RoadVitals

2004 BMW R 1200 Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jan 15, 2011
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 15, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 BMW R 1200 Gs, most frequently naming the brakes, powertrain (other) and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 59 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes133.3%
  • Powertrain (other)133.3%
  • Suspension133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06V164000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

May 15, 2006
13,200 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
The risk: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
06V134000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Apr 24, 2006
9,260 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF CERTAIN PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED THAT INVOLVES REMOVAL OF THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE CALIPER, THE ABS SENSOR CABLE CAN BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND WHEN THE CALIPER IS REINSTALLED, THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE FRONT BRAKE DISC. OVERTIME, IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION.
The risk: LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH DURING CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A MORE SECURE CONNECTION TO THE WHEEL CARRIER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
05V082000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Mar 3, 2005
3,084 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE DEFECT INVOLVES A WATER LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP THAT IS INTEGRATED WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. AN O-RING SEAL ATTACHED TO THE PUMP'S ELECTRONIC HOUSING DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER CAN BYPASS THIS SEAL AND CONTACT THE PUMP ELECTRONICS.
The risk: ENGINE STALLING, OR A FAILURE TO START, COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE RIDER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE A SEALING RING. IF THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC UNIT IS CORRODED, IT WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2005. ADDITIONAL MY 2005 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES WERE ADDED TO THIS RECALL IN DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS OF MY 2005 MOTORCYCLES WILL RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION DURING FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2011

RIDING THE BIKE SLOWLY (ABOUT 40 KPH) AND BRAKED HEAVILY. DISINTEGRATION OF REAR WHEEL CARRIER (FLANGE) ON BMW GS1200 (2004) . THIS BILLET ALUMINUM FLANGE IS THE SINGLE COMPONENT CONNECTING THE REAR WHEEL WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. AND ALSO THE BRAKE DISK. THE PART BROKE APART UNDER HEAVY BRAKING AND THE BRAKE DISK DETACHED, RESULTING IN NO REAR WHEEL BRAKING AND DAMAGE TO THE ABS UNIT. CRITICAL FAILURE WILL CERTAINLY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BMW AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN ADVISED AND OFFERED NO RECOURSE TO CORRECT RO ADVISE OTHER OWNERS. ABS MODULE ALSO FAILED, WITH AN INTERNAL LEAK (POSSIBLY CAUSED BY PRESSURE SPIKE FROM FLANGE DISINTEGRATING). NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR FAULTS ON ADVENTURE RIDERS WEBSITE. VIN NO IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10376817
Incident
Oct 20, 2010
Mileage
45,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Dec 10, 2009

STRESS FRACTURE ON BMW GS1200 (2004) REAR WHEEL ATTACHMENT FLANGE. THIS BILLET ALUMINUM FLANGE IS THE SINGLE COMPONENT CONNECTING THE REAR WHEEL WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. CRITICAL FAILURE WILL CERTAINLY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. BMWNA INDICATE THAT THIS IS A NORMAL WEAR ITEM AND OFFER NO RECOURSE TO CORRECT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10295180
Incident
Dec 2, 2009
Mileage
36,250 mi
Filed Jul 4, 2007

I HAVE A 2007 BMW R1150 GS MOTORCYCLE WITH A FAILING SIGHT GLASS. IT HAS NOT MELTED, BUT HAS A WHITE HALO AROUND THE OUTSIDE EDGE WHICH INDICATES OVERHEATING OF THE SIGHT GLASS. ACTION NUMBER ON THIS ISSUE IS PE07031.

NHTSA ID
10195304
Incident
Jul 4, 2007
Mileage
6,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 1, 2006

FINAL DRIVE SEAL BLEW OUT AFTER ONLY 30K MILES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10167228
Incident
Aug 14, 2006
Mileage
29,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

MC330423

POWER TRAIN

Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models - including retroactively. In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change. This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owner’s manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert. 1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed. No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have the new maintenance schedule in their owner’s manual.

SIB330222

POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.

MC000222

SERVICE BRAKES

BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.

MC460521

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special accessories catalog for the GS models.

MC55297495

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW R 1200 Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000—
2018420—
2017340—
2016124047.5
2015104048.1
2014145046.9
2013116042.5
2012102045.8
2011740—
2010840—
2009305051.7
2008329256.7
2007427256.5
20069102—
2005519254.8
2004Viewing430—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.