2005 BMW R1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 22 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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Drive shaft u-joint failure riding on interstate 5. Bike started to vibrate and when clutch was depressed, vibration stopped. Released clutch and vibration started again. Depressed clutch again and pulled to side of the road before drive shaft locked up. Pulled back rear boot on final drive and there was smoke coming out of the swing arm shaft. Bmw dealer diagnosed it as a failed u-joint but could not repair unless they removed transmission to remove u-joint stuck on transmission spline. Price for drive shaft alone was $1,100 dollars plus labor to remove transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2016
“After filling my bmw motorcycle with gas I parked it to visit with some other riders. After a short time returned to my bike to find gas running onto the hot engine and pooling on the ground. Left the bike went home got a trailer and took it home. I drained the gas, took the cover off the gas tank and found the quick disconnect on the fuel line cracked allowing fuel to run down the tank and onto the engine. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2013
“The fuel strip failed on the motorcycle. This is a well known issue with these motorcycle, even by bmw. This could create a serious safety issue if the fuel quantity depletes on a busy interstate or in a busy intersection. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2012
Show 6 more owner reports
“Cracks on the high pressure side of fuel pump at the fitting. This will cause fuel to leak under operation with possible fire. Pump design is faulty and a recall should be intiated for this dangerous problem. *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“Cracks have developed in the fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange on the fuel pump housing. This could lead to a fuel leak (and has in many cases) on to the exhaust pipe, ignition system components, and my left leg. *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“Fuel was leaking from the flange around the female quick-disconnect fitting. Plastic flange is located on top of fuel tank. Replaced plastic fitting with metal one but leaks continued. Placed original fitting back and used a fuel-resistant sealing compound to stop leaks. Have not experienced any large leaks recently but am concerned this patch will start leaking again. It was a frightening experience to be riding and seeing gas splatter on your clothes - couldn't wait until I got home. The flange design is at fault because it prevents a solid connection of high pressure gasoline lines to the fuel tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw r 1200 rt motorcycle. The contact noticed gasoline leaking onto the muffler, which prevents the vehicle from starting. Through research, she discovered that the gas connecter was the cause of the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new valve and that the hose needed to be routed differently. The contact purchased all the parts and is making the repairs. She believes that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect due to all of the complaints she found online for the same issue. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 35,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200 rt. While the vehicle was stopped, the contact smelled gas. He noticed gasoline dripping from the tail pipe and his pants. The contact replaced the fuel check valve cover himself. The dealer stated that the fuel valve cover failing due to the defective plastic was a common issue. The current and failure mileages were 11,750.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2008
“Final drive failures are becoming all too common on bmw motorcycles manufactured from 2005 on. Bmw is taking a nonchalant attitude in its replacement of these units. Although I have not had a failure, if you will look to any of the forums you will find numerous incidents. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
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 RT 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 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW R1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2005 BMW R1200 RT have open recalls?
3 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.