2006 BMW K1200 S: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 12 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 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The above bikes ABS servo pump failed and this is common amongst k1200s owners. Bmw needs to fix this safety issue. The above problem has been a recall in germany. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2014
“My motorcycle started leaking gas in the middle of a day ride and progressively got worse, so that by the end of the day, gas was pouring out onto the side of my engine and onto my boot, pant leg and forming a good size puddle on the asphalt where parked. I ended up having to replace the entire fuel pump assembly ($550 for the part, $850 total cost installed). I want bmw usa to recall this part and stand behind their product. There are multiple internet threads of people complaining about this issue. Many bmw owner's lives are at risk of catching on fire. I have spoken with mechanics and they agree, this is a defect in manufacturing. *tt”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“Fuel leak from fuel tank flange. This complaint is the same as the others, namely the fuel tank flange cracks and allows fuel leakage under pressure which allows a significant amount of fuel to spray and subsequently drain down onto the alternator and then down the side of the engine and out the bottom. There is a heat shield glued to the bottom of the tank which becomes unglued when saturated with gasoline. This shield then falls onto the top of the alternator, thereby making contact with the foil-side of the heat shield to the alternator. In the event of a spark from the two materials making contact, there would be a high probability of a fire starting under the fuel tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
Show 5 more owner reports
“The gas tank started leaking fuel. There are small cracks around a plastic fitting that is attached to the fuel tank. The fitting is attached to the fuel pump that sits directly above the alternator. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2013
“Fuel pump housing began leaking after a ride. Started dripping gasoline on the left side. I was able to ride to dealership, where fuel pump was replaced. *tr ## VIN failed”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2012
“My garage interior was found to have a strong odor of gasoline. On inspection of my motorcycle (2006, bmw k1200s) it was found that the gasoline was leaking from cracks in the plastic (at the attachment point surrounding the female quick disconnect) of the fuel pump housing. The fuel pump housing is a separate part that is attached to the fuel tank. When this fuel tank was removed (from the motorcycle) for a closer inspection, it was found that the gasoline leak was located directly over the starter and alternator of this motorcycle (a direct ignition source for the fuel and fumes). *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw k1200 s. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed a strong gasoline fuel odor and leaking gasoline on the ground. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the fuel assembly face plate was fractured and was leaking fuel onto the engine. The contact applied a plastic weld to the fuel assembly face plate and after some time the failure recurred. The contact replaced the fuel assembly face plate and the vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw k1200s. The contact was driving at approximately 25 mph in rainy conditions when he noticed that the vehicle was weaving left to right. Two days later, he noticed that the vehicle seemed to weave more noticeably left to right at lower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where he was informed that the failure was caused by the ball joints. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint as the contact was awaiting the parts to arrive at the dealership. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000. The current mileage was approximately 16,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2010
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.
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.
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 2006 BMW K1200 S reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW K1200 S. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2006 BMW K1200 S 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.