2006 BMW R1200 RT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 11, 2020 · 54 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 RT years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW R1200 RT. That is the most of any R1200 RT model year in the database (15 years). The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (15 complaints, 28%), typically at around 27,658 miles. There are 6 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 2006 BMW R1200 RT problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System15 · ~27,658 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline15 · ~29,796 mi
Power Train15 · ~14,000 mi
Service Brakes5 · ~11,260 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~45,700 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~8,271 mi
Wheels2 · ~28,500 mi
Electrical System1
Latches/locks/linkages1 · ~2,599 mi
Structure1 · ~13,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System1528%27,658——
Fuel System, Gasoline1528%29,796——
Power Train1528%14,000——
Service Brakes59%11,260——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic24%45,700——
Vehicle Speed Control24%8,271——
Wheels24%28,500——
Electrical System12%———
Latches/locks/linkages12%2,599——
Structure12%13,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 17 complaints
2006: 3200632007: 2200722008: 3200832009: 1200912010: 2201022011: 6201162012: 172012172013: 9201392014: 7201472015: 1201512016: 1201612017: 1201712019: 120191

n = 54 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2006 BMW R1200 RT recalls (6)

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, 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, 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.

Power train:clutch assemblyApr 4, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V104000 · 453 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch components could become loose while the motorcycle is being operated.

Risk: If this happened, the components could exit through the engine casting increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install new clutch components free of charge. All motorcycles are located at dealers. No motorcycles have been sold to customers.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW R1200 RT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 11, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11267990

The fuel strip that reads gasoline level is defective. First repair lasted less than 200 miles. Recent replacement failed as i made the turn out of the dealership from the last repair.

Electrical System · received Jun 26, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11001490

While driving southbound on i-79 near pittsburgh at approximately 70 mph the rear universal joint let go. This caused the motorcycle rear wheel to intermittently lock up and release. The universal has no means to lubricate it and no noise or vibration was heard or felt before failure.

Power Train · received Jul 18, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10885480

As i was decelerating for a turn i felt a shudder and heard a grinding noise and lost rear wheel braking. I pulled to the side of the road and upon examination of the rear wheel discovered that the rear brake disc was separated from the brake mounting flange. Each of the five mounting holes had…

Service Brakes · received Jan 13, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10672199

While changing my rear brakes, i noticed that the rear spacer flange that attaches the wheel to the rotor is cracked in 3 different mounting areas. I do not ride off road or otherwise abuse the bike. *tr

Wheels · received Sep 27, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10639539

Other BMW R1200 RT years

← 2005 R1200 RT · 2007 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 2006 BMW R1200 RT?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, gasoline, power train problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 15 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2006 BMW R1200 RT?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2006 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 2006 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.