2008 BMW R 1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 9 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 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My forth vehicle with throttle body cams that are cracked and broken on both sides. No symptoms or warning lights of a problem that could have lead to a catastrophic failure, total engine propulsion failure, breakdown. My safety and others were in danger of injury or death. Dealer has confirmed and repaired all vehicles.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r 1200 rt motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v141000 (wheels); however, the manufacturer and dealer refused to honor the remedy which mentioned the replacement of the aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one. The dealer only wanted to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Wheels · May 2015
“The ABS and rear braking system failed. This was indicated by an instrument panel red warning light, "brake failure". As a result of this failure, the rear wheel brake did not operate as designed (integral brakes) and the ABS system was non-functional. The scanned codes state that the power supply to pump motor is faulty. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2013
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“Fuel gauge failed, warning light constantly on. Bike could run out of fuel in traffic with no warning causing dangerous situation. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2012
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 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 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 2008 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 2008 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT 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.