1998 BMW K1200RS: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 6 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Recall 14401 from oct. 14, 1988. This vehicle was fixed under warranty in 2001 under this recall. It failed again recently and fuel started leaking. The parts to do the remedy are no longer available per my dealer. The only alternative is to replace the fuel tank and related components with a style that bmw developed to solve this safety issue. My dealer called bmw na service twice and was told there is no longer support for solving this problem. I called customer service and got the same reply...no current recall. Bmw na is not willing to assist in any way to solve a known safety issue. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2012
“Motorcycle had the original and replaced gas tanks develop leaks. About one gallon per hour. No accident, but close. Almost caught fire.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 1998
“Motorcycle parked in 90 degree garare after ride. One half hour later gas puddle 3' in diameter under bike dripping from tank onto hot engine then hot exhaust and garage filled with vapors. No smell of fuel when parking, sudden failure.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 1998
Show 1 more owner reports
“Massive leaking of gasoline from tank appears to be related to hot weather and expansion of gasket interface between tank bladder and fuel pump, repair work on tank”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 1998
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A SPRING-LOADED THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT IN THE OIL THERMOSTAT HOUSING IS HELD IN PLACE BY A COVER THAT IS RETAINED BY A SNAP RING. THE SNAP RING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SNAP RING COULD UNSEAT, ALLOWING THE COVER TO LOOSEN OR DETACH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ENTIRE OIL VOLUME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SNAP RING INSTALLATION AND IF THE SNAP RING IS NOT FULLY SEATED, THE COMPLETE OIL PUMP INTERMEDIATE FLANGE WILL BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE CYLINDER HEAD CONTAINS TWO SEALING PLUGS COVERING HOLES IN THE AREA NEAR THE SPARK PLUGS. ONE OR BOTH PLUGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY SEATED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. EITHER OR BOTH OF THE SEALING PLUGS COULD LOOSEN OR COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEALING PLUGS WITH A STAINLESS STEEL PLUG DESIGN.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. DURING EXTENDED OPERATION IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, THE AREA OF THE PUMP MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM, FORMING A GAP BETWEEN THE TANK MOUNTING SURFACE AND THE GASKET, ALLOWING FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TANK AT THAT AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP-TO-TANK GASKET.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.
Check your exact K1200RS 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 1998 BMW K1200RS reliable?
NHTSA has 6 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 BMW K1200RS. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 1998 BMW K1200RS have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. 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.