BMW R 1200 R Complaints

59 consumer complaints on file.

#11764727September 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This motorcycle is a 2010 BMW R1200 which had a safety recall of 20V-471. This recall covered this make, model and year of this motorcycle from the recall initiated on XXX. This motorcycle went into MAX BMW Motorcycles on XXX and they inspected the fuel pump and reported no leaks at that time. They did not replace the fuel pump. However the fuel pump is leaking so I would like to have this replaced under the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621778October 24, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from BMW from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 4 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This repair is costly, and has proven it is at best a temporary solution. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460526April 12, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have read on the BMW forums that the plastic cams that are attached to the throttle bodies will crack. If a crack is spotted the cams need to be replaced because they can fail causing the motorcycle to stop running. This spring while doing my spring maintenance I inspected the cams and found both of the throttle body cams cracked. I replaced both of the cams with after market aluminum cams that cost me over $450 in just parts. I replaced the cams before i has a catastrophic failure while I was riding the motorcycle. Other people have been stranded on the side of the road with this problem. I did not want to be one of them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442598December 3, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Experienced a catastrophic failure of the throttle body cable cam mechanism on the throttle body of the motorcycle. In fact, both cams (2-cylinder motorcycle) are made of plastic, which degrades over time, and failed simultaneously, leaving me without the use of the throttle. This can be a catastrophic failure if happens at highway speeds or heavy traffic. Luckily for me, it happened close to home and I was able to push the bike home. As this is a frequent and common occurrence for BMW motorcycles equipped with BING carburetors with a plastic cam mechanism, it would seem appropriate to enact a recall for affected models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439839November 9, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The component that fails is called the Fuel Strip (BMW part number 16147697815) and is used for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. This component is historically known to fail often and this problem is well known by BMW motorcycle dealers and motorcyclists that use this fuel strip. The failure of these Fuel Strips is a safety issue because it can cause loss of power, by running out of fuel, in traffic and/or at speed. Additionally it is a safety issue because it can leave the driver stranded in an unsafe location. The failure can occur at any time including shortly after installation of a new fuel strip. The Fuel Strip has a design flaw that causes these chronic failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433912September 21, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The fuel strip located inside the tank which sends an electronic signal to the dash gauge indicating the amount of fuel available until the low fuel warning light comes on malfunctions and eventually fails. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On three separate occasions (two on 55 mph + roads with two + lanes of traffic and once on a local 35 mph one lane road) I was driving and the fuel level indicated a sufficient amount to travel to my destination when the tank abruptly ran dry with no warning and I had to coast to the side of the road stranded and had to call for roadside assistance. The problem occurred within two to three years of the vehicle being in service. The factory warranty covers 3 years/3600 miles. To the best of my knowledge, the problem first occurred in 2011 or 2012. I am not sure if the first occurrence was covered under the original manufacturers factory warranty but I would not pay out of pocket cost to have the fuel strip replaced. After many complaints and incidences from other owners the manufacturer notified owners by mail that the fuel strip warranty was extended to 12 years from original date of sale. By extending the warranty terms I would hope that the manufacturer planned to give its engineers time to come up with a permanent fix for this ongoing problem, but chose to only keep replacing the defective part with another sure to fail part continuing in a cycle of frustration and endangering rider safety. My vehicle is now in the 13th year of service and is no longer covered by the extended warranty. I voiced my concerns to the BMW Customer Service representatives and they acknowledge the warranty has now expired with no permanent fix or resolve to the original problem. This malfunction has been well documented at BMW motorcycle dealers both in the US and worldwide. My concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Check the service records at any BMW motorcycle dealer and you will find many replaced fuel strips under the warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426772July 28, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a faulty fuel pump, but the dealership cancelled my service because their location is being consolidated and the next-closest dealership is over an hour away. Can another shop not do this fuel pump replacement?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11351191August 25, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A RECALL ON FUEL PUMPS RECALL # 20V-471. MY FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT IS FAILING. THE RECALL INCLUDES BIKES UP TO MODEL YEAR 2011. WHILE MY BIKE IS A 2012, IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2011 AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE ONLY 6000 MILES ON MY BIKE AND THE PART HAS FAILED WAY TO EARLY FOR IT NOT TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THANK YOU
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11280282November 15, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW R1200 R. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EURO CYCLES OF TAMPA BAY (8509 GUNN HWY, ODESSA, FL 33556, (813) 926-9937) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HAP'S CYCLE SALES, INC. (2530 17TH ST, SARASOTA, FL 34234, (941) 365-3443) FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A METAL RING WAS PLACED ON THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.*DT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11267107October 8, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP OUTPUT FLANGE CRACKED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BIKE AND ONTO HOT COMPONENTS WHILE RIDING. THIS ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A BMW RECALL - BUT APPARENTLY THE "INSPECT AND REINFORCE" SOLUTION ISN'T REALLY ADEQUATE LONG-TERM. THIS PUMP HAD BEEN "INSPECTED AND REINFORCED" - AND THE FLANGE STILL CRACKED AND CAUSED A DANGEROUS FUEL LEAK WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY OR WORSE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11240472July 29, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R1200 R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11119403August 12, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
FUEL LEAK FROM BROKEN PLASTIC "QUICK DISCONNECT" FITTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING ONTO MY LEG AND ONTO THE CYLINDER & CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A GAS STATION TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. AFTER REMOVING SOME PLASTIC TRIM/COVERS I FOUND THE SOURCE WAS THE PLASTIC 90 DEGREE FITTING HAD CRACKED. THE FUEL FITTING DID NOT FAIL DUE TO ANY IMPACT, TAMPERING OR ABUSE; IT IS IN A PROTECTED AREA AT THE LOWER EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK AND COVERED BY A PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM. AFTER INSPECTING THE FAILED PART, I NOTICED HOW THIN THE PLASTIC IS AND HOW IT BROKE ON THE GROOVE (A STRESS RISER). I BELIEVE THE PART IS POORLY DESIGNED AND POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD TO THE VEHICLE OPERATOR. IN MY OPINION, SUCH COMPONENTS SHOULD BE MADE OF HIGHER QUALITY MATERIAL SUCH AS STAINLESS STEEL FOR STRENGTH AND CORROSION RESISTANCE. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE BMW DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT FITTING, I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL CONNECTOR WITH A BARBED 90 DEGREE STAINLESS STEEL FITTING TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF A RE-OCCURRENCE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BMW SUPPLIED PART TO BE FLAWED AND INHERENTLY DANGEROUS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11119404August 12, 2018
POWER TRAIN
STALLING ENGINE. I BOUGHT THE MOTORCYCLE NEW AND IT HAS HAD A STALLING PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS NEW AND CONTINUES UNTIL TODAY. THE ENGINE WILL STALL AT IDLE OR ON DECELERATION. AT ITS WORST IT WILL HESITATE AND SURGE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO BMW CORPORATE REGARDING THE UNRESOLVED ISSUE AND PRESSURE WAS PLACED ON THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE DEALER EXPRESSED THEIR DISMAY WITH MY COMPLAINT TO CORPORATE. I PAYED FOR REPAIRS (WHILE UNDER WARRANTY) THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE STALLING PROBLEM. NOW THE MOTORCYCLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I DO NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MEANS TO KEEP FORKING MONEY OVER TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR NO RESULTS. I TRIED GOING THROUGH THE NORMAL CHANNELS TO REMEDY THIS PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITHOUT SUCCESS. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED, BUT I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WHEN IT WAS ONLY A MONTH OR TWO OLD. WHILE IT WAS GETTING THE OIL CHANGE AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE DEALER HELD IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH TRYING TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THEY SWAPPED ALMOST ALL OF THE MAJOR PARTS TRYING TO DIAGNOSE IT. WHEN I FINALLY GOT THE CALL TO PICK IT UP, THE DEALER DIDN'T TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I WAS CURIOUS WHAT WENT WRONG ON A NEW BIKE WITH SUCH LITTLE USE. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM OR SOLUTION WAS AND ONLY SAID THAT ITS BACK ALIVE AND RUNNING AGAIN. AS MENTIONED EARLIER, I'M NOT SURE IF THE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED BUT I BELIEVE THEY MAY BE STEMMING FROM THE SAME GLITCH.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11119405August 12, 2018
VISIBILITY/WIPER
LEFT SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE LEF SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. IT WAS HELD IN BY A FEW SMALL DABS OF SILICONE FROM THE FACTORY. ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT COURTESY OF BMW, NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. POOR DESIGN AND SHODDY WORKMANSHIP ARE THE CAUSE OF THE GLASS FALLING OUT UNDER NORMAL USE CONDITIONS. THE DATE BELOW IS A ROUGH ESTIMATE. I DO NOT HAVE THE RECEIPT WITH THE REPLACEMENT DATE HANDY AT THIS TIME. LACK OF THE LEFT MIRROR MADE LANE CHANGES LESS SAFE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11046635November 16, 2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH FUEL INDICATOR SHOWING FULL TANK OF GAS. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FUEL TANK RUNNING TO EMPTY ON ACCOUNT OF INCORRECT INDICATOR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11030086September 27, 2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY (LEFT LANE) AT 65 MPH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 1/4 TANK, THE COMPUTER SHOWED 50+ MILES OF GAS LEFT. THE ENGINE QUIT AND I HAD TO SLOWLY DRIFT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. THE TANK WAS EMPTY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11013060August 6, 2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL TANK {FROM THE INSIDE OUT} AT THE FILLER HOLE HAS MASSIVE CORROSION RENDERING THE TANK USELESS. FUEL HAS THE ABILITY TO LEAK AN LEAK SUBSTANIALLY WHEN THE BIKE IS IN MOTION. FUME LEAKAGE READILY APPARENT AS WELL. PER THE CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC AN THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR AND I AGREE THE FUEL TANK IS USELESS DUE TO MASSIVE PRE-MATURE CORROSION AN DEGRADATION OF THE TANK ITSELF. NOTE THAT THE MOTORCYCLE IS MAINTAINED UNDER A CARPORT AND ALWAYS OUT OF THE ELEMENTS. THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE WITH BMW AND OF COURSE BMW HAS A HISTORY AS YALL WELL KNOW OF REFUSING TO STEP UP AN CORRECT DESIGN FAILURES UNLIKE OTHER COMPANIES SUCH AS TOYOTA. THE DISCOVERY WAS MADE WHEN THE WELL DOCUMENTED FUEL STRIP FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE 3RD STRIP WAS BEING INSTALLED. HOLES THE SIZE OF A POSTAGE STAMP AND "ROTTEN PAPER THIN" DEGRADATED METAL UNDERNEATH THE FILLER CAP IS EASILY TOTALLY DETAECTABLE. PER BMW THE TANK IS USELESS AN THERE IS NO FIX UNDER THAN REPLACEMENT- AND GET THIS PER THE BMW DEALER QUOTE - THIS PART IS OBSOLET- BMW IS NOT EVEN MAKING A REPLACEMENT FOR A 9 YR OLD BIKE. IT IS A FIRE HAZARD NOT ONLY TO THE MOTORCYCLE BUT TO THE OPERATOR AS WELL. IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTORS DEFECT WHICH BMW REFUSES TO ADDRESS. IT PRESENTS A SITUATION WHERE THE OPERATOR SHOULD NOT BE IN TRAFFIC DUE TO BEING A HAZARD TO HIMSELF, PASSENGERS, OR OTHER DRIVERS. LEAKING FUEL AN FUMES PRESENT A CLEAR HAZARD WHETHER IN MOTION OR EVEN AT IDLE. YALL MUST INVESTIGATE AN DEMAND BMW CORRECT THIS OUTRAGEOUS DESIGN FLAW, MATERIAL FAILURE IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN FROM A SAFETY VIEWPOINT. AGAIN, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR R1200R'S AND THE 1200RT MODELS. REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IS THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HOLD BMW ACCOUNTABLE FOR TOTALLY SUB-STANDARD WORKMANSHIP WHICH EQUATES TO POTENTIALLY FATAL CONSEQUENCES IF NOT RESOLVED. THK YOU
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11013059August 6, 2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP FLANGE LEAKING DUE TO CRACKING. BMW'S 1ST FACTORY ATTEMPT WAS TO PUT A "SIZING" RING ON FLANGE TO COMPRESS THE MICRO CRACKS WHICH OF COURSE WAS A JACKLEG APPROACH QUITE COMMON TO BMW MOTORCYCLES. EVENTUALLY WITH IN 1 YR FUEL STARTED MASSIVELY FLOWING DOWN ONTO HOT ENGINE MAKING THE BIKE A ROLLING FIREBALL POTENTIALLY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10915013October 10, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RESPONDING, LEADING TO RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON MANY BIKE MODELS FROM BMW FROM 2005-2013. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN 5 TIMES SO FAR, AND EACH TIME THE FUEL LEVEL MEASURING STRIP IN THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION SINCE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM RUNNING OUT OF FUEL CAN BE QUITE DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE FIRST INSTANCE OF WHEN IT HAPPENED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10911142October 3, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY FUEL GAUGE FAILED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING "STRIP" - THIS IS COMMON ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLE MODELS FROM 2004-2014. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE I RAN OUT OF FUEL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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