2009 BMW R 1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2024
“Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2024
“The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The gas tank has quick disconnect fittings that screw into a plastic flange on each side of the tank. The fitting threads are similar to npt pipe threads which over stress the plastic and result in cracking, fuel then leaks from the tank under the fairing assembly on to electrical wiring, engine parts and hot exhaust components. This could result in fire or unexpected stoppage causing an accident or fatality from a wreck in traffic. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2013
“There had been many motorcycle complaint on suspension leaking problems, with very low miles on. And bmw is not responding for this failure. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2013
“2009 bmw r1200gs. Consumer writes in regards to final drive failure in motorcycle. *smd the consumer submitted a photo of the rear wheel, to show the extent of how the gear oil leaked. The consumer referenced NHTSA campaign # dp12001.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw r 1200 gs motorcycle. The contact stated that the triangle warning light illuminated. The vehicle only had one warning light and the contact was concerned that if any other system on the motorcycle failed, he would not be aware of the particular failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the fuel level sensor failed. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the sensor. The failure recurred and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however no assistance was provided. The current mileage was 1,856. The failure mileage was 1,500.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2011
“Fuel level indicator extremely inaccurate leading to exhaustion of fuel supply causing stall in traffic. Extremely dangerous!!! *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2011
“Shinko e705 rear tire, size 150/70/17,approximately 4k miles (all highway) mounted on oem wheel of a 2009 bmw r1200gs adventure, tire tread blocks are severely cracked and some cracks with noted bulging/swelling while tire is inflated to 33psi as per the sidewall information panel. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2010
“I purchased the motorcycle new with just over 300 miles on it. After I began riding it I discovered that it would stall intermittently. This stalling would occur when decelerating from high rpms (above 2000), when the throttle was closed and the clutch was pulled in. The motorcycle now has over 13,000 miles on it and the problem continues. It has been to the dealer for service on this issue many times and for over several months cumulatively. The dealer claims that they cannot find the issue, yet their answer (that they 'can't find an issue') remains unconvincing, in my mind. This is especially a hazard at night when the lights dim in order to restart the motorcycle. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2010
Recalls - 3 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 MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES, CONTAINING A "SLEEVE" ALONG A PORTION OF THE LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS have open recalls?
3 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.