2017 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 21, 2021 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS years
Not enough data 15th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 BMW R1200 GS. That ranks 15th out of 15 R1200 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (2 complaints, 67%), typically at around 10,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 2 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.

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 BMW R1200 GS problems

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

Engine2 · ~10,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~14,000 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~14,200 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~7,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine267%10,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling133%14,000——
Service Brakes133%14,200——
Vehicle Speed Control133%7,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 1 complaints
2018: 1201812020: 1202012021: 120211

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 BMW R1200 GS 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.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of motive power and the motorcycle was going at a slower speed, After an hour the motorcyclist was informed by another rider that the contact needed to pull over because they noticed smoke…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Oct 21, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11437642

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING 50 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE FRONT BRAKE TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT CALLED TYTLERS CYCLE (2246 MID VALLEY DR, DE PERE, WI 54115…

Service Brakes · received Nov 12, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11374290

While the motorcycle was driven at a constant speed on the street, suddenly and without warning the engine problem light comes on the dashboard. The motorcycle then proceeds into "emergency operation mode" where the rpms immediately drop to 2000 rpms or lower causing immediate deceleration. On a…

Engine · received Oct 24, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11142408

Other BMW R1200 GS years

← 2016 R1200 GS · 2018 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 2017 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners most often report engine, engine and engine cooling, service brakes problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 BMW R1200 GS?

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 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 2017 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.