2019 BMW R 1250 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes; the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Rear brake system malfunctions. Malfunctioning rear brake increases braking distance which can lead to a collision. The BMW dealer and customer service have confirmed problem. The motorcycle has be serviced for this four times at the BMW repair shop. The problem appears about every 3000 miles.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2025
“Engine fails to start after shutoff and after engine temperature is hot. Inability to start engine on the road after cutting ignition can increase risk of being hit on the road. The dealer has not been able to reproduce. The vehicle has been inspected by BMW repair shop and had me replace the battery but the problem still persists. Subsequent service appointments have resulted in BMW technicians not being able to reproduce problem. The occurs randomly about 7 times per year. No warning signs.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
“During the recent Safety Recall of this vehicle and subsequent repair, it was noted by the certified mechanic that oil was being wicked up along electrical lines in the stator. The mechanic issued an immediate "Do not ride, Do not operate" warning. 2019 BMW R1250GSA has 17,000 accident free miles. Many "false" engine management warnings.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2023
“Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2023
“Lost all of the pressure when depressing rear brakes. The bike is 1 year and 5 months old. Rear brakes do not slow motorcycle when depressing the entire travel of the pedal. Service manager at BMW stated they have seen this problem on other similar model motorcycles. No warning lamps.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2021
“The motorcycle fails to start. This occurs randomly. It has occurred after driving approximately 30 miles. I stop and turn off the bike. When I attempt to restart, it won't turn over. The battery has been checked. Bmw says that can't determine the problem. There are forums from riders around the world who share this same experience. The only way to restart is with jumper cables. I believe this is a life-safety issue. It might not restart on the freeway, or in a remote location. The motorcycle has 12,000 miles. It has not restarted 3 times now. The motorcycle has been in the shop for 7 weeks.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2020
“Just got a new 2019 r1250 gs demo with 140 miles on it, drove an additional 200 miles and after the bike was parked for a few days, I noticed brake fluid dripping off the left front caliper / fork and wetness from the seam on the right front caliper. I called the dealer and alerted them to the problem , service man says they have other bmw r1250gs with the same leaking calipers. These new hayes 2 piece calipers are not as good compared to the original brembo monoblock calipers from the previous year. I am parking the bike till I can get new brembo calipers installed on my dime”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2020
“Front brake calipers leaking. Bmw are not able to supply parts. Dealer unable to finalize sale and delivery of motorcycle. Dealer unable to advise when replacement parts will be available. Motorcycle is unsafe in this condition.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2020
“Both of my front brake calibers are leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid leaked all over my front wheel. Bmw replaced both brake calibers and my front engine cover which was stained from the leaking fluid. Three weeks later I noticed the replaced front brake calibers are again leaking. I have an appointment to get the both replaced again for the 2nd time. I observed other brand new 2020 bmw motorcycles models gs/gsa/rt and s1000rr located on the showroom floor of the dealership all had leaking brake calibers with fluid leaked on their front rims. This is obviously an issue with these brake calibers from the factory. I believe there should be a recall before someone gets hurt or killed.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2020
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain 2018-2020 BMW Rnine T motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these caps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2019 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact R 1250 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 2019 BMW R 1250 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:fluid. 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.