2005 BMW K1200 LT: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While riding in to a left handed corner the front right front leg broke standing the motorcycle straight up and sending me and the bike into the guardrail causing a crash that I was lucky to walk away from. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw k1200lt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 to 25 mph and decelerating, the brakes seized which caused the contact to crash. The contact received injuries to his left leg and was transported to the hospital. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer. After inspection, they advised him that there was a failure but were unaware of code reading. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they would send the information to germany. The failure and current mileages were approximately 45,000.*tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw k1200lt motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking gasoline. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line couplers were fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 14,839.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Major gas leak while driving - sprayed gas on right leg and foot. My pants leg, sock, and shoe on the right side were completely soaked with gas. Decided to have the bike towed instead of risking it repair place said it was the plastic gas connector and he was going to have to order a metal one. Seems to be a recurring problem from what I've seen in the chat rooms. There should be a recall on this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2011
“Final drive failure. This is the same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2011
“Rear wheel started making a dragging sound and seemed to be on inside of rotor. Thought it was an occlusion in the casting but the wheel bearing retainer in the final drive bearing was coning out. Upon inspection at dealer it was found the bearing had been obliterated when the bearing moved from its spot inside the rear hub. Dealer will replace rear wheel drive assembly. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
“In for 36,000 mile service, rear wheel loose, had rear end torn down, smaller bearing race had spun on shaft, all bearings and races appeared in excellent conditions. This condition presents as a latent defect from manufacturing/assembly as the inner race to shaft is to be an interference fit and the tapered roller bearing showed no evidence of damage or lack of lubrication. Photos were taken to document condition. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2009
“Fuel line fitting failure on 2005 bmw k1200lt motorcycle. Male fitting failure. Dealer knew immediately when I described problem on phone. Dealer said this has been a continuous problem across full line of bikes and always male fitting failure. My bike had only 19000 miles at time of failure. When fittings fail gasoline pours out of right side of bike onto riders shoe and pants and onto road. Potential fire hazard. I e-mailed bmw usa and never received a reply. Cost of repair $192 should be on bmw for poor engineering. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2008
“The rear brake rotor on my 2005 bmw k1200lt motorcycle is defective and I believe it should be recalled. The floating points on the rotor have melted allowing the rotor to move in all directions causing the ABS modulator to activate on any braking. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2008
“Gasoline on my right shoe when I got to work. Internet discussion board led me to check the quick disconnect, which fell apart when I moved it. The plastic male component of the quick disconnect had broken. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AT LOWER TEMPERATURES, WIRING WITHIN THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT MAY PRESS AGAINST THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY CONTACTS COULD OPEN, INTERRUPTING THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN STALLING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2004. CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Check your exact K1200 LT 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 2005 BMW K1200 LT reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW K1200 LT. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2005 BMW K1200 LT have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. 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.