2002 BMW R1150GS: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw r1150ra (na). While driving 50-55 mph, the contact smelled gas fumes and then noticed fuel leaking from the quick release mechanism. As of september 27, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they would replace the quick release mechanism for free. The current and failure mileages were 8,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Aug 2007
“In april 2005, I experienced a final drive failure on my 2002 bmw r1150gs. During a 36,000 mile service, I reported a slight oil leak around the rubber boot on the final drive shaft. Bmw replaced the final drive bearing that was still under warranty. The entire final drive was replaced during the service at no charge. The final drive failure problem is a major issue and I am aware of six local bmw motorcycles, both r and k series that have experienced final drive failures in the past three years. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2005
“This motorcycle is equipped with a linked ABS brake system. The rear wheel and front wheel work together. The motorcycle was without brakes for an undetermined period of time. *ak *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2004
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“Final drive failure on bmw r1150gs motorcycle at 28,200 miles resulting in loss of oil and requiring complete final drive and ABS sensor replacement.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2003
“Fuel line on right side of motorcycle leaked approximately 1 tablespoon of fuel within a few seconds of engine startup. Engine was stopped before any damage could take place. Fuel leaked from fuel line above right cylinder, ran down the side of the engine and started to drip onto catalytic converter. Had the catalytic converter been at full operating temperature, this would almost certainly have resulted in a fire. I only noticed the leak because I was doing a pre-ride check of the bike, but had I not paid attention, the fuel would have been in contact with a fully heated catalytic converter within a minute or two.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2002
“As soon as I started my bike, I smelled raw gasoline. I looked down on the right side of my bike and saw a fluid leaking on the ground as it ran off my transmission. I shut down the motorcyle to investigate. I started it three more times. Two of those starts produced a fuel leak. The leak originated on one of the fuel lines, adjacent to the right throttle body. The crimp-type clamps were loose when I tried moving them. On the third start, the fuel leak stopped. I took the bike to alamo bmw where a technician recrimped the two lower clamps. No problems since then (8/31/02).*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2002
“Bmw-na know of unsafe operation problems in the ABS on models with VIN <ze87455. They have modified the system on more recent vins to correct the problems, but refuse to correct the system under warranty without mechanical breakdown of unit.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Aug 2002
“ABS activates under normal braking on rough surface- the modulator senses incorrect information. Potentially life threatening situation on a motorcycle. Bmw has issued a service bulletin in march 2002 #34-001-02(012) but will not repair under warranty or recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2002
“While going over a series of bumps, the ABS system is causing the brakes to release. This causes an extremely unsafe situation. Bmw has issued a service bulletin regarding this braking system, but refused to replace the ABS components until they fail. By then I could be killed. Please help force the manufacturer to replace these faulty brake components for all affected r1150rt owners.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2002
“Consumer's motorcycle has same problem with seat backrest as stated in recall 00 v 289 000, but recall was issued for an earlier year model, and this vehicle was not affected. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE SPEEDOMETER DRIVE CABLE COULD BE TOO SMALL. DUE TO COMPRESSION AND REBOUND OF THE FORK, THE SPEEDOMETER CABLE COULD CONTACT AND CHAFE THE BRAKE LINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE LINE AND SPEEDOMETER CABLE. THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED IF THE DISTANCE TO THE SPEEDOMETER CABLE IS FOUND TO BE TOO SMALL OR IF IT IS DAMAGED. A NEW PROTECTIVE SLEEVE WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE SPEEDOMETER CABLE NEAR THE FRONT FENDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #5.
Check your exact R1150GS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2002 BMW R1150GS reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 BMW R1150GS. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 BMW R1150GS have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. 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.