2009 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 29, 2024 · 30 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS years
Far more complaints than other years 4th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 BMW R1200 GS. That ranks 4th out of 15 R1200 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (16 complaints, 53%), typically at around 12,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 fires. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW R1200 GS
BMW 1200 GS 2005. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Romain9247, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

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Most common 2009 BMW R1200 GS problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System16 · ~12,000 mi
Electrical System6 · ~12,250 mi
Power Train6 · ~29,260 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline3 · ~9,000 mi
Engine2
Suspension2 · ~29,208 mi
Equipment1 · ~6,200 mi
Fuel System, Other1 · ~100 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1
Wheels1 · ~28,519 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System1653%12,000——
Electrical System620%12,250——
Power Train620%29,260——
Fuel System, Gasoline310%9,000——
Engine27%———
Suspension27%29,208——
Equipment13%6,200——
Fuel System, Other13%100——
Vehicle Speed Control13%———
Wheels13%28,519——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 10 complaints
2011: 3201132012: 4201242013: 102013102014: 3201432016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 2201822019: 1201912023: 3202332024: 220242

n = 30 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 BMW R1200 GS recalls (4)

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].

Service brakes, hydraulicJun 18, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V276000 · 15,532 vehicles

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. The brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.

Risk: If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 20, 2010. Owners may contact bmw 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.

While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Nov 29, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11628004

Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Speed Control · received Sep 2, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11612152

The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 22, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11546013

The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The…

Electrical System · received Jul 26, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11534609

Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 18, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11533136

Other BMW R1200 GS years

← 2008 R1200 GS · 2010 R1200 GS →

See all BMW R1200 GS 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 2009 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 16 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW R1200 GS?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 BMW R1200 GS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R1200 GS model years, the 2009 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.