BMW R 1200 GS Complaints

325 consumer complaints on file.

#11523584May 24, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Found fuel vapor to be strongly smelled while at a stop light. Upon arrival at home when turning the motorcycle around there were drips coming from the right side of the motorcycle (more specifically the fuel tank). After removing the faring, there was a collection of fuel sitting on top of the fuel tank outlet. Upon closer inspection, the quick disconnect which threads into the fuel tank cap to pull fuel out of the tank has a hairline crack. it continually purges fuel at a trickling pace when the fuel level is above the tank port, there is a steady flow when the bike is in operation. The location of the fuel drip falls directly on the exhaust pipe header on the front right side of the motorcycle which could lead to a fire causing property damage and or bodily harm. The motorcycle has not been inspected by the local dealer as they are backlogged with a summertime influx of customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520947May 8, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving 25 MPH, the motorcycle unintendedly accelerated at high speed. The contact was unsure if any warning light illuminated, but it caused the contact's father to lose control of the motorcycle, and to avoid striking other vehicles, the contact struck a pole and a utility box. The contact's father stuffed severe injuries causing the contact's father to pass away. The contact’s father was wearing safety equipment. A police report was filed. The motorcycle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
1
#11516417April 10, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear brake pedal gets soft and braking performance is lost. Feels like air is getting into the system. Bleeding the brake fixes the problem, but it comes back after a few thousand miles. Seems this isn't an isolated icindent based on forum information: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/bmw-r1200gs-lc-rear-brake-failures.1264712/ https://www.gs-forum.eu/threads/umfrage-wer-ist-von-luft-im-hinteren-bremskreis-betroffen.153022/
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511858March 14, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. The contact stated while riding at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal "clunking" sound coming from the rear of the motorcycle. The contact stated that immediately the motorcycle started to lose motive power. While attempting to accelerate, the motorcycle started to vibrate without accelerating properly. The contact stated there was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he coasted to the side of the road and turned off the motorcycle. The contact noticed that a rubber grommet that covered the universal joint connection to the final drive was torn. The contact had the motorcycle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the universal joint and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The motorcycle had been repaired. The contact also noticed an oil leak and had to return the motorcycle to the same dealer to have additional bearings and seals replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10218351 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491067October 26, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING:SWITCH/SENSOR/FLOAT
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle. The contact stated while riding 65 MPH, while attempting to stop the motorcycle, the brakes failed to operate properly causing a delay in stopping the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that they aware of the failure. The mechanic bled the brake lines and the motorcycle remained at the dealer overnight; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487236September 30, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted abnormal sounds and failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded. The contact was able to drive to his residence, where he noticed that the front forks were leaking oil onto the wheel and onto the brakes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485484September 20, 2022
POWER TRAIN
Rear drive shaft universal joint failed causing the motorcycle to lose power to the rear wheel. If I had been in a turn when the motorcycle lost power, I could have lost control of the vehicle, and my passenger and myself may have crashed and been harmed or died. Per BMW: There have been a mounting number of instances where condensation within the hollow swingarm unit has caused corrosion to accumulate on the drive shaft and/o rear u-joint, creating issues that can include loss of power to the rear wheel. BMW has now a Service Action SA 0033130000, to correct the condensation. No inspection other than by me mechanic. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. Symptoms prior to the failure were a strange vibrating sensation and hum emitting from the rear of the bike. This began 2 days prior to the joint failure. I believe condensation in the swing arm caused the corrosion that led to the failure of the drive shaft rear universal joint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472287July 4, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
First reported front brake failure to BMW Motorcycle dealer in Chattanooga TN in fall of 2019. Lever went to grip and had to be pumped several times to engage. Dealer could not replicate problem or find anything wrong. June 2022, experienced rear brake failure though several pumps would recover system but only temporarily. Dealer suspected rear master cylinder was culprit but a new one made no difference. Now I’m told it is the ABS servo which is very expensive. Motorcycle has been maintained according to schedule by this dealer. Brakes are a vital part of this motorcycle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466015May 25, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463481May 5, 2022
ENGINE
The motorcycle has a known flaw in the design of the cam and decompression mechanism in the right hand cylinder. The part has been redesigned, and BMW has in certain cases replaced the part for vehicles in and out of warranty. The BMW internal report designation associated with this flaw is INFO 772590. When riding my motorcyle, the flawed cam/decompression mechanism causes the engine to stumble and lose power at random. As a result, the engine loses power, increasing the risk of an accident and injury. I have asked that BMW replace the part. BMW NA referred me to the dealership. The dealership has refused to cover replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11455569March 7, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the fuel pump failed and leaked fuel all over the motorcycle and onto the contact. The contact was able pull the motorcycle off the highway and with the assistance of his son; the motorcycle was loaded onto a trailer and taken to a dealer. The dealer was notified about the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that he would be notified when parts became available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,169. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the part needed was finally available and was replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439387November 4, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated the vehicle was leaking fuel without warning. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437642October 21, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of motive power and the motorcycle was going at a slower speed, After an hour the motorcyclist was informed by another rider that the contact needed to pull over because they noticed smoke coming from motorcycle saddle bag due to the bag being next to the fuel pipe on the motorcycle. When the contact pulled over their saddleback was on fire due to the catalytic converter becoming so hot it started to catch the item in the saddleback on fire and melting. The contact removed the saddlebag off the bike and threw into a nearby puddle to extinguish the fire. The contact was able to place the saddlebag on top of their seat and continue to drive to their destination. The contact took the motorcycle to a local dealer was able to be diagnosed with a fractured valve spring. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436242October 10, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When starting the bike, suddenly fuel started dripping down onto the front wheel and onto the exhaust. I noticed the fuel on the suction side (right side) of the gas tank pooling up and spraying out. Upon disassembly, the male 90 degree fuel quick disconnect (replacement part number BMW 13537674765) came apart when trying to release the hose from the female coupling. Replacing the connector and the clamp resolved the issue and fuel is no longer leaking. The last time this area was serviced was in 2014 when one of the other fuel tank recalls was completed and a reinforcement ring was installed on the flange at this location to prevent the flange itself from cracking, but in this instance it was the fitting itself. Called BMW motorcycles or Jacksonville (Florida ) and they indicated there is no warranty / recall/ service bulletin for this repair and I was able to purchase the part and perform the replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11431930September 7, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed in the rear-view mirror that there was fluid leaking from the motorcycle onto the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the flange for the fuel pump fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11429961August 21, 2021
ENGINE
Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now. Vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. It also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quite dangerous on a motorcycle. Dealer performed a software update and cleared codes on 10/29/2020 which clearly did not fix anything. No warning is given. Power is just suddenly removed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422595June 28, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2010 BMW R-1200 GS. The contact stated that the motorcycle failed to start-up. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the dealer however, there was no dealer within a 50-mile radius. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11416036May 10, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN YOU APPLY THE REAR BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS MUSHY TO THE POINT IT WILL NOT STOP THE VEHICLE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11388750January 18, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BRAKES JUST GO OUT. NO WARNING. I CHECKED A FORUM AND IT IS AN ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE YEARS. NO RECALLS. YOU JUST LOSE YOUR REAR BRAKES COMPLETELY. I NOTICED AFTER A SHORT TRIP THIS WEEKEND. YOU CAN TELL WHEN RIDING OR STILL. HERE IS A BMW FORUM WITH COMPLAINTS. HTTPS://ADVRIDER.COM/F/THREADS/BMW-R1200GS-LC-REAR-BRAKE-FAILURES.1264712/
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11383357December 14, 2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE FUEL SENSOR STRIPS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE MOTORCYCLE TO IRON HORSE MOTORCYCLES (344 E. GRANT RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85716, (520) 327-0773 AND THE THIRD FUEL SENSOR STRIP WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANKS WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 50,956. *BF
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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