2005 BMW R1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (30% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200 gs. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, fuel had leaked from the fuel pump flange and sprayed onto the riders leg and parts of the motorcycle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and an unknown local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the motorcycle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 13v617000 (fuel system) although the motorcycle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 24,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns 2005 bmw r1200 gs. The contact stated that while inspecting the motorcycle, the contact discovered that there was a crack on the rear wheel flange. The motorcycle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured wheel flange. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 47,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2014
“Fuel leaking at the fuel pump flange as well as at the suction pump flange around the base of the quick disconnect fitting.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Smelled fuel, removed left side cover, saw top of fuel pump covered with gas. It is leaking from the plastic quick disconnect. Also see cracks in the flange on top of fuel pump. This is a fire hazard, caused by poor design that uses tapered pipe thread in plastic. *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2013
“Fuel pump flange cracked at fuel pump output connector and fuel sprayed out under pressure. Pressurized fuel sprayed on leg and hit hot engine exhaust. Was able to cut off engine and fuel pump before a fire started. Had to wait several hours before help arrived and trucked bike home. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
“Upon inspection, I discovered that each of five wheel mounting tabs on the rear wheel flange is cracked. This has been reported in numerous other bmw r1200gs motorcycles, in some cases leading to catastrophic failure. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2013
“During service, tech noticed a crack in the fuel pump housing. Bike is unsafe to drive due to risk of fuel leak and fire hazard. This problem is well documented and could potentially lead to loss of life or severe burns. Recommend recall on this part. *tr the issue is so well known, online parts stores are selling a parts fix. Request reason why recall has not been issued.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2013
“Faulty fuel strip gas gauge will show 1/2 tank, but tank may be full or empty, or somewhere in between. Likewise, gas gauge may show full, but tank may be close to empty. The fuel strip does not correctly display the amount of fuel in the tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200 gs motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection where they detected that the drive-line seal was leaking internally. The contact referenced a concurrent investigation under NHTSA campaign id number: dp12001 (power train:drive line:differential unit) that could have been related to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 10/24/12*lj updated 10/25/12”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2012
“The fuel pump fitting cracked while I was riding on the highway. This resulted in fuel spraying on me and dripping onto the engine when I stopped. The fitting and the flange are both made of a plastic material. The threads are npt type and as the fitting is screwed into the fuel pump flange the fit gets tighter. This design will eventually result in cracking. This is what happened to the plastic fitting which I replaced with a metal one. This will not solve the problem because the flange is likely to crack because of the design resulting in another failure. This type of failure can easily result in a fire. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE DEFECT INVOLVES A WATER LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP THAT IS INTEGRATED WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. AN O-RING SEAL ATTACHED TO THE PUMP'S ELECTRONIC HOUSING DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER CAN BYPASS THIS SEAL AND CONTACT THE PUMP ELECTRONICS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE A SEALING RING. IF THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC UNIT IS CORRODED, IT WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2005. ADDITIONAL MY 2005 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES WERE ADDED TO THIS RECALL IN DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS OF MY 2005 MOTORCYCLES WILL RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION DURING FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE INTEGRAL ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (IABS) SENSOR SEALING O-RING CONNECTION AT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING MAY BE DAMAGED. AN OIL LEAK MAY DEVELOP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL IABS SENSOR SEALING O-RING. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN ADAPTER IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CONNECTS A RIGID SECTION TO A FLEXIBLE SECTION. IF THE RIGID SECTION IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED IN THE ADAPTER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A LEAK TO DEVELOP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE LINE AND ADAPTER. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE RIGID SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED IN THE ADAPTER, THEN THE ENTIRE ADAPTER WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF CERTAIN PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED THAT INVOLVES REMOVAL OF THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE CALIPER, THE ABS SENSOR CABLE CAN BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND WHEN THE CALIPER IS REINSTALLED, THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE FRONT BRAKE DISC. OVERTIME, IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A MORE SECURE CONNECTION TO THE WHEEL CARRIER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, EXPOSURE OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING TO ROAD DEBRIS COULD FALL AND BECOME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE THROTTLE-BODY AND THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER OVER THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
How other years compare
Check your exact R1200 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 2005 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW R1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 BMW R1200 GS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 30,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 BMW R1200 GS have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. 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.