2007 BMW R1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (63% of complaints); the 2009 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 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to the possibility of running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from bmw from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 3 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2016
“Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to the possibility of running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from bmw from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 2 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2016
“Final drive bearing suddenly developed play (wheel can be moved laterally by hand). Very unstable handling and wobble upon deceleration due to wheel movement. Vehicle will "shimmy" considerably from side-to-side upon engine braking.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to running out of fuel while moving on a city street. This is a common failure on many bike models from bmw from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 1 time so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2015
“Rear drive assembly oil leaking affecting tires traction and braking - loss of rear brakes from oil and no ABS active. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2015
“Traveling at highway speed, ABS system failed, which showed up as a "brake failure" light on console. ABS pump controller failed. After initial failure, the "brake failure" light would come on intermittently. I don't know if this indicated intermittent failure or something else. Front wheel or rear wheel would lock up instead of the ABS system overriding and controlling the brake. On a bike this is particularly dangerous.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2014
“After smelling gas after a short stop I discovered that the fuel pump discharge flange had 7 cracks where fuel was leaking and filling the cavity at the top end of the fuel pump. After conducting some research, I understand that this is a known defect and special after market clamps have been designed and sold to make the repair, avoiding a complete replacement of the fuel pump. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2013
“Riding my 40 miles home, I kept smelling gasoline but it was congested so I dismissed it. Got home and drove into the garage and a big puddle of gasoline splashed onto the ground from under my left fender from my 2007 bmw rt1200. Upon examination, I discovered that the plastic top of the fuel pump had cracked in several places around where the quick disconnect fitting goes for the pressure line. Not only that but the fitting is also made of plastic and had also cracked in the thread area. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2013
“The plastic connection for the fuel pump cracked and started to leak fuel. This is a fire hazard. I looked on line and see this is a problem on bmw motorcycle's. The fuel leaks onto the hot engine and could cause a fire while riding. This is a factory defect and all bmw motorcycle should be recalled before someone is injured. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2013
“ABS modulator failed to operate at very low mileage. Dealer said unit has failed and it very common for the brushes to stick and cause this failure. The unit is not repairable and must be replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW IS RECALLING 1,535 MY 2007-2009 R1200RT MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO ROUTING AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LINES TO BE UNDER STRAIN. IN COMBINATION WITH VIBRATION DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD DEVELOP A LEAK. THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR COULD DROP RENDERING THE FRONT BRAKES INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES WITH NEW FRONT BRAKE LINES, WITH MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2009. 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.
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 2007 BMW R1200 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2007 BMW R1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (63% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2007 BMW R1200 RT problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 33,000 miles or less.
Does the 2007 BMW R1200 RT have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. 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.