2008 BMW K1200 GT: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2006 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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Fuel level sensor failure. Ran out of fuel while driving at highway speeds on interstate 90 eastbound in ny milepost 460.5. Fuel gauge showed 1/4 tank of fuel. No warning issued by motorcycle to rider. Bike just suddenly slowed in traffic. This is 4th time for this failure (had it repaired by bmw on aug 5, 2015)”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2016
“Fuel level sensor failure. Ran out of fuel while driving at highway speeds on interstate 90 westbound near mitchell, sd. Fuel gauge showed 1/8 tank of fuel. No warning issued by motorcycle to rider. Bike just suddenly slowed in traffic. This is 3rd time for this failure.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2015
“Rear drive bearings and wheel side seal failed gear lube on rear brake pads and rear brakes quit working. Tire tread contaminated with lube making greatly reduced traction. Nearly lost control of vehicle on stopping due to change in the vehicle dynamics and loss of rear wheel traction as the failure did not cause any indication that this had happened until stopping. The rear drive was serviced by the dealer within the last 4 months march 2015 at 11,400 miles or so. I have never had a failure on such a major safety related component such as this on any vehicle I have owned at such a relatively low total vehicle mileage level.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“The ABS brake warning light came on. I took the motorcycle to my authorized bmw dealer in long beach, ca. They said that the ABS brake module had failed; however they refused to repair or replace the faulty unit. I sent it out to an independent repair facility and they repaired the unit at my cost. I then had the unit reinstalled by my bmw dealer at my cost. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2013
“Driving on freeway, when had car pull in front of me. He did not see me. Using brakes had almost no breaking power, and locking rear wheel. ABS had failed. After researching found that this is a very common problem with bmw. Bikes loose ABS all the time, but ABS is not considered a safety option. On a motorcycle ABS can be the difference between life and death. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2012
“Bmw motorcycles 2008 k1200gt and 2000 r110rt. Consumer writes in regards to power train final drive failure. *tgw the consumer stated gear oil leaked onto the rear tire. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2012
“Rear brake seized and would not release. Situation: rolling up to a stoplight, I applied both front and rear brakes. As the vehicle approached very low speeds, I released the brakes and engaged the clutch to creep forward, closer to stopped traffic. At that point the vehicle stopped abruptly (not typical). When I tried to engage first gear to ride forward, the rear brake was still seized, even though my foot was on the ground and not touching the brake pedal. There was squealing noise from the rear brakes. After struggling to get underway, I applied the brake pedal a few times, and it finally seemed to release after riding for a short distance (less than 1 mile). *js”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2012
“Cracks developed in the plastic fuel pump assembly on my motorcycle. I started smelling raw fuel in my garage. I pulled the panel and then the tank seeking the source of the fuel smell and found raw fuel was spraying in a mist through cracks that formed in the base of the fuel pump assembly. Specifically, the cracks formed where the female side of the quick disconnect screws into the pump assembly. A fine fuel mist is present when the key is turned on and the fuel lines are pressurized. In my view, this is a dangerous condition, given that the assembly sits directly over the hot engine. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“7/19/11 single vehicle accident, 5-10 mph, when gas cap came open and fuel dumped all over victim and motorcycle. Rider 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 40% of his body, ultimately resulted in amputation of both legs. Previous to the accident, driver took the motorcycle to dealership multiple times to report gas cap would come open while driving bike down the road. Dealership never fixed gas cap.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2011
“The bike as developed a low speed low rpm hesitation and stalling, it is a real danger when it suddenly clears and the bike will accelerate hard, making rear wheel traction a concern. The bike runs well and higher rpm and speeds with good ,normal fuel consumption around 40 mpg, in town low speed stumbling mpg is from a low of 27 to 32 mpg. The local dealer has the bike for the 4th week and seem to think all is well, " they all seem to do it ". Was one statement made on the phone. I feel they are waiting for the warranty to expire and suddenly have a fix. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 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.
BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. 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 2008 BMW K1200 GT reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW K1200 GT. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2008 BMW K1200 GT have open recalls?
4 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.