2005 BMW R 1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
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 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2005 BMW r1200rt that I have owned since 2016 with little to no issue. Leak from winter storage in the front left side of the engine. It matches a thread of a cracked fuel pump. With your site they submitted the problem under JBN1-18051. Also under a complaint number 10428629. I wish to know if it is a issue that is a recall or something I can submit for BMW to take care of, or if I will need to get fixed myself. I saw that riding with it can result in fuel landing on the ride during transit making it dangerous to ride.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2023
“Cracked throttle control cable connections to both throttle body throttle control shafts. If this fails, the throttles return to idle without any ability to accelerate. This type of failure has been reported by other owners of the same model. I need to repair prior to travel use to avoid this situation.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2021
“Upon starting my bike before going for a ride, I noticed that it developed an extreme fuel leak. It literally sprays gasoline like a lawn sprinkler. I have checked blogs on this matter and have learned that this is a very common problem. I have video of my bike doing this in case you need it. This is potentially very dangerous.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2018
Show 4 more owner reports
“Report receipt date: dec 12, 2013 NHTSA campaign number: 13v617000 component(s): fuel system, gasoline my complaint : recall letter not received from bmw. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r 1200 rt. While parked with the engine running, fuel began to spill onto the engine and onto the contact. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a fracture on the fuel flange near the fuel pump quick disconnect. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2012
“Fuel pump flange cracked in at least four places that I can photograph. For how long this has been I cannot determine. Although it is not leaking fuel at this time several riders of this model have experienced the exact flange failure that resulted in fuel flowing out of the crack and onto the motorcycle and rider. Fuel on a person, in the air and on the vehicle is a chemical hazard and environmental hazard at the very least and fuel in the presence of an ignition source inches away is deadly. I believe it is a major safety issue and something should be done about it by the manufacturer. 8tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“2005 bmw r 1200 rt real wheel flange cracked this flange supports the rear wheel brake disc and also the rear wheel itself complete failure of this flange would result in total loss of control of vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2012
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 2005 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 RT POLICE MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. THE BRACKET WHICH SUPPORTS THE AUDIBLE SIGNALING DEVICE CAN BREAK, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE SIGNALING DEVICE TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE ROADWAY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO TETHER CABLES TO THE DEVICE IN ORDER TO SECURE IT TO THE MOTORCYCLE IN THE EVENT THE MOUNTING BRACKET BECOMES LOOSE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 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 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact R 1200 RT 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 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT 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.