2004 BMW R1150 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Total brake failure .I could not stop the motorcycle.I went rite through an intersection,thank god there was no vehicles driving through the intersection at the same time.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2022
“My motorcycle kept losing fuel. I never leave it low on gas, but on numerous occasions went to ride it and the tank was empty. Since then I found a youtube video showing how to replace what bmw never should have installed, saying this is common in ca because bmw did not use metal quick disconnects on the fuel lines; our gas eats the plastic. At least 10 gallons of gas disappeared over 4 months last summer. This is a major fire hazard and I am lucky to be alive, I guess. It also is not cheap to fix. The parts are around $100. Bmw should fix this, or pay for parts so I can do it.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2016
“Fuel line quick disconnects on both supply and return failed causing fuel leak on to engine and exhaust. Extreme fire potential. Quick disconnect seals and components are insufficient to handle exposure to raw fuel, it is a poor design and bmwna should recall r1150rt's due to this failure and fire risk. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw r1150rt motorcycle. The contact stated that the final drive assembly failed. The failure caused the rear end to severely knock. The contact stated that oil spilled out from the vehicle as well. The contact was told by the dealer that there was a 3-6 month back order on the part that was needed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 17,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2012
“On I-5 southbound in bellingham wa, left lane at 60mph. Up shifted transmission and heard grinding noise, on clutch release. Managed to get to right road shoulder and push bike to next exit. Found clutch disk splines stripped and transmission input shaft splines very worn. There was no warning of problem until the splines stripped. Upon research of this problem, found it was a common problem of the bmw r1150rt. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2011
“Shinko raven 009 size 120/70 zr 17 developed blisters around 75% of the circumferance of the tread. The blisters range from 1 to 2 inches in size and are evenly spaced along the tread on the left side of the center line of the tire. Fortunately the tire did not fail before the problem was discovered and there was no crash. Approx 12,500 miles on the tire. *tt”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2011
“Final drive, crown gear bearing failed. No early warning of oil leakage, just went suddenly when on cross country trip while in co. Failed catastrophically causing the rear wheel to wobble significantly, the oil seal to fail and rear lube oil leaked all over rear wheel. (have picture) same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001. *kb”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2009
“Lost transmission splines and clutch disk splines going down the road shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. Lost all drive to rear wheel and had to coast to side of road, thankfully traffic was light. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2008
“The fuel pump on my 2004 r1150rt bmw motorcycle failed while I was traveling home from work on an expressway in heavy traffic. I managed to get to the shoulder of the road, but was in danger because of the proximity of the passing high speed traffic. I backed the bike about 1/8 mile to the previous exit and pushed it to a gas station and called for a tow. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2008
“2004 bmw r1150rt motorcycle- fuel quick disconnect failed. Bike started leaking small drops of fuel. Took side fairing off and found the leak coming from the fuel quick disconnect. I disconnected the line and fuel began pouring from the line. The whole idea of a quick disconnect is for the line to not leak when disconnected. Called bmw dealer bike shop and they said they have plenty replacements in stock because they fail quite often. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Check your exact R1150 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 2004 BMW R1150 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 BMW R1150 RT. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2004 BMW R1150 RT have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. 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.