2005 BMW R 1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2006 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.
“Upon inspection, I discovered 4 of the 5 wheel mounting holes in the aluminum rear wheel flange are cracked. I have read about many people having this issue with this model vehicle. I've stopped riding until it is fixed because it could break causing an accident which could lead to injury or death. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2020
“Leaking fuel flanged, the material is made of plastic and prone to breaking that can cause fuel to leak to the engine then igniting the fuel that will start engine fire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2020
“Replaced rear tire and noticed cracks on hub flange. Went online to see if any body else had same problem . Found many other complaints. Years 2004-2007. Part was redesigned and replaced from 2008 thru present. Want to report before somebody dies or is seriously injured. Needs to be recalled by bmw. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2014
Show 5 more owner reports
“Fuel is leaking from the high pressure output fitting of the gas tank. Fuel leaks when fuel pump is on, visibly dripping. When the fuel pump is off there is no leak. Fuel leaks actively and excessively from output fitting, which appears to be cracked. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Rear wheel/brake disk drive flange has multiple cracks, could have caused rear wheel or brake rotor to separate from motorcycle. Bmw knows this is a safety issue, the replacement part bmw # 33117722831 has been completely redesigned and made from steel now, this item needs to be recalled, it could easily cause loss of control and death. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2013
“Bmw motorcycle, r1200/gs 2005 model, gas leak problem. On plastic quick disconnectors in the fuel line, cracks can form in the thin fittings, just above the fuel pump. Causing gas to spray, pool, then leak directly on to the hottest part of the exhaust pipe when the motorcycle is placed on the sidestand. This creates a fire hazard. These thin plastic fittings are destined to fail, and need to be changed out with available brass fittings to remedy this potential hazard. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2010
“The fuel gauge stopped working because of a failure of the "fuel strip" sender in the gas tank. Even though there have been multiple failures of the fuel strips even on the same bike, bmw refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2010
“Rear drive failure while riding two up, oil soaked rear wheel, wheel wobble. Between wobble and oil control lost (and slow speed at that point). *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2005 THROUGH 2007 R 1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 7, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2007. THE FUEL TANK FRONT ATTACHMENT BOLTS CAN WORK LOOSE ALLOWING THE BOLTS TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE FORK LEG IF THE HANDLEBAR IS TURNED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR MOTORCYCLES BY FURTHER SECURING THE BOLTS USING LOCTITE. THE REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact R 1200 GS 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 R 1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. 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.