2005 Yamaha XVS11 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 9, 2015 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other XVS11 years
Not enough data 2nd of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Yamaha XVS11. That ranks 2nd out of 13 XVS11 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (9 complaints, 100%), typically at around 23,000 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2005 Yamaha XVS11 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train9 · ~23,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train9100%23,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2009, with 4 complaints
2008: 1200812009: 4200942010: 2201022011: 1201112015: 120151

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 Yamaha XVS11 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seats:motorcycleJun 1, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V256000 · 46,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcyles, the original replacement mounting hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender could break if the mounting hardware is over tightened.

Risk: If the hardware breaks, the passenger seat can fall off the rear fender. The passenger could lose balance and fall, causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners may already have received a letter from yamaha dated march 3, 2005, about this defect. In order to provide an improved remedy to the repair of the previous recall, yamaha is recalling certain motorcycles again. Dealers will replace the hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender with components of a different type that will not allow the seat to fall off. The recall began on june 15, 2005. Owners may contact yamaha at 1-800-88-yamaha.

Seats:motorcycleMar 3, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V067000 · 179,042 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the mounting hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender could loosen due to the passenger's weight shifting on the seat.

Risk: If the mounting hardware becomes loose enough to fall off, the passenger seat can fall off the rear fender. A passenger on the motorcycle could lose balance and fall, causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat's mounting hardware free of charge. The recall began on march 4, 2005. Owners may contact yamaha at 1-800-227-5963.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I began accelerating on to the highway when i noticed a rattling whining noise coming from the middle of the motorcycle once as i approached an exist to inspect the motorcycle my rear wheel locked up . Once i had it towed home come to find out the middle gear shaft nut had broken off with part of…

Power Train · received Jul 9, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10732843

I have a 2005 yamaha 1100 vstar classic. At about 23,000 miles a nut holding the middle gear in the transmission broke off causing catastrophic transmission failure. I had the motorcycle towed to a repair shop and was given an estimate of $2,000 + to repair it. Even tho the vehicle was out of…

Power Train · received Mar 9, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10389608

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 yamaha xvs11. While driving approximately 45 mph he noticed that the speedometer was reading a speed of 0 mph. He continued driving and began to hear a clanking noise. As he continued driving the vehicle began to intermittently lunge forward. The vehicle was taken to an…

Power Train · received Sep 7, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10354189

I have a 2005 yamaha vstar 1100 with 5.000 miles. When i was driving it on the interstate the transmission started to wine and then started to make a taping noise. I found the middle drive gear is broke its going cost me 1600 dollars to fix it with me taking the motor out and reinstalling it in…

Power Train · received Jul 2, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10341090

On yamaha 1100 vstar motorcycles in the middle drive gear where the universal yoke connects to the shaft the shaft is prone to breakage causing the nut and end of the shaft to become caught in the universal joint which at 55mph can be devastating. After researching this problem on the internet i…

Power Train · received Nov 18, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10292826

Other Yamaha XVS11 years

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See all Yamaha XVS11 problems by year, every Yamaha model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Yamaha XVS11?

Owners most often report power train problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 9 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Yamaha XVS11?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 Yamaha XVS11 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other XVS11 model years, the 2005 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.