2005 BMW K1200 S Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 31, 2025 · 15 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other K1200 S years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 7 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 BMW K1200 S. That is the most of any K1200 S model year in the database (7 years). The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints, 33%), typically at around 18,989 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 2 injuries. There are 7 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

BMW K1200 S
Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2005 BMW K1200 S problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel/propulsion System5 · ~18,989 mi
Power Train3 · ~15,000 mi
Service Brakes3 · ~13,400 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling2 · ~19,500 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~12,367 mi
Electrical System1
Engine1 · ~29,000 mi
Steering1 · ~12,000 mi
Structure1 · ~12,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~12,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System533%18,989——
Power Train320%15,000——
Service Brakes320%13,400——
Engine and Engine Cooling213%19,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline213%12,367——
Electrical System17%———
Engine17%29,000——
Steering17%12,000——
Structure17%12,000——
Suspension17%12,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 3 complaints
2006: 2200622010: 2201022011: 1201112012: 1201212013: 3201332014: 2201422015: 1201512016: 1201612019: 1201912025: 120251

n = 15 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 BMW K1200 S recalls (7)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpAug 10, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V471000 · 16,926 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studsMar 11, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V141000 · 43,426 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

Risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpDec 12, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V617000 · 50,184 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Suspension:rearOct 8, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V488000 · 11,826 vehicles

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 motorcycles. The bearings could be subject to corrosion. This could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.

Risk: This could affect the handling of the motorcycle increasing the risk a driver may lose control of the vehicle resulting in a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine coolingFeb 23, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V066000 · 6,631 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, frequent short trips particularly during cold temperatures, can cause water to accumulate in the oil tank, and when the engine is running, escaping water vapor can condense on the oil tank air bleed valve. In freezing temperatures, this water could freeze and block the air bleed valve.

Risk: It is possible that a pressure build up in the oil tank could cause it to rupture, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire. An oil leak could cause a fire. Oil on the rear tire could cause loss of control.

Fix: Dealers will install a new oil tank cap containing a valve to prevent overpressure in the tank free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMay 15, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V164000 · 13,200 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of abs capability could temporarily occur.

Risk: Temporary loss of abs braking could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipAug 19, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V363000 · 331 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, there could be a problem with the routing of the integral anti-lock-brake system (iabs) sensor cable if service has been performed on the motorcycle, for example, a front tire change.

Risk: The sensor cable can come into contact with, and rub against, the front brake disk. If the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the abs function increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and attach an additional retaining clip to the iabs sensor cable free of charge. The recall began september 23, 2005. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Fuel Leak - Motorycle (EA13006) — opened Jul 12, 2013, closed Jan 31, 2014, led to recall 13V617000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware…

Service Brakes · received Oct 31, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11696711

My motorcycle is leaking gasoline somewhere. I can't leave it in the garage due to the strong gas smell. I've removed the fairing, but still can't find where the leak is coming from.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jun 24, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11222304

On sunday november 7th i was riding my 2005 bmw k1200s on a roundtrip from little rock, ar to petit jean mountain state park. Approximately 20 miles from home on hwy 300 near the little italy township i experienced complete brake/abs failure while trail braking through a turn. This is a road with…

Service Brakes · received Nov 8, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10924990

While at freeway speed (65-75 mph) an audible change to the overall sound and feel of the motorcycle occurred. Disengaging the clutch had no affect on the sound. The tone was impacted by slowing down and was no longer audible at rest. Shortly after, my speedometer and odometer completely failed…

Power Train · received Sep 10, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10762992

Riding approximately 45mph and approaching a traffic light that turned yellow, i attempted to stop using the handbrake. Braking was nearly nonexistent and immediately a red warning light appeared accompanied by a brake failure light. The foot brake did not function as well. At this point the light…

Service Brakes · received Jul 31, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10617881

Other BMW K1200 S years

← 2004 K1200 S · 2006 K1200 S →

See all BMW K1200 S problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW K1200 S?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, power train, service brakes problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 BMW K1200 S?

Yes, 7 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 BMW K1200 S a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other K1200 S model years, the 2005 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.