2006 BMW R 1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2008 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Cracked fuel pump flange,leaking gas and spraying on rider. This is the fourth bmw bike I have owned and have had no previous problems. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
“Plastic fuel connector broke while riding on expressway - fuel spewed while riding at 55 mph all over rider's leg - soaked pants leg and boot. Able to make it safely to my home without running out of fuel or catching fire. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2013
“Motorcycle developed severe fuel leak at the flange on the fuel tank where the fuel line connects. Several cracks in the flange allowed fuel to leak out and land on engine and exhaust. Major fire hazard!!! *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“The plastic flange on the top of the fuel pump /hose coupler area was found to have one radial crack which possibly could have resulted in leaking fuel under pressure from the fuel pump. The possibility exists for leaking fuel to drip onto the top of the hot engine and result in a fire. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2012
“The fuel pump cracked around the point where the fuel line connects to the flange that mounts the fuel pump to the tank. These cracks allowed fuel to leak down the side of the motorcycle and onto my clothing and the fairing of the motorcycle. It was not noticed until the motorcycle was stopped. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2012
“There is a very strong fuel odor when the motorcycle is parked and when in motion. The fuel pump flange housing has cracked and has allowed raw fuel to escape from the high-pressure disconnect. This is of great concern after the motorcycle has been ridden and parked in an enclosed garage where the fumes may collect and present a fire hazard. This leak is within inches of electrical connections and above the left exhaust header. This motorcycle has less than 5,500 miles when the crack(s) developed. *js”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2012
“Fuel pump unit flange cracked where pressure fitting screws in. Potential gross fuel leak as reported by many other owners. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2012
“The fuel pump (siemens) collar on the fuel line has multiple cracks around the quick connect/quick disconnect at the fuel pump assembly where the fuel line leaves the gas tank, this could result in a catastrophic fuel leak and fire. It is only a matter of time until this plastic collar, which provides the anchor for the connection for the outgoing fuel line, fails. I am aware of other cases of this occurring. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“Fuel pump at fuel line connectors developed cracks, fuel leaking all over exhaust pipes, engine and rider. Extreme fire danger to rider and passenger. Presently vehicle is at bmw dealership for replacement of complete fuel pump unit at owners expense. Should be recalled by bmw and faulty cracked fuel pumps replaced by bmw of north america. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2011
“My motorcycle started smelling like gas while running, and leaked gas onto the ground. The failure is where the quick-connect fuel line connector screws into the fuel pump assembly. The assembly is plastic and has vertical cracks. The dealer wants over $700 to fix this. I have temporarily fixed it with yellow thread tape, but am concerned it will leak again. I know several other with bmw motorcycle owners with this dangerous problem. Also here are a couple web pages describing the same apparent defect: http://eurokclub.com/forum/k1200s-k1300s-forum-7/fuel-tank-leak-4897/ http://www.faqs.org/car/bmw-r1200-rt-2006/ (under "bmw r1200 rt 2006 consumer complaints") *kb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2011
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 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2006 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.