2006 BMW R1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
8 recalls and 6 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
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 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Pinion bearings failed on final drive unit. Additionally, pinion shaft seal failure due to excessive play in shaft as a result of bearing failure, causing final drive oil to leak out. This condition also caused failure of ABS/speed sensor, which resulted in failure of ABS and speedometer. Motorcycle was inoperable and was towed. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2014
“Smell of gasoline while riding. Discoverd fuel leak from cracks in plastic flange where fuel line attaches to fuel tank. Found out this is a common failure. New models have a updated part. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2013
“While riding the vehicle on september 11, 2012 I noticed a strong fuel smell. When I arrived at my destination my left pant leg was soaked in fuel. After further investigation I determined that the fuel pump housing high pressure fuel disconnect flange was cracked and leaking fuel down the left fairing in close proximity to the vehicles left exhaust pipe and ignition. My experience matches that of odi id number : 10428629. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2012
Show 2 more owner reports
“Fuel pump flange is cracked, allowing 40psi of fuel pressure to stream out of tank. Great risk of fire as fuel lands directly on exhaust. There was only no fire because I noticed the lead and subsequent puddle of fuel before bike/pipes got hot. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2012
“Bmw 2006 r1200gs adventure motorcycle final drive failure where the final drive seal torn by metal pieces in the final drive resulting in the final drive gear oil being dumped on the rear wheel while riding at highway speed. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
Recalls - 8 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.
BMW IS RECALLING 4,922 MY 2007-2008 R1200R, MY 2006-2007 R1200 GS, MY 2007 R1200 ST, AND MY 2008 R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINES COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK. IF THE LEAK BECAME SIGNIFICANT, BRAKE FLUID COULD ESCAPE. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR OF THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM COULD DROP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES WITH A MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE TIRE INFLATION VALVE HOLE IN THE RIM OF THE CROSS-SPOKE WHEEL WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPM) WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED. A LEAK MAY DEVELOP AT THIS LOCATION POSSIBLY CAUSING SUDDEN DEFLATION OF THE TIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEMPORARILY DEACTIVATE THE TPM SYSTEM, REMOVE THE CORRESPONDING VALVES AND INTEGRAL TPM SENSORS, AND THEN REPLACE THEM WITH STANDARD VALVES. WHEN A PERMANENT REPAIR IS AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REACTIVATION OF THE TPM SYSTEM AND REPLACEMENT OF THE INTEGRAL TPM SENSORS AND VALVES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JANUARY 2008. THE SEALING OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT HOUSING MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT AND WATER COULD INTRUDE INTO THE CONTROL UNIT HOUSING CREATING A HUMID ATMOSPHERE. UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP COULD CORRODE AND THEN FAIL.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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, THE CLUTCH COMPONENTS COULD BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CLUTCH COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. ALL MOTORCYCLES ARE LOCATED AT DEALERS. NO MOTORCYCLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS.
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 2006 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 6 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW R1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2006 BMW R1200 GS have open recalls?
8 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.