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2011 BMW R1200 RT: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2020

1
recalls
10
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest R1200 RT years (#6 of 6 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 10 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)6 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)1 complaint
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint
Fuel pump output flange cracked, resulting in fuel leaking down the side of the bike and onto hot components while riding. This issue has already been the subject of a bmw recall - but apparently the "inspect and reinforce" solution isn't really adequate long-term. This pump had been inspected and reinforced - and the flange still cracked and caused a dangerous fuel leak with the potential for bodily injury or worse. Attached picture. Top shows before ignition is switched on. Bottom is after ignition is on.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2019
Gasoline leak from fuel pump flange. Noticed a puddle of gasoline after a ride last week. During the ride , there was a strong smell of gasoline. This is a very dangerous situation. Bmw are you listening ? The puddle was on the left side of the bike when riding ( right side if you are facing the bike) this was fixed during a recall campaign in 2014 but its back again. This indicates a substandard used during recall fix. Its bmw's responsibility to have this addressed and fixed asap.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2019
When starting the vehicle gas begins to leak out of tank on left side of vehicle. Leak will continue until vehicle is shut offOwner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2019
Show 5 more owner reports
Fuel pump output flange cracked, resulting in fuel leaking down the side of the bike and onto hot components while riding. This issue has already been the subject of a bmw recall - but apparently the "inspect and reinforce" solution isn't really adequate long-term. This pump had been inspected and reinforced - and the flange still cracked and caused a dangerous fuel leak with the potential for bodily injury or worse.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2017
I bought the bike new. A recall for the fuel pump was complied with. Two years later the fuel pump started squirting fuel from the inner radius area of the metal crimp ring (which is the recall fix)started leaking fuel was flowing down the left side of the bike to the bottom of the left cylinder base. Only leaked with the engine runningOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2017
The combination engine run / start switch does no engage in the run position during hot days, thus not allowing the engine to start. After cooling the switch down with an instant cooling compound (in this case superfreeze 2000 from leonard industrial supply) the switch would engage, but then disconnect again. The danger is that if it disconnects while driving the engine will cut-off without being able to restart it.Owner report · Engine · Jun 2014
Symptom. Rear of motorcycle weaves when riding in a straight line and in turns. Rear wheel had approximately 3mm play when holding wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and twisting wheel side to side. Analysis. Brake carrier on final drive has lateral play. Removed brake carrier, slid off final drive by hand. Final drive needs replaced. Same failure as described in odi 10439549 and being investigated under campaign dp 12001. Bmw paralever. Resolution. Dealer replaced final drive bmw part number 33117726895, synthetic gear oil 75 w90, and rotor bolts bmw part number 33177709205. *trOwner report · Power Train · May 2013
The left combination switch on the vehicle has failed 4 times. The left combination switch controls the high beam lights, turn signals, horn, cruise control, and numerous other items. The four failures have included failure of the high beam switch twice, the turn signal switch twice, the horn once, and cruise control once. *trOwner report · Electrical System · May 2011

Recalls - 1 campaign

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V471000 · Aug 2020

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 BMW R1200 RT reliable?

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 BMW R1200 RT. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.

Does the 2011 BMW R1200 RT have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has 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.