2007 BMW K1200 R: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2005 and 2008 model years look 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 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There is a factory fuel strip that causes the fuel gauge to give an improper reading. It shows half full when there isn't any gas left and gives no warning. It has caused me to stall in heavy traffic two times and once I was almost hit doing 60 mph.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2019
“My fuel gauge is once again reading completely empty even though I've only gone 40 miles on the current tank which has a range of about 240 miles. I just had the 5th fuel strip sensor in my tank replaced by my local dealer. Bmw is well aware of the problem yet does nothing, except say they are sorry. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2013
“Fuel was hemorrhaging all over the left side of the motorcycle when I parked it after a short ride. I noticed a trail of fuel where I went down the street. I had just topped off and was down to half a tank (approx. 2.5 gallons) in about ten miles. Smoke was pouring off of the engine and the smell of fuel was overwhelming. A major fire/explosion was a real possibility. After cooling the motorcycle with a garden hose and rinsing the fuel away, I removed the fairings and fuel tank. Fuel was leaking from the fuel pump/quick disconnect area. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2012
Show 5 more owner reports
“Fuel gauge read that I had fuel and I was empty. Motorcycle stalled lost power while overtaking another vehicle. Could have been fatal!! -faulty fuel tank sender-2nd time it failed!! *tt”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 1200r motorcycle. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was contributed to the power train. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 29,853.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2012
“Total ABS failure, the ABS pump when out resulting in no ABS braking. This issue could cause serious injury or death. Bmw has been make aware of this issue, and is addressing each instance with a case by case decision, this is happening to too many vehicles for it go unresolved by bmw na. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2012
“The clutch would engage in manor that caused the clutch plated and clutch basket to deteriorate in a rapid fashion. Causing mis shifting that could cause injury or death. Result, replace with updated clutch plated and updated basket at owners expense. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw k1200 r sport motorcycle. The contact was braking from 15 mph. As he applied the brakes, the front wheel fractured from the front suspension. The contact crashed and was thrown to the ground. The front wheel was rotated abnormally to the right and was detached from the base of the vehicle. The contact sustained minor injuries as well as a passenger. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was advised by the manufacturer not to contact his insurance company and they would take liability for the failure. A police report was available. The failure mileage was 17,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
Remedy: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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, DURING LONG PERIODS OF RIDING AT SUSTAINED HIGH ENGINE RPM, VIBRATION WITHIN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE FLUID TO FOAM. THIS COULD ALLOW AIR TO ENTER THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKING EFFICIENCY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BLEED THE FRONT BRAKES AND INSTALL A DAMPER WEIGHT IN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. THIS WEIGHT WILL DAMPEN POSSIBLE VIBRATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE FOAMING OF THE BRAKE FLUID. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW IS RECALLING 428 MY 2007 F800 S, F800 ST, R1200 R, K1200 S, K1200 R, K1200 R SPORT, AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE COATING TO SEPARATE FROM THE INSIDE FACE OF THE STEERING DAMPER HOUSING. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE COATING COULD PARTIALLY CLOG THE OIL BORES WITHIN THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 R 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 2007 BMW K1200 R reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2007 BMW K1200 R. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2007 BMW K1200 R have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. 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.