2005 BMW K1200 S: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system; the 2007 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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My motorcycle is leaking gasoline somewhere. I can't leave it in the garage due to the strong gas smell. I've removed the fairing, but still can't find where the leak is coming from.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system was (off) not operating and as I needed to slow down, the system allowed me to over press/squeeze front power brake lever. Front Power BRAKE turned on and I eminently became a member of The over the Handle Bar's Club. * Woke up in the Hospital with broken Collar Bone, 3 damaged Ribs and a heavy Head Concussion * HPD Officers Report was inadequate”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2017
“Approximately 5 minutes after starting the bike I was riding when I smelled gasoline, my left leg felt wet and I returned to the house. Gasoline puddled under the bike leaking from both the left and right sides of the bike. Online research indicated this was probably the fuel tank quick disconnect failing. It is well documented on the bmw blogs. I then checked safecar.gov and found the recall. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2014
Show 2 more owner reports
“Fuel tank started leaking fuel enough to drip all over engine and exhaust. Was able to stop bike before fire started. Brought bike to dealership and was able to replace. Dealership said that the fuel pump cracked and was leaking under pressure. Seems to be a common issues with all of the 2005-2008 bmw k1200s motorcycles. Bmw dealership has not filled for a recall to fix all the affected motorcycles yet. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2013
“My 2005 bmw k1200s motorcycle frequently slips out of second gear and into neutral. Occasionally, I cannot shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear, the transmission will stay in neutral. The clutch has been replaced under warranty less than 500 mi. Ago and the transmission is still acting as described above. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. 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.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ROUTING OF THE INTEGRAL ANTI-LOCK-BRAKE SYSTEM (IABS) SENSOR CABLE IF SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE MOTORCYCLE, FOR EXAMPLE, A FRONT TIRE CHANGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO THE IABS SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
How other years compare
Check your exact K1200 S 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 S reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW K1200 S. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2005 BMW K1200 S have open recalls?
5 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.