RoadVitals

2016 BMW R1200 RS

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 7, 2025
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 Mar 21, 2018
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 2016 BMW R1200 RS, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 31 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

  • Electrical222.2%
  • Engine222.2%
  • Fuel system222.2%
  • Exterior lighting111.1%
  • Other / unspecified111.1%
  • Tires & wheels111.1%

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
18E016000

EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY

Mar 21, 2018
1,571 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
The risk: The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17E052000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Aug 21, 2017
9,000 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17V481000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 28, 2017
47,775 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Exterior lightingOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V481000 (Equipment). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

NHTSA ID
11634647
Incident
Jan 7, 2025
Mileage
23,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 23, 2021

MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles to my house, but the tire started losing air at a fast rate.

NHTSA ID
11433993
Incident
Sep 8, 2021
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 10, 2021

Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In addition, in many areas, there is minimal berm.

NHTSA ID
11432413
Incident
Aug 3, 2021
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 5, 2021

The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~28500. The stored ECU fault codes are the same as in 2020, 21F961 & 21F971, indicating the same problem. As owners of similar BMW models (R1200 RT, R1200 GS & R1200 R) have noted in their reports, the sudden shift to "Limp Mode" in Interstate or multi-lane highway traffic is going to kill some unfortunate rider in the future.

NHTSA ID
11431802
Incident
Sep 4, 2021

Manufacturer communications

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

MC330423

POWER TRAIN

Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change

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.

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.

MC610821

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.

MC660118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down

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 R1200 RS by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000—
2018010—
2017030—
2016Viewing430—
2015020—

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.