BMW R 1200 RT · model year

2011 BMW R 1200 RT

14 NHTSA complaints, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011BMWR 1200 RT carries 14 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 R 1200 RT is fuel/propulsion system with 6 filings, followed by fuel system, gasoline (4) and suspension (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2011 R 1200 RT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

14
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

14 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
SUSPENSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ENGINE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (2)

13V61700012/12/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 aux

21V06000008/02/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Recent Complaints

20250820FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 replacement fuel pump, which is apparently no better than the original that was replaced under recall, cracked again leaking fuel onto the hot motorcycle engine. This happened with 20,300 miles on the vehicle, which is less than 8000 miles later. BMW is refusing to replace under the recall or a warranty the fuel pump which means I am stuck with the bill. I believe that BMW should be replacing a defective part with a new design and better part not an old design faulty part. I would encourage you to issue another recall on the vehicles in question under bulletin 160114 in the interest of motorist safety.

20220922FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 37,528.

Mileage: 37,528

20220907FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. I talked to a couple dealers in the Phoenix area and it’s more common than not.

20210826FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210810FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 17,000

20210804FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2011 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210415ENGINE

THROTTLE CABLE BELL CRANKS/CAMS CRACK DUE TO POOR QUALITY PLASTIC MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS THE HAND THROTTLE NO LONGER WORKS AND ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE RPM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS FAILURE CAN OCCUR WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC, TURNING THRU TRAFFIC, OR TRAVELING ON A HIGH SPEED ROADWAY WITH NO AREA TO PULL OFF. THESE CRACKS, (AND IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE PARTS), WERE DISCOVERED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL DURING SERVICE WORK.

Mileage: 23,494

20210415FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THROTTLE CABLE BELL CRANKS/CAMS CRACK DUE TO POOR QUALITY PLASTIC MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS THE HAND THROTTLE NO LONGER WORKS AND ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE RPM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS FAILURE CAN OCCUR WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC, TURNING THRU TRAFFIC, OR TRAVELING ON A HIGH SPEED ROADWAY WITH NO AREA TO PULL OFF. THESE CRACKS, (AND IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE PARTS), WERE DISCOVERED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL DURING SERVICE WORK.

Mileage: 23,494

20210415VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THROTTLE CABLE BELL CRANKS/CAMS CRACK DUE TO POOR QUALITY PLASTIC MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS THE HAND THROTTLE NO LONGER WORKS AND ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE RPM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS FAILURE CAN OCCUR WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC, TURNING THRU TRAFFIC, OR TRAVELING ON A HIGH SPEED ROADWAY WITH NO AREA TO PULL OFF. THESE CRACKS, (AND IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE PARTS), WERE DISCOVERED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL DURING SERVICE WORK.

Mileage: 23,494

20200914FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TENGO PROBLEMAS CON EL FUEL PUMP LIQUEA MUCHO Y TAMBIEN CON EL ENCENDIDO LOS CALIPERS SE ATORAN

Mileage: 37,000

20200914SUSPENSION

TENGO PROBLEMAS CON EL FUEL PUMP LIQUEA MUCHO Y TAMBIEN CON EL ENCENDIDO LOS CALIPERS SE ATORAN

Mileage: 37,000

20200914EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TENGO PROBLEMAS CON EL FUEL PUMP LIQUEA MUCHO Y TAMBIEN CON EL ENCENDIDO LOS CALIPERS SE ATORAN

Mileage: 37,000

20200616FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SPONTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF A COPIOUS FUEL LEAK AFTER STARTING BIKE, SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE ORIGINATING FROM FUEL PUMP AROUND HIGH PRESSURE FITTING. VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO, AS FUEL DRIPS CLOSE TO HOT ENGINE. I ASKED AROUND AND APPARENTLY IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE. HARD TO BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. *TR

Mileage: 37,500

20200612FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP LEAKS AT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE. THIS FUEL LEAKS OVER EXHAUST PIPE AND IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 43,957

Compare 2011BMWR 1200 RT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT have?
The 2011 BMW R 1200 RT has 14 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT?
Yes, the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT?
The most-complained component for the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.