2019 BMW R 1250 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
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 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When I purchased the motorcycle as a demo the front fender was loose from the fittings/placement. I repaired it and reported it to the BMW dealer. In the years that I have owned this motorcycle I have had to repair the same issue at least three times. I believe the dealer has also repaired it at least once after my complaint. Please see pictures attached. This is a serious safety issue as the Fender may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front tire, resulting in an accident, or worse, injury.”Owner report · Structure · May 2026
“Tl* the contact owns a 2019 bmw r 1250 rt. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v476000 (service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to go az motorcycles (15500 n hayden rd, scottsdale, az 85260; (480)609-1800) where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2020
“Existing NHTSA recall number is 20v476 recall was started aug 2020. Bmw issued stop sale on my model and related models. Found out during service oct 2020 that my bike was affected. Bmw today march 4th 2021 told me they don't have a date for replacement brake parts. I cannot trade or sell this bike with this recall and bmw has no remedy. Bmw has had more than enough time to fix this recall permanently and as such I think they should be forced to buy back customer's motorcycles. Existing NHTSA recall number is 20v476”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2020
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“Leaking break calipers after 618 miles. The issue was discovered during my initial 600 mile maintenance schedule. Bmw is selling these bikes with know break issue that affects the r1250rt and r1250gs models. Bmw has issued a service bulletin, but has not selling these bike or issued a recall. New replacement calipers have been order for 30 day now. New calipers will have different part number due to the original part having a faulting design as I understand it.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 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 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 2019 BMW R 1250 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT 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.