RoadVitals

2005 BMW R 1200 RT

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.
32
Latest Mar 25, 2023
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.
5
Latest Aug 10, 2020
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.
2
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 52 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

  • Powertrain (other)411.4%
  • Brakes38.6%
  • Engine25.7%
  • Body & structure25.7%
  • Driver assistance12.9%
  • Visibility12.9%

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

5 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 10, 2020
16,926 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Mar 11, 2015
43,426 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
The risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Dec 12, 2013
50,184 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA13006ClosedEngineering Analysis

Fuel Leak - Motorycle

Opened Jul 12, 2013
Closed Jan 31, 2014

ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPLed to recall 13V617000
PE12036ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Fuel Leak - Motorcycle

Opened Nov 16, 2012
Closed Jul 22, 2013

Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has obtained an owner video illustrating the issue.This video, and other material, may be found in the public file at www.SaferCar.gov. ODI has learned that the subject fuel leak is due to cracks in the fuel outlet quick connector located on the in-tank fuel pump housing.While some owners, reluctant to incur the expense to replace the fuel pump assembly, have undertaken frequently ineffective do-it-yourself repairs primarily involving adhesive patches, two other remedies are available.The first, found in the after-market, is an aluminum clamp designed to reinforce the fuel outlet threaded flange.The second is BMW?s own remedy, appearing in early 2011, following introduction of the aftermarket clamp.It, too, involves a metal collar designed to support the fuel outlet threaded flange.In January 2004 BMW conducted safety recall 04V028 involving 2000 to 2004 Model Year K and R Series motorcycles for a pressurized fuel leak.In this case an O-ring in a fuel line quick connector could become damaged and BMW identified the potential for fire as a consequence of this failure.In its recall, influenced by an ODI investigation (PE03-054), BMW judged the fire risk to be low and the fuel loss to be insignificant -- occurring most often during cold starts -- resulting most often from improper servicing of the fuel line quick connector by its dealers. All of the complaints and warranty claims referenced in this resume involve verified fuel leaks rather than owners simply expressing a concern that a leak may develop in their subject motorcycle. With summer approaching and seasonal motorcycle usage increasing, ODI has upgraded PE12-036 to EA13-006 to further evaluate this issue, monitor fuel leak frequency, and determine the risk associated with the alleged fuel leaks.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers: 540232, 765847, 10074376, 10159252, 10236289, 10339245, 10356156, 10417320, 10425962, 10430734, 10430822, 10432269, 10433589, 10433733, 10436885, 10437222, 10442023, 10443840, 10444670, 10444742, 10444876, 10445888, 10445954, 10448104, 10448104, 10448325, 10448592, 10449393, 10451907, 10452476, 10453738, 10460566, 10463408, 10463946, 10467136, 10470251, 10471518, 10471642, 10474390, 10475150, 10474390, 10475150, 10480052, 10480834, 10485274, 10485276, 10485292, 10485337, 10485348, 10485351, 10485376, 10485434, 10485452, 10485783, 10485789, 10485796, 10485807, 10485882, 10487501, 10487624, 10488652, 10488899, 10490417, 10490868, 10491835, 10492118, 10492342, 10492961, 10493015, 10493320, 10494927, 10494899, 10495307, 10496593, 10503488, 10503806, 10504130, 10504324, 10508135, 10508150

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Mar 25, 2023

2005 BMW r1200rt that I have owned since 2016 with little to no issue. Leak from winter storage in the front left side of the engine. It matches a thread of a cracked fuel pump. With your site they submitted the problem under JBN1-18051. Also under a complaint number 10428629. I wish to know if it is a issue that is a recall or something I can submit for BMW to take care of, or if I will need to get fixed myself. I saw that riding with it can result in fuel landing on the ride during transit making it dangerous to ride.

NHTSA ID
11513782
Incident
Mar 24, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Sep 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was repaired. The contact stated that on 7/2021, he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel pump onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID
11434688
Incident
May 1, 2016
Mileage
52,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Apr 24, 2021

CRACKED THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTIONS TO BOTH THROTTLE BODY THROTTLE CONTROL SHAFTS. IF THIS FAILS, THE THROTTLES RETURN TO IDLE WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL. I NEED TO REPAIR PRIOR TO TRAVEL USE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID
11413715
Incident
Apr 24, 2021
Mileage
32,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 15, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE CYCLE, IT FAILED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HAP'S CYCLE SALES, INC, 2530 17TH ST, SARASOTA, FL, 34234) WAS CONTACTED AT 941-365-3443. THE CONTACT TOOK THE FUEL PUMP APART AND CONFIRMED THROUGH THE PHONE WITH THE DEALER THAT THE COUPLING TO THE FUEL PUMP OF THE FLANGED HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CYCLE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,120.

NHTSA ID
11046223
Incident
Nov 8, 2017
Mileage
17,120 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 6, 2016

DRIVE SHAFT U-JOINT FAILURE RIDING ON INTERSTATE 5. BIKE STARTED TO VIBRATE AND WHEN CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED, VIBRATION STOPPED. RELEASED CLUTCH AND VIBRATION STARTED AGAIN. DEPRESSED CLUTCH AGAIN AND PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE DRIVE SHAFT LOCKED UP. PULLED BACK REAR BOOT ON FINAL DRIVE AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SWING ARM SHAFT. BMW DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILED U-JOINT BUT COULD NOT REPAIR UNLESS THEY REMOVED TRANSMISSION TO REMOVE U-JOINT STUCK ON TRANSMISSION SPLINE. PRICE FOR DRIVE SHAFT ALONE WAS $1,100 DOLLARS PLUS LABOR TO REMOVE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID
10914193
Incident
Sep 30, 2016
Mileage
110,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 27, 2016

WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASED SPEED AND RPM'S IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT OF THROTTLE I WAS TWISTING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED IN THE CLUTCH AND RELEASED THE THROTTLE. THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO CLIMB OVER 4000 AND THE ENGINE SUSTAINED THIS LEVEL. THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD ONLY RETURN TO A NORMAL IDLE LEVEL (1100 RPM) IF I FORCED THE THROTTLE CLOSED (FORWARD TWISTING MOTION). THIS MATTER COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. I DELIVERED THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE BMW DEALER TO HAVE THE MATTER DIAGNOSED. THE BMW MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE PULLEY'S HAD BROKEN ON BOTH THROTTLE BOTH THROTTLE BODIES. I WAS FURTHER ADVISED THAT THESE PULLEY'S ARE MADE OF A MOLDED PLASTIC MATERIAL AND THAT THIS MATERIAL BROKE. THE MECHANIC HAS ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THESE PARTS (ALTHOUGH EXTERNAL ON THE THROTTLE BODIES) ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODIES MUST BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD BE RECALL THESE ITEMS FOR THE OBVIOUS SAFETY RISKS RELATED TO THEIR FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10838801
Incident
Feb 19, 2016
Mileage
169,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 26, 2014

MOTORCYCLE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING. ALWAYS SHOWING EMPTY. TOOK MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER AND HAD FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPLACED. MOTORCYCLE FUEL GAUGE NOW SHOWING FULL ALL THE TIME UNTIL ONE RECENT FUEL FILL UP IT WENT BACK TO SHOWING EMPTY. I HAD BEEN USING THE TRIP METER TO JUDGE FUEL LEVEL FILLING THE TANK AT 250 MILES. ON THE DATE OF THIS INCIDENT, IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC, I RAN OUT OF FUEL AT APPROX. 200 MILES. I MANAGED TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD WITHOUT GETTING RUN OVER. I HAVE CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM WAS NOT KNOWN ABOUT BUT THAT SHE WOULD TAKE MY COMPLAINT. I HAVE READ MANY, MANY......MANY COMPLAINTS FROM BMW OWNERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER THAT BMW HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO COVER THIS PROBLEM FOR 12 YEARS BUT BMW HAD NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE SENSORS UNTIL THE 12 YEARS PASSED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM EVIDENTLY NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY BMW. IN THE LATTER PART OF 2010 THEY WENT BACK TO A FLOAT STYLE SENSOR BUT HAVE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM CREATED BY A POSSIBLE MATERIAL DEFECT AND/OR POOR DESIGN IN THEIR FUEL LEVEL SENSORS INSTALLED IN MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH MIDDLE OF 2010. *TR

NHTSA ID
10628565
Incident
Aug 25, 2014
Mileage
22,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 14, 2014

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: DEC 12, 2013 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE MY COMPLAINT : RECALL LETTER NOT RECEIVED FROM BMW. *TR

NHTSA ID
10588441
Incident
May 14, 2014
Mileage
42,300 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.

MC160214

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender “Fuel Strip” equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K series motorcycles.

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.

SIB330222

POWER TRAIN

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

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 RT by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000
2018200
2017200
2016100
2015300
2014620
2013610
2012111030.3
2011203048.0
2010830
2009365043.5
2008325254.8
2007525252.4
2006546250.7
2005Viewing325253.2
2004100
2003000

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.