2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 24, 2025 · 7 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS Adventure years
Not enough data 3rd of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. That ranks 3rd out of 14 R1200 GS Adventure model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (3 complaints, 43%), typically at around 5,800 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure problems

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

Service Brakes3 · ~5,800 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~8,450 mi
Power Train1 · ~40,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~3,400 mi
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes343%5,800——
Fuel/propulsion System114%8,450——
Power Train114%40,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic114%3,400——
Unknown or Other114%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2023, with 2 complaints
2017: 1201712018: 1201812019: 1201912022: 1202212023: 2202322025: 120251

n = 7 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure recalls (2)

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

EquipmentJul 28, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V481000 · 47,775 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension:frontJul 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V438000 · 14,626 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Risk: If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

Recent owner reports

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

It is not clear which rear brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of, and force required to apply, the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that…

Service Brakes · received May 24, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11662904

I bought a 2017 BMW R 1200 GS used from a dealer with 554 miles on it. Basically new. I put 1100 miles on the bike before I had a work related accident. The Bike has 1687 miles on it now. Bike has been sitting for 3+ years in a garage. The rear brake goes all the way to the bump stop with no…

Service Brakes · received Oct 16, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11550245

The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. The contact stated while riding at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal "clunking" sound coming from the rear of the motorcycle. The contact stated that immediately the motorcycle started to lose motive power. While attempting to accelerate…

Power Train · received Mar 14, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11511858

The contact owns a 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle. The contact stated while riding 65 MPH, while attempting to stop the motorcycle, the brakes failed to operate properly causing a delay in stopping the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Oct 26, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11491067

I experienced three instances of the engine warning lights coming on and the engine losing power and throttle control. The motor continued to run but was restricted to a fast idle of approx. 2000rpm and no throttle. Speed was therefore restricted to 2000 rpm depending on what gear which was about…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Nov 18, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11280930

Other BMW R1200 GS Adventure years

← 2016 R1200 GS Adventure · 2018 R1200 GS Adventure →

See all BMW R1200 GS Adventure problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

Similar BMW models

Embed this 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure?

Owners most often report service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, power train problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R1200 GS Adventure model years, the 2017 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.