2009 BMW R1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 18 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 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving my motorcycle when I noticed a gas leak coming from the fitting where the fuel line goes into the fuel pump on the left side of the gas tank. This caused gas to drip directly onto the left side exhaust manifold, which could cause a fire. In the past I had an issue with the plastic quick release fuel line cracking where it screwed into the fuel pump (same location) and dripping gas directly onto the left exhaust manifold when riding it. I replaced the plastic quick release fuel fitting with a metal one from the same manufacturer to correct the issue. Checking with others online, I have discovered that both of these issues are known, common problems on this model.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2019
“The fuel pump flange connection is cracked and leaking fuel. There are multiple pictures videos and threads regarding recalls for the exact same fuel leak that I am experiencing on the internet. However when I called bmw of north america they tell me that my motorcycle is not included in the recall. Clearly this type of fuel leak represents a fire hazard and direct life safety issue. My question is how can my particular motorcycle be excluded from this well publicized bmw recall situation ?? Fortunately I discovered the fuel leak in my garage and not while going 70 mph down the interstate”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
“I was accelerating on the on-ramp to merge in to the slow lane with heavy traffic on the 80 north bound heading home. I had just shifted the motorcycle in to 3rd gear when it lost all power and started slowing down. The next exit was not available to reach safely and my only option was to coast into the side emergency lane. As I was investigating the issue a small plastic pulley form the left side throttle-body fell to the ground. I'm currently contacting bmw motorcycles as this was a serious safety issue that put me in harms way. This plastic piece is under constant tension and in my opinion should never have been make of plastic.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel level sensor failure twice. Unable to determine level of fuel in take while driving and stopped. Increased risk of running out of gas in traffic.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2016
“Traveling approx 60 mph during rush hour in middle lane of three lane divided highway. Fuel gauge showed two bars and display indicated approx 60 miles of range left. Engine suddenly lost power. I was able to get to right shoulder when engine died and would not restart. Was able to push approx 1/4 mile to exit ramp and then to fuel station. Fuel tank was empty. Fuel gauge never showed empty nor did low fuel light come on. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 1200 gs motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the rear final drive bearing became separated. The contact was able to stop the motorcycle with the front brake. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The rear final bearing was replaced. The failure and current mileage was 42,182. Updated 01/07/014*lj updated 1/17/2014 *js”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2013
“Fuel gauge suddenly failed and gave inaccurate reading. I have had the fuel gauge replaced 4 times, most recently less than one month ago, always by a bmw dealer. That most recent gauge, installed 6/7/2014 by the dealer, failed completely, without warning, on 7/3/14 after less than 250 miles. The fuel gauge failure can lead to sudden unexpected loss of power, if the gauge indicates fuel remaining, while in fact the tank is empty. I am astonished the government has not ordered bmw to find a reliable fix this. Anecdotal indications are thousands of gauges have failed, over approximately a five model year period the defective design was used. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
“30,000 miles, one week after dealership completed the required 30k service, driving 35-40 mph on asphalt road, felt extreme wobble on back wheel, black oil all over back rim and wheel. Dealership reports the complete final drive system failed at a cost of $2500.00 to me as it just went out of warranty. This is the second major issue, esa also went out at 9000k. Thankfully I was not injured due to the incident. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2013
“Bike fuel meter does not function. Replaced under warranty 8/12/11 and 8/10/13. Fuel meter relies on sensor strip inside fuel tank. Sensor strip fails without warning. Obvious safety issue if failure causes bike to unknowingly and suddenly run out of fuel while moving. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“Refer to odi no. 10439549/campaign dp12001. Driving at freeway speeds and motorcycle rear tire began to drift unexpectedly and move sideways. Pulled over exit and found final drive (differential), brake and rear tire covered in oil. Disassembly revealed failed ball bearing (cage had disintegrated) in final drive assembly. Motorcycle has been maintained per manufacturers specifications. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2013
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 2009 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW R1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2009 BMW R1200 GS have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. 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.