2006 BMW K1200 GT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, other; the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have had the fuel level sensor replaced 4 times in the past three years and under 2,000 miles. The last one was replaced 4/2/18 with 37,200 miles and it failed after 41-miles. Bmw refuses to honor their 2-year parts warranty and replace the last one replaced 4/2/18. This is a safety issue as my fuel gauge does not work and running out of gas on the highway or when crossing an intersection could easily result in a fatal accident. Bmw extended their coverage on this known defective part for 12-years and my coverage ran out in august 2018”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2019
“I have experienced a recurring problem with high engine idle speed, unresponsive decelaeration when the throttle is closed and rough or "bucking" at constant cruising speeds of approximately 60 mph. I have learned from multiple independent forums that this is a common problem among owners of this model. Repair attempts, at owners expense, have produced inconsistent satisfactory results. Operation of the motorcycle is unsafe. Bmw should be forced to develop a solution and a subsequesnt recall issued to repair the problem at company expense. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2012
“This k1200gt, 2006 model year, has been stalling at speeds >50mph. Many times, the stalls occur at highway speeds 70-80mph with sudden, unexpected deceleration, and loss of brakes (they are power assisted by the motor). Many occurrences have resulted in near misses in regards to accidents. Initial findings be a repairing dealer indicated that it was incompatible fuel type (ie fuels containing ethanol, water in fuel, etc) but the problem continues after switching fuel grades and stations. Problem seems to exist or appears more rampantly when ambient temperature is above 60. *tr ..updated 11/14/12 *bf updated 12/4/2012 *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2012
Show 6 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 bmw k1200 gt. While riding approximately 20 mph, the vehicle remained at a constant speed instead of decelerating when the throttle was released. The contact stated that when the throttle was held at a constant speed, the engine often surged. The dealer was aware of the failure, but had not inspected the vehicle. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 7,400 and failure mileage was 5,600. Updated 09/26/07 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Idle is erratic. Bikes idle jumps randomly and hangs up at a high rpm at idle or when shifting between gears. Bike has been in for repair five times now. Dealer has replaced the airbox and updated software to no avail. Bike is unsafe to ride in this condition. Problem is more pronounced at higher ambient temps. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2007
“My venicle sporadically exibits an idle speed which is abnormally high, and makes low speed, traffic diriving dangerous. The manufacturer has changed components and computer software to fix the problem to no avail. My motorcycle remains unsafe and not running properly”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2007
“Engine will not idle properly, it should idle at 1,000 rpm. At least part of every ride it will go up to 1,500 to 2,000 rpm.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · May 2007
“Brake warning light constantly illuminated. Bmw dealer cannot turn it off or reset it. Internet chat rooms reveal this is a very common problem with the late model bmw motorcycle line. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2007
“Random high idle condition. Engine rpms randomly increase for no reason to as high as 2500 at a stop and during decel conditions. Must pull in clutch to keep from accelerating during decel. Unsafe condition. Internet forums reveal this is a common condition to late model bmw motorcycles. Dealers have not been able to remedy the condition. Software updates unsuccessful. This safety problem needs resolution. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2006
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact K1200 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 2006 BMW K1200 GT reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW K1200 GT. The most complained-about area is fuel system, other.
Does the 2006 BMW K1200 GT have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. 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.