2016 BMW R1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension; the 2014 and 2017 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2023
“The rear brake becomes ineffective. Dealer says that air invades the rear brake system. Bleeding the old brake fluid and replacing it with new brake fluid solves the problem for a few months. Then it happens again and the bleeding must be done again. Front brake continues to be effective at all times.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2019
“The left stanchion has come loose from the crimped connection at the top of the upper tube. I have seen many other problems with this design on other bikes on the social media forum I track. Gs giants on facebook, and also on advrider.com. I took it to the bmw shop today in tulsa ok. I had to show them exactly how it was loose. I have not been in an accident with this bike. I do ride it on rough gravel roads, but the bike is designed for this type of environment.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2017
Show 3 more owner reports
“Engine warning light and loss of engine power on 6 incidences. 2 incidents - in motion on I-81 highway 1 incident ' stationary on I-81 highway 1 incident - in motion tn-68 highway 1 incident ' stationary tn-68 highway 1 incident ' in motion va-55”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 bmw r1200 gs. On several occasions, the horn failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 650.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 bmw r1200 gs. While driving various speeds, the horn failed to operate intermittently. When the vehicle was restarted, the horn operated normally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles 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 install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. 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 2016 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 BMW R1200 GS. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility. 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.