2008 BMW R 1200 RT problems & recalls
NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT.
Recalls
Service Brakes, Hydraulic #09V256000 · 2009 · 1,535 units
Problem: Bmw is recalling 1,535 my 2007-2009 r1200rt motorcycles. due to routing and assembly tolerances of the front brake lines, it is possible for the lines to be under strain. in combination with vibration during riding, the brake lines could develop a leak. the level of fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir could drop rendering the front brakes inoperative.
Risk: In the event that only the rear brakes were operational, severe loss of control during hard braking could result. this could result in a serious crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and repair the motorcycles with new front brake lines, with modified routing free of charge. the safety recall began on october 5, 2009. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic #10V276000 · 2010 · 15,532 units
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. the brake lines could be under strain. if the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.
Risk: If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. the safety recall began on september 20, 2010. owners may contact bmw 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.
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 #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.
Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners complain about
Components named in 32 NHTSA owner complaints, median 17,000 miles. Complaints are unverified.
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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 2008 R 1200 RT.
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Specs
Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.
Other years
FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.
What are the most common 2008 BMW R 1200 RT problems?
In 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is fuel/propulsion system.