2011 BMW R 1200 RT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 20, 2025 · 20 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R 1200 RT years
Far more complaints than other years 6th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT. That ranks 6th out of 15 R 1200 RT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (12 complaints, 60%), typically at around 30,669 miles. There are 3 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.

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 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 System12 · ~30,669 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline4 · ~27,264 mi
Electrical System2 · ~5,540 mi
Engine2 · ~16,247 mi
Exterior Lighting2 · ~19,540 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~12,787 mi
Power Train1 · ~10,201 mi
Suspension1 · ~37,000 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~44,600 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System1260%30,669——
Fuel System, Gasoline420%27,264——
Electrical System210%5,540——
Engine210%16,247——
Exterior Lighting210%19,540——
Vehicle Speed Control210%12,787——
Power Train15%10,201——
Suspension15%37,000——
Unknown or Other15%44,600——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 4 complaints
2011: 1201112013: 1201312015: 1201512017: 3201732019: 4201942020: 3202032021: 4202142022: 2202222025: 120251

n = 20 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 BMW R 1200 RT recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpFeb 8, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V060000 · 20,963 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

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].

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.

This vehicle was subject to a recall under bulletin 16 0114. The issue was a fuel pump which cracked at flanges which leaked fuel onto the hot engine, which could cause safety issues with fire. My vehicle listed above, had the fuel pump replaced with 12,505 miles on it under the recall. The…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Aug 20, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11681917

The contact owns a 2011 BMW R1200 RT Motorcycle. The contact stated that while starting the motorcycle, fuel was spraying from the fuel line. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 22, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11485901

Development of a major fuel leak after starting motorcycle, leak is coming from the high pressure fitting on the fuel pump. Very dangerous as the fuel is dripping on the hot exhaust and pooling on top of the fuel pump. Risk of fire and possibility of fuel getting on pant leg and burning riders leg…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 7, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11483260

The contact owns a 2011 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts were not available. The contact called back the same dealer on two separate occasions and was informed that…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Aug 26, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11430640

The contact owns a 2011 BMW R 1200 RT Motorcycle. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from motorcycle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel System. Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Aug 10, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11428477

Other BMW R 1200 RT years

← 2010 R 1200 RT · 2012 R 1200 RT →

See all BMW R 1200 RT problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

Similar BMW models

Embed this 2011 BMW R 1200 RT badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT?

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

Was there a recall on the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 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 2011 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.