BMW R 1200 GS Complaints

325 consumer complaints on file.

#11771183October 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated that while riding the motorcycle at 5 MPH, the brake clutch was engaged; however, the motorcycle failed to stop intendedly. The contact stated that the motorcycle jerked forward. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that NHTSA had not associated the contact's VIN with Technical Service Bulletin Number: 21 001 13 (021). The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662904May 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
It is not clear which rear brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of, and force required to apply, the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that could lead to serious injury or miscalculations in application of the rear brake to minimize stopping distance. Apparently the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, however there has been no concrete solution that would guarantee a permanent fix. There are no warning lamps or visual indicators to prepare riders that the rear brakes may be compromised or dysfunctional. There have been multiple incidents of this failure from new. After 7 years and over 800 posts (in this thread alone), owners and BMW dealers have not been able correct the defects with 100% certainty. [XXX] This impacts owners of this motorcycle with a Production Date Range of Sept 1, 2012 through to Aug 31, 2020. BMW knows of the problem and released a Technical Service Bulletin SIB 34 01 21 to Dealers [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661315May 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the Dynamic Motor Engine (DME) connector pins. The contact was informed that the DME connector pins needed to be cleaned. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641830February 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN
While under hard acceleration to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, the engine power suddenly cut out completely that created a dangerous situation and suddenly put me at risk for a collision. Fortunately, the vehicle I was passing noticed I had a malfunction and reduced speed allowing me to return back into my lane and safely coast to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was able to idle only, but turning the throttle had no effect as if the throttle cable had snapped. I had my vehicle towed back home and after inspection determined that the plastic throttle body cable pulleys on both throttle bodies have split in two pieces disabling the throttle cable's ability to open the butterflies on the throttle bodies. The plastic pulleys are brittle and obviously an inferior material used on a critical safety component. Part numbers 1354 7705239 and 1354 7705240. Online forums revealed that this is a very common failure on BMW motorcycle boxer engines with many owners suggesting preventative maintenance to reinforce the plastic throttle body cable pulleys with metal washers and JB weld or replace with aftermarket custom made alloy machine parts. This is a very common problem and can result in death or injury if the part fails on the wrong time. It blows my mind that BMW is ignoring such a well-known issue and not issuing a recall to replace the throttle bodies with upgraded parts that are safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630748December 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
It is not clear which brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of and force required to apply the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that could lead to serious injury or miscalculations in application of both front a rear brakes to minimize stopping distance. Apparently the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, however there has been no concrete solution that would guarantee a permanent solution. There are no warning lamps or visual indicators to prepare riders that the rear brakes may be compromised or dysfunctional. There have been multiple incidents of this failure from new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628004November 29, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626502November 20, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump flange failure resulting in leaking fuel while I was riding the bike. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the bike could have caught fire while riding and also potentially could have caused me to crash. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The component hasn't been inspected by BMW or any representative. There was no warning or symptom other than I could smell fuel while I was riding. In April 2014 BMW issued recall notice 13V-617 for a potential fuel leak at the fuel pump flange. The remedy by BMW was to place a reinforcing ring around the fuel pump flange or replace the fuel pump with a new pump that had a preinstalled reinforcing ring. My fuel pump was replaced in November 2015 under the recall. At the conclusion of my ride on 11/16/24 my inspection revealed fuel leaking around the fuel pump flange with fuel puddling on top of the fuel pump. Enough fuel leaked and dispersed during my ride that fuel had also collected in between the cylinder cooling fins on one side of the motor which is a potential ignition source. It was also evident that fuel had blown onto the side of the bike. I was extremely fortunate fuel didn't contact the exhaust pipe which is in proximity to where fuel was leaking and ignite. Even though it has been 9 years since my fuel pump was replaced the reinforcing ring remedy for the fuel pump flange does not work as evidenced by the leak on my bike. The leak should have never occurred. The fuel pump flange on these fuel pumps even with a reinforcing ring is still apparently a bad design and still subject to failure and creates a life safety hazard. My bike could have easily caught fire which could have resulted in personal injury or a crash. I consider myself lucky that neither of these hazards occurred. I have contacted BMW Customer Support. A case number was issued and my case was escalated to the next level. Im waiting for their response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622437October 29, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Riding at freeway speeds fuel system is spilling out fuel down both sides of the engine. I smelled strong fuel smell while riding but was unable to stop until almost home. At home inspected bike and discovered leak even while at idle but have not dug in to identify exact leak location. having it trailered into BWM repair facility when appointment available. I do not see a recall for my make year and model of 1200 GS but it does fall in the years listed as a concern?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612152September 2, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603321July 19, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the odor of fuel was present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the motorcycle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603471July 19, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the motorcycle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the motorcycle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact started to slowly exit the highway, the drive shaft, rear drive, and swing arm failed and fractured apart with the rear wheel locking up. Due to the failure, the contact had the motorcycle towed to a dealer where the failure was confirmed. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555710November 17, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, the contact smelled fuel on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel system, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550245October 16, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
I bought a 2017 BMW R 1200 GS used from a dealer with 554 miles on it. Basically new. I put 1100 miles on the bike before I had a work related accident. The Bike has 1687 miles on it now. Bike has been sitting for 3+ years in a garage. The rear brake goes all the way to the bump stop with no resistance. With the bike on the center stand and the rear brake lever all the way down to the bump stop, the rear wheel spins freely. I rode this bike 2 days before my accident in July of 2020 and the rear brake worked fine. I have not rode the bike in 3+ years and the rear brake went flat. This is unacceptable. I think BMW knows there is a problem. I want you to know there is a problem so maybe the problem get fixed. I've read post on BMW forums, explaining the rear master cylinder sucks in air. Air in brake lines is no good. That means the rear brake master cylinder could suck in air and render the rear brake useless. I think Brakes are an especially important part of vehicle safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549685October 12, 2023
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated that while parked, the front suspension passenger side fork tube had separated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact referred to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V438000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 41,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11546013September 22, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537784August 10, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS
While riding the 1200GS yesterday, the rear brake calliper somehow came off! Has anyone encountered such a problem before. After the caliper came off, it got stuck in the wheel spokes and completely shattered the spokes and wheels. I was very lucky not sure how the wheels did not completely jam or freeze as this would have been deadly. I as was on a freeway with cars travelling over 70-MPH! Luckily enough motorists behind me and in other lanes observed what had happened and provided me space to pull over.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534609July 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533136July 18, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528242June 22, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel level reads full permanently even though fuel has been completely depleted. BMW's remedy is/was to replace the faulty fuel strip with another of the same faulty design rendering a situation where the rider can never rely on the fuel gauge. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the issue which results in unsafe riding conditions when the engine suddenly dies unexpectedly from lack of fuel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524564May 31, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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