MotorDeets

BMW K 1200 R problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 2003–2008: 8 recall campaigns and 25 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

200320042005200620072008

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
200302
200410
200531
2006616
200775
200851

What owners complain about (all years)

Fuel/Propulsion System9
Power Train6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Service Brakes2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service Brakes, Air1
Engine1
Tires1

Recent recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline #20V471000 · 2020 · 16,926 units

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Wheels #15V141000 · 2015 · 43,426 units

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline #13V617000 · 2013 · 50,184 units

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: 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 customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #12V487000 · 2012 · 2,483 units

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 k1200 s, k1200 r, and k1200 r sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 k1300 s motorcycles. in october 2012, bmw recalled 2062 2007-2008 k1200 s, k1200 r, and k1200 r sport motorcycles. in november 2012, bmw informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 k1300 s (including hp limited edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. the total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. in certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.

Risk: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.

Fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. the recall began on december 19, 2012. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Suspension #10V488000 · 2010 · 11,826 units

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 motorcycles. the bearings could be subject to corrosion. this could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.

Risk: This could affect the handling of the motorcycle increasing the risk a driver may lose control of the vehicle resulting in a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Steering #08V342000 · 2008 · 428 units

Problem: Bmw is recalling 428 my 2007 f800 s, f800 st, r1200 r, k1200 s, k1200 r, k1200 r sport, and k1200 gt motorcycles. it is possible for the coating to separate from the inside face of the steering damper housing. if this happened, the coating could partially clog the oil bores within the damper.

Risk: If this occurred, the steering damper could become stiff increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering damper free of charge. the recall began during september 2008. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Engine And Engine Cooling #07V066000 · 2007 · 6,631 units

Problem: On certain motorcycles, frequent short trips particularly during cold temperatures, can cause water to accumulate in the oil tank, and when the engine is running, escaping water vapor can condense on the oil tank air bleed valve. in freezing temperatures, this water could freeze and block the air bleed valve.

Risk: It is possible that a pressure build up in the oil tank could cause it to rupture, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire. an oil leak could cause a fire. oil on the rear tire could cause loss of control.

Fix: Dealers will install a new oil tank cap containing a valve to prevent overpressure in the tank free of charge. the recall began on april 10, 2007. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #06V164000 · 2006 · 13,200 units

Problem: On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of abs capability could temporarily occur.

Risk: Temporary loss of abs braking could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. the recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the K 1200 R.

Clymer Print or online manual

Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).

Check K 1200 R manual
Haynes Print book or online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Check K 1200 R manual
eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Downloadable service manuals. Pay once, keep it.

Check K 1200 R manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure