2008 BMW R1200 RT Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other R1200 RT years
- Far more complaints than other years 4th of 15 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 5 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT. That ranks 4th out of 15 R1200 RT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (15 complaints, 47%), typically at around 11,200 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 32owner complaints
- 5safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 BMW R1200 RT problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 15 | 47% | 11,200 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 19% | 29,500 | — | — |
| Power Train | 4 | 13% | 16,855 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 9% | 20,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 3% | 8,520 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 3% | 3,600 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 BMW R1200 RT recalls (5)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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/studs
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 pump
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
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Problem: Bmw is recalling 1,535 my 2007-2009 r1200rt motorcycles. Due to routing and assembly tolerances of the front brake lines, it is possible for the lines to be under strain. In combination with vibration during riding, the brake lines could develop a leak. The level of fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir could drop rendering the front brakes inoperative.
Risk: In the event that only the rear brakes were operational, severe loss of control during hard braking could result. This could result in a serious crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and repair the motorcycles with new front brake lines, with modified routing free of charge. The safety recall began on october 5, 2009. 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.
The bike is a 2008 BMW R1200RT. The throttle bodies for each cylinder has a plastic cam that is the point of attachment for the throttle cable. That plastic cam broke and completely detached from the bike. I was accelerating to merge into traffic on Interstate 64E at Corydon, IN. Once established…
My forth vehicle with throttle body cams that are cracked and broken on both sides. No symptoms or warning lights of a problem that could have lead to a catastrophic failure, total engine propulsion failure, breakdown. My safety and others were in danger of injury or death. Dealer has confirmed and…
This is a two-cylinder engine with an independent throttle body for each cylinder. The throttle is actuated by a cable and pulley which rotate the throttle plate on a shaft. The pulley is attached to the shaft with molded plastic. Upon inspection during service, both plastic moldings (both…
This series of motorcycles has a common problem with cracks in the throttle pulleys on the throttle body. Failure of this plastic part will result in instant loss of power. I have been reading about this problem, and decided to inspect the two throttle bodies on my motorcycle as a precaution. Both…
Abs pump motor is failing on many of the same model bikes and some other 2006-2008 model bmw bikes with low mileage, because the brush holders in the abs electrical motor are too tight and brushes get stuck in them - bad design of the abs pump motor. Bmw will ask you loads of monies for the…
Other BMW R1200 RT years
← 2007 R1200 RT · 2009 R1200 RT →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 R1200 RT | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 R1200 RT | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 R1200 RT | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 R1200 RT | 3 | 0 |
| 2014 R1200 RT | 6 | 2 |
| 2013 R1200 RT | 6 | 1 |
| 2012 R1200 RT | 11 | 1 |
| 2011 R1200 RT | 20 | 3 |
| 2010 R1200 RT | 9 | 3 |
| 2009 R1200 RT | 36 | 5 |
| 2008 | 32 | 5 |
| 2007 R1200 RT | 52 | 5 |
| 2006 R1200 RT | 54 | 6 |
| 2005 R1200 RT | 32 | 5 |
| 2004 R1200 RT | 1 | 0 |
See all BMW R1200 RT problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
Similar BMW models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW R1200 RT?
Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, power train problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 15 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 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 2008 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 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.