2006 BMW R1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (35% of complaints); the 2005 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.
“The fuel strip that reads gasoline level is defective. First repair lasted less than 200 miles. Recent replacement failed as I made the turn out of the dealership from the last repair.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
“While driving southbound on I-79 near pittsburgh at approximately 70 mph the rear universal joint let go. This caused the motorcycle rear wheel to intermittently lock up and release. The universal has no means to lubricate it and no noise or vibration was heard or felt before failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2016
“As I was decelerating for a turn I felt a shudder and heard a grinding noise and lost rear wheel braking. I pulled to the side of the road and upon examination of the rear wheel discovered that the rear brake disc was separated from the brake mounting flange. Each of the five mounting holes had failed and allowed the disc to separate. The rear wheel is also bolted to this flange. Subsequent research has revealed that this is not an uncommon problem. My feeling is that this type failure could cause a catastrophic failure since it involves a failure at speed and relates to the rear wheel and rear brake mounting flange. Definitely a safety issue! *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While changing my rear brakes, I noticed that the rear spacer flange that attaches the wheel to the rotor is cracked in 3 different mounting areas. I do not ride off road or otherwise abuse the bike. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2014
“As I was traveling at 70 mph on the highway I felt my motorcycle all of a sudden wobble and lost control. I struggle to regain control of the motorcycle and was able to bring the motorcycle to a stop by the shoulder of the road. It appeared my final drive (transmission ) had failed prematurely. There were oil from the final drive splattered all over my rear wheel. This was a freighting experience and could have resultant in serious injury to me because of a premature failure of the final drive. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2014
“Fuel leak: the plastic around the fuel pump output fitting is cracked and leaking. My left leg was covered in gasoline as well as my left fairing. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2014
“While riding my bike on 280 south, I had to make an emergency stop. The rear brakes locked up, & the bike's rear slid out. The ABS was inoperative, due to a faulty ABS modulator. This is a common problem, which bmw is well aware of. They refuse to have a factory recall on this part. *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2014
“In-tank fuel pump leaks fuel at threaded connection to outlet quick-release fitting. I purchased and installed a reinforcement clamp made by a third-party supplier and reinstalled the quick-release fitting with a fuel-resistant thread sealant, but the fitting still leaks. I'll try adhesive instead, on the advice of others with the same problem. Fuel leaks are not acceptable on any vehicle, particularly not on a supposedly high-quality motorcycle. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Gas leaking from left side fairing after riding with small spill of gas on garage floor. Taken to mortons bmw dealer today where defective o-ring and cracks in fuel pump flange were noted. Prior # jbn1-18051. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“Fuel smell on clothing and leaking fuel found dripping on hot exhaust during stop at gas station to refuel. Immediately push motorcycle to safe area away from gas station to assess cause of leak. Found multiple cracks in plastic fuel pump housing flange that which the high pressure fuel line quick disconnect threads into. Fuel was pooling approximately one inch deep on top of the fuel pump housing and next to fuel pump electrical control relay and wiring. Motorcycle had to be towed 75 miles to nearest bmw motorcycle dealer for fuel pump and housing replacement. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
Recalls - 4 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 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, 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.
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.
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 2006 BMW R1200 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW R1200 RT. The most complained-about area is power train (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 BMW R1200 RT problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 23,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 BMW R1200 RT have open recalls?
4 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.