2009 BMW R 1200 RT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 2, 2024 · 36 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R 1200 RT years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT. That ranks 3rd out of 15 R 1200 RT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (19 complaints, 53%), typically at around 29,922 miles. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW R 1200 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 2009 BMW R 1200 RT problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System19 · ~29,922 mi
Power Train8 · ~30,580 mi
Electrical System3 · ~13,000 mi
Engine2 · ~51,567 mi
Service Brakes2 · ~19,422 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~35,000 mi
Wheels2 · ~44,500 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~31,200 mi
Structure1 · ~16,257 mi
Suspension1 · ~29,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System1953%29,922——
Power Train822%30,580——
Electrical System38%13,000——
Engine26%51,567——
Service Brakes26%19,422——
Vehicle Speed Control26%35,000——
Wheels26%44,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline13%31,200——
Structure13%16,257——
Suspension13%29,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 7 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 222012: 4201242013: 772014: 2201422015: 332016: 1201612017: 222018: 2201822019: 112020: 1202012021: 662022: 2202222023: 112024: 120241

n = 36 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 BMW R 1200 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, 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicJul 8, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V256000 · 1,535 vehicles

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.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUTS. DISCOVERED LEFT AND RIGHT THROTTLE BODY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT DUE TO CABLE CAMS ARE BROKEN. BOUGHT THIS BIKE FOR PARTS. CHOSE TO FIX IT UP GIVEN LOW MILEAGE. LOOKS LIKE PLASTIC CAM FRACTURES FREQUENTLY. LUCKY I FOUND OUT BEFORE I…

Engine · received Sep 2, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11612140

On 06-19-2023 i was North bound I275 north of 8 mile about 715pm. I was in the left lane going about 68 mph. All of a sudden my It felt like my throttle cable broke, when I twisted it there was no motor response forward and backward, but my motor was red lining against the Rev limiter, so I pulled…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Jul 31, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11535570

The OEM plastic 90° quick discount fitting on top of the fuel pump started spraying fuel. I started smelling fuel on the interstate highway 10 and by the time I could pull over safely off the interstate I was covered with fuel. The fuel was running down on the hot exhaust pipe’s on the front…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Dec 2, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11495808

2009 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE REAR BEARING FAILURE THAT LED TO A FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. At highway speed, heard clicking noise from rear of bike. While parked on center stand and spinning rear wheel, heard a terrible grinding sound. Who knows what would have happened had I not exited when I did. This…

Power Train · received Nov 4, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11492222

Throttle body cams broken, no symtoms, could have caused crash from complete power loss to the engine, could have crashed or been hit. Dealer replaced.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Aug 24, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11430264

Other BMW R 1200 RT years

← 2008 R 1200 RT · 2010 R 1200 RT →

See all BMW R 1200 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 2009 BMW R 1200 RT?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 19 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT?

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

Was the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R 1200 RT model years, the 2009 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.