2009 BMW R1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“After entering the interstate fuel began spewing from the upper left fairing area. I pulled off and shut it down. I couldn't tell where it originated from. It didn't appear any longer so I decided to return home, about 2 miles. Upon entering the interstate again fuel spewed out with such force it covered my entire left side and leg. I pulled off asap. A motorist saw me and stopped to help. He was afraid of a fire, as I was, and pulled out an extinguisher. Fuel was everywhere. He helped me tow it home.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2019
“2014 recall on the fuel pump flange was issued and it was completed at a bmw dealer in june of 2014. Now may 6, 2018 the fuel pump flange has failed spraying fuel over the engine. I contacted the bmw customer service department they informed me that due to the part being over 2 years old and they no longer responsable for the replacement of the part. This is the same issue for the 2014 recall and now it has happened again.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2018
“The bmw motorcycle was being ridden at interstate speeds when it began to develop a vibration. The vehicle was slowed and the first available exit was taken. By this time the rear wheel felt like it was going to lock up. The motorcycle was stopped at the first safe parking and a wrecker was dispatched. The repair facility informed me that the driveshaft universal joint had failed and was beating against the swing arm which could have been a total failure. The driveshaft is not a teardown and inspect item and therefore leaves the rider with no warning of impending failure. This is very dangerous. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 2014
Show 5 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw r1200 rt motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, a loud noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed grease covering the brakes and rear wheel. The grease came from a broken rear differential/final drive. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, who stated that the final drive right angle gear box needed to be replaced. The contact did not have the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 30,580.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2013
“Motorcycle ran out of fuel due to fuel sensor failure. Both analog and digital gauges showed 40+ miles remaining in the fuel tank. Vehicle was in fast lane of interstate highway and my emergency stop required state patrol assistance do to the location of the stop. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2013
“At the top of the fuel pump, where the fuel line quick disconnect is threaded into the housing, multiple cracks have developed in the fuel pump housing. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2013
“The gas gauge sensor strip stops working and will read that you have more gas than you actually do. This is extremely dangerous and can cause the rider to run out of gas and be stranded in moving traffic. There are too many complaints from bmw motorcycle owners to ignore this problem any longer! Please make the manufacturer address this problem instead of continuing to profit off of a safety issue. A google search on "bmw motorcycle fuel strip" will give you all the leverage you need. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2012
“The fuel level sensor has failed (twice) and has been replaced by the bmw motorcycle dealership. The latest fuel level sensor is not working properly either and will eventually be replaced again before the warranty expires in feb 2013. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2012
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 2009 BMW R1200 RT reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW R1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2009 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.