2005 BMW R1200 RT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 25, 2023 · 32 owner complaints analyzed

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

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 BMW R1200 RT. That ranks 4th out of 15 R1200 RT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (12 complaints, 38%), typically at around 22,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

BMW R1200 RT
BMW R1200RT Special. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Hans45, 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 2005 BMW R1200 RT problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System12 · ~22,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline10 · ~52,500 mi
Power Train4 · ~71,850 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~20,954 mi
Structure2 · ~37,350 mi
Engine1 · ~32,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~35,000 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~21,000 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~66,051 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~32,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System1238%22,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline1031%52,500——
Power Train413%71,850——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic26%20,954——
Structure26%37,350——
Engine13%32,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling13%35,000——
Service Brakes13%21,000——
Unknown or Other13%66,051——
Vehicle Speed Control13%32,000——
Visibility13%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 9 complaints
2005: 2200522007: 2200722008: 1200812009: 2200922011: 2201122012: 9201292013: 6201362014: 2201422016: 2201622017: 1201712021: 2202122023: 120231

n = 32 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 BMW R1200 RT recalls (5)

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, hydraulicApr 24, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V134000 · 9,260 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the abs sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled, the sensor cable can come into contact and rub against the front brake disc. Overtime, if the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the abs function.

Risk: Loss of abs function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.

Fix: Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the abs sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. 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.

Engine and engine coolingApr 27, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V172000 · 500 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, exposure of the throttle housing to road debris could fall and become caught between the throttle-body and the engine block.

Risk: This could restrict movement of the throttle-cable pulley that, in turn, could affect throttle operation and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a cover over the throttle-cable pulley free of charge. The recall began on may 10, 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.
  • Fuel Leak - Motorcycle (PE12036) — opened Nov 16, 2012, closed Jul 22, 2013.

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 r1200rt that I have owned since 2016 with little to no issue. Leak from winter storage in the front left side of the engine. It matches a thread of a cracked fuel pump. With your site they submitted the problem under JBN1-18051. Also under a complaint number 10428629. I wish to know if it…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Mar 25, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11513782

The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 28, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11434688

Cracked throttle control cable connections to both throttle body throttle control shafts. If this fails, the throttles return to idle without any ability to accelerate. This type of failure has been reported by other owners of the same model. I need to repair prior to travel use to avoid this…

Engine · received Apr 24, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11413715

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE CYCLE, IT FAILED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HAP'S CYCLE SALES, INC, 2530 17TH ST, SARASOTA, FL, 34234) WAS CONTACTED AT [redacted]. THE CONTACT…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Nov 15, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11046223

Drive shaft u-joint failure riding on interstate 5. Bike started to vibrate and when clutch was depressed, vibration stopped. Released clutch and vibration started again. Depressed clutch again and pulled to side of the road before drive shaft locked up. Pulled back rear boot on final drive and…

Power Train · received Oct 6, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10914193

Other BMW R1200 RT years

← 2004 R1200 RT · 2006 R1200 RT →

See all BMW R1200 RT 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 R1200 RT?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, gasoline, power train problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 12 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 BMW R1200 RT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R1200 RT model years, the 2005 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.