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2008-10-16 · B-087 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
buell motorcycle: the engine oil drain plug torque has changed to 26-29 ft lbs (35.3-39.3nm) for all models listed. *pe
What owners report
2007-05-29 · Exterior Lighting:headlights · 4,000 mi“2004 buell xb12r. poor lighting due to deterioration of inside reflector. *tr…”
2007-02-22 · Exterior Lighting:headlights“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…”
2007-02-21 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices · 4,000 mi“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…”
2007-02-17 · Exterior Lighting:headlights · 23,870 mi“the coating on the inside of my headlight housing is falling off, drastically decreasing light output. i had them replaced under warranty once for this on 11/18/05, with 23870 miles on the bike. i am now hardly able to see at night again and i am sure that people can't see me as well either. *jb…”
2007-01-06 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices · 5,300 mi“silver coating on headlights deteriorates rapidly causing poor illumination and unsafe night time driving and reducing the motorcycles visibility during the day. i am sure the light output is far below dot standards vehicle is an xb12r firebolt, not an xb12s. the xb12r was not listed as an option. *jb…”
2006-07-21 · Electrical System · 22,000 mi“while riding my 2004 buell xb12s motorcycle though the asm america, inc. parking lot (3440 east university drive phoenix az 85034) at approximately 11:00 am the on 07-19-06 the following occurred. the motorcycle lost all power and i coasted to a stop into a parking spot: 1.riding through the parking lot at about 5-10 mph. 2.the motorcycle engi…”
2004-03-05 · Electrical System:wiring“i am reporting a potentially hazardous problem with my 2004 buell xb12s motorcycle. i have observed this same situation on all similar bikes that i have looked at. under the seat, the ecm cable harness rests against the negative battery terminal and there are signs of abrasion from vibration.*ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.