2008 BMW K 1200 GT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw k1200 gt motorcylce. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while attempting to merge to the side of road, the brakes were engaged and the rear wheel seized. The dealer was contacted who stated that there was probability that the ABS modulator was defective and advised the contact to call the manfacturer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 19,935. Updated 09/16/14*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified and declined assistance. Updated 1/15/15 *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2014
“During annual inspection dealer advised there was excessive play in rear wheel, requiring replacement of final drive bearings. Upon attempted removal and replacement of the crown bearings dealer determined that the axle is worn enough that the bearings fall off the axle. Dealer advises the bearings should be a press fit. Dealer advises replacement of final drive assembly is required with cost of $2269. Bike has all required bmw service maintenance. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2014
“While riding on twisty road, motorcycle lost power, causing bike to fall into sharp turn, nearly resulting in potentially dangerous situation. This incident was due to lack of fuel resulting from faulty fuel gauge. The fuel gauge was working fine prior to incident so no history of malfunctioning fuel system. There is a known problem with these fuel sensors, see service bulletin no.: sib-16-02-09. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2014
Show 5 more owner reports
“The ABS pump failed on my motorcycle with only 21,330 miles on it. I still have braking ability but do not have ABS braking safety. There is no reason for an ABS pump to fail on a bike that sees less than 5,000 miles annually. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2014
“My bmw motorcycle has, according to the dealer (cross country bmwin metuchen nj) , sustained a failure requiring replacement of the final drive, an $1800 part. The bike has been maintained by an authorized bmw dealer according to the factory schedule and has not been ridden off-road or in an aggressive manner. 37,500 miles seems like a very premature mileage reading for the bike to sustain this type of failure. The bike has not leaked any fluids from the drive. This failure us of the same type described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2013
“ABS module triggered a "fault" . ABS immediately stopped working. Ultimately, I had the unit repaired by a private company. The cause of the failure was due to stuck electrical motor brushes that activate the valve assembly. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2013
“First indication of the final drive failing was a clunking sound from the rear when running over expansion joints at highway speed ,5/25/12 @ 15,784 miles. There was no external oil leak. The dealer made repair at my expense. Second failure on day trip 9/24/15 @ 26,687 noticed clunking riding on rough pavement coming from rear of bike,speed approximately 45mph. Again no oil leak and wheel rim again wobbles at 9 and 3 o'clock and 6 and 12 o'clock. Taking to dealer 9/25/15 and see what they have to say about second failure!”Owner report · Power Train · May 2012
“On my way home after a 250 mile ride, about 5 miles from home when I would ride over a road seam the bike would hesitate. When I arrived home I put the bike on center stand and shook rear wheel at from the 3 to 9 o'clock positions, there was at least 3/8" of an inch play side to side and 6and 12 o'clock. There was no external oil leaking from final drive. I called the dealer to schedule service.brought bike in 5/25/12 was told the bearing failed in final drive. Cost of repair $888.58, had final drive repaired and picked up 5/31/12. This was an expense that they did not cover! *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2012
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact K 1200 GT by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.