BMW R1200 RT · model year

2005 BMW R1200 RT

24 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005BMWR1200 RT carries 24 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, 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 2005 R1200 RT is fuel/propulsion system with 9 filings, followed by fuel system, gasoline (5) and power train (2). 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 3 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 2005 R1200 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.

24
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

24 filings

Crashes Reported

1 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 SYSTEM9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
POWER TRAIN2
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT1
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
SERVICE BRAKES1

Recalls (3)

05V17200027/04/2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, EXPOSURE OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING TO ROAD DEBRIS COULD FALL AND BECOME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE THROTTLE-BODY AND THE ENGINE BLOCK.

06V13400024/04/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 CHAFIN

20V47100010/08/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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-6

Recent Complaints

20171115FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE CYCLE, IT FAILED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HAP'S CYCLE SALES, INC, 2530 17TH ST, SARASOTA, FL, 34234) WAS CONTACTED AT 941-365-3443. THE CONTACT TOOK THE FUEL PUMP APART AND CONFIRMED THROUGH THE PHONE WITH THE DEALER THAT THE COUPLING TO THE FUEL PUMP OF THE FLANGED HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CYCLE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,120.

Mileage: 17,120

20161006POWER TRAIN

DRIVE SHAFT U-JOINT FAILURE RIDING ON INTERSTATE 5. BIKE STARTED TO VIBRATE AND WHEN CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED, VIBRATION STOPPED. RELEASED CLUTCH AND VIBRATION STARTED AGAIN. DEPRESSED CLUTCH AGAIN AND PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE DRIVE SHAFT LOCKED UP. PULLED BACK REAR BOOT ON FINAL DRIVE AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SWING ARM SHAFT. BMW DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILED U-JOINT BUT COULD NOT REPAIR UNLESS THEY REMOVED TRANSMISSION TO REMOVE U-JOINT STUCK ON TRANSMISSION SPLINE. PRICE FOR DRIVE SHAFT ALONE WAS $1,100 DOLLARS PLUS LABOR TO REMOVE TRANSMISSION.

Mileage: 110,000

20160227FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASED SPEED AND RPM'S IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT OF THROTTLE I WAS TWISTING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED IN THE CLUTCH AND RELEASED THE THROTTLE. THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO CLIMB OVER 4000 AND THE ENGINE SUSTAINED THIS LEVEL. THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD ONLY RETURN TO A NORMAL IDLE LEVEL (1100 RPM) IF I FORCED THE THROTTLE CLOSED (FORWARD TWISTING MOTION). THIS MATTER COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. I DELIVERED THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE BMW DEALER TO HAVE THE MATTER DIAGNOSED. THE BMW MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE PULLEY'S HAD BROKEN ON BOTH THROTTLE BOTH THROTTLE BODIES. I WAS FURTHER ADVISED THAT THESE PULLEY'S ARE MADE OF A MOLDED PLASTIC MATERIAL AND THAT THIS MATERIAL BROKE. THE MECHANIC HAS ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THESE PARTS (ALTHOUGH EXTERNAL ON THE THROTTLE BODIES) ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODIES MUST BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD BE RECALL THESE ITEMS FOR THE OBVIOUS SAFETY RISKS REL

Mileage: 169,500

20131111FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AFTER FILLING MY BMW MOTORCYCLE WITH GAS I PARKED IT TO VISIT WITH SOME OTHER RIDERS. AFTER A SHORT TIME RETURNED TO MY BIKE TO FIND GAS RUNNING ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND POOLING ON THE GROUND. LEFT THE BIKE WENT HOME GOT A TRAILER AND TOOK IT HOME. I DRAINED THE GAS, TOOK THE COVER OFF THE GAS TANK AND FOUND THE QUICK DISCONNECT ON THE FUEL LINE CRACKED ALLOWING FUEL TO RUN DOWN THE TANK AND ONTO THE ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 21,000

20131006FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE RIDING MY BMW R1200RT TODAY I STARTED SMELLING GAS. I RETURNED HOME AND PUT THE MOTORCYCLE IN THE GARAGE. IT HAD A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM IT. I REMOVED THE LEFT UPPER FAIRING TO INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP AREA. ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP RAW GASOLINE WAS POOLED AND LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE GAS TANK TOWARDS THE LEFT CYLINDER EXHAUST PIPE NEAR THE CYLINDER HEAD. THANK GOODNESS ENOUGH GAS HAD NOT LEAKED YET TO RUN ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE EXHAUST PIPE! I TURNED THE KEY ON TO ENERGIZE THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP AND PRESSURIZE THE FUEL SYSTEM TO SEE WHERE THE GAS WAS LEAKING FROM. IT IS LEAKING FROM THE FEMALE PLASTIC FUEL FITTING THAT IS PART OF THE PLASTIC GAS TANK. THERE ARE MULTIPLE CRACKS RADIATING FROM THIS FEMALE FUEL FITTING AND I CAN SEE GASOLINE DRIBBLING OUT OF AT LEAST ONE CRACK AT A FAST ENOUGH RATE TO PUDDLE ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD EASILY CAUSE A FIRE WHILE I AM RIDING DOWN THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 49,753

20130404FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

PLASTIC FEMALE FITTING ON TOP OF FUEL PUMP HAS SEVERAL CRACKS WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. *TR

Mileage: 14,500

20130223FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE FUEL STRIP FAILED ON THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE MOTORCYCLE, EVEN BY BMW. THIS COULD CREATE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IF THE FUEL QUANTITY DEPLETES ON A BUSY INTERSTATE OR IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. *TR

Mileage: 11,750

20130222FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE IN A 50MPH RESIDENTIAL ZONE IN FAIRLY HEAVY EVENING TRAFFIC WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO SEVERELY MISFIRE AND STUMBLE / SPUTTER. LUCKILY I WAS IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE BECAUSE THE ENGINE THEN DIED AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE WITHOUT TOO MUCH DIFFICULTY ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE BEHIND CAME VERY CLOSE TO ME SINCE THE BIKE SO RAPIDLY SLOWED WITHOUT MY BRAKELIGHT ON TO INDICATE A SLOW DOWN. THE BIKE WOULD NOT RESTART AND I HAD A FRIEND TRAILER IT TO MY HOUSE, SINCE THIS WAS AT NIGHT AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE GAS TANK WAS BONE DRY, WHICH CAME AS A HUGE SURPRISE SINCE THE GAS GAUGE SHOWED A 1/4 TANK REMAINING AND OVER 100 MILES TO GO BEFORE EMPTY. I PUT A GALLON OF GAS IN IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN THE MORNING AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL SENSOR FILM STRIP TO THE TUNE OF $265.68, WHICH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED EXCEPT FOR THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE. I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY LU

Mileage: 32,191

20120819SERVICE BRAKES

ABS MODULATOR FAILED. $3500 REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 21,000

20120708FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THIS FAILURE IS NOT LIMITED TO THE 2005 BMW R1200RT. THE SAME FUEL PUMP IS USED FROM 2005-2009 IN THE RT1200RT AND R1200GS. THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGE CRACKS UNDER HIGH PRESSURE CYCLING AND LEAKS, SENDING RAW FUEL DOWN THE LEFT FAIRING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE VEHICLES LEFT EXHAUST PIPE AND IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENTS. THE MOTORCYCLE FAIRING EFFECTIVELY CAPTURES THE FUEL VAPORS CREATING A SIGNIFICANT RISK FOR FIRE. IN ADDITION, LEAKING FUEL, STREAMING ALONG THE LEFT FAIRING IS EXHAUSTED ON THE RIDERS LEFT LEG, CREATING SIGNIFICANT RISK FOR THE RIDER EVEN AFTER DISMOUNTING THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE THE COMBINATION OF HIGH FUEL PRESSURE AND NEGLIGENT DESIGN CREATE SUBSTANTIAL RISK FOR RIDERS OF THE IMPACTED VEHICLES. CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FAILURE ARE OUTLINED BELOW: 1. RIDERS BECOME FUEL SOAKED AS FUEL LEAKS DOWN THE LEFT FAIRING AND THEN IS FORCED BY FAIRING AIRFLOW DYNAMICS ON TO THE RIDERS LEFT LEG. 2. FUEL VAPORS, CAPTU

Mileage: 22,000

20120622FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL TANK QUICK DISCONNECT CRACKED SPILLING FUEL WHILE RIDING. *TT

Mileage: 42,000

20120130FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CRACKS ON THE HIGH PRESSURE SIDE OF FUEL PUMP AT THE FITTING. THIS WILL CAUSE FUEL TO LEAK UNDER OPERATION WITH POSSIBLE FIRE. PUMP DESIGN IS FAULTY AND A RECALL SHOULD BE INTIATED FOR THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TT

Mileage: 58,461

20120129FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGE ON THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. THIS COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK (AND HAS IN MANY CASES) ON TO THE EXHAUST PIPE, IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENTS, AND MY LEFT LEG. *TT

Mileage: 66,051

20120129UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGE ON THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. THIS COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK (AND HAS IN MANY CASES) ON TO THE EXHAUST PIPE, IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENTS, AND MY LEFT LEG. *TT

Mileage: 66,051

20120123FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

MULTIPLE CRACKS IN FUEL PUMP HOUSING AT FLANGE WHERE FUEL LINE CONNECTS. ODOR AND GAS LEAKAGE. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

20111115FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FLANGE AROUND THE FEMALE QUICK-DISCONNECT FITTING. PLASTIC FLANGE IS LOCATED ON TOP OF FUEL TANK. REPLACED PLASTIC FITTING WITH METAL ONE BUT LEAKS CONTINUED. PLACED ORIGINAL FITTING BACK AND USED A FUEL-RESISTANT SEALING COMPOUND TO STOP LEAKS. HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY LARGE LEAKS RECENTLY BUT AM CONCERNED THIS PATCH WILL START LEAKING AGAIN. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE TO BE RIDING AND SEEING GAS SPLATTER ON YOUR CLOTHES - COULDN'T WAIT UNTIL I GOT HOME. THE FLANGE DESIGN IS AT FAULT BECAUSE IT PREVENTS A SOLID CONNECTION OF HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE LINES TO THE FUEL TANK. *TR

Mileage: 75,076

20090810ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R 1200 RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO THE MUFFLER, WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THROUGH RESEARCH, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS CONNECTER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW VALVE AND THAT THE HOSE NEEDED TO BE ROUTED DIFFERENTLY. THE CONTACT PURCHASED ALL THE PARTS AND IS MAKING THE REPAIRS. SHE BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT DUE TO ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS SHE FOUND ONLINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20090626STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND

UPON RETURNING HOME FROM A RIDE ON MY 2005 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE, I ATTEMPTED TO LOWER MY SIDE STAND AND NOTICED THAT THE CENTER STAND ASSEMBLY WAS DANGLING BY MERELY A RETRACTION SPRING. FORTUNATELY, IT HAD NOT COME COMPLETELY UNDONE AND BECOME ENTANGLED IN THE REAR WHEEL, WHICH WOULD MOST CERTAINLY HAVE CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE CRASH. BOTH BOLTS THAT HOLD THIS ITEM TO THE BIKE'S UNDERCARRIAGE HAS SHEARED OFF MID-WAY. I CONTACTED BMW NA ABOUT THIS, AND RECEIVED ONLY A BRIEF APOLOGY, BUT NO ADMISSION OF FAULT OR COMPENSATION. I INVESTED APPROX. $45 IN OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM A BMW DEALER TO REPAIR THE UNIT, WHICH THE DEALER STATES IS NOW PERMANENTLY 'BENT.' SIMILAR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (SKID MARKS ON PAVEMENT CONSISTENT WITH WIDTH OF CENTER STAND LEGS) IMPLICATED IN TWO DEATHS (10/05/08 - MONROE CO., PA - DETAILS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST). I HAVE RETAINED THE DEFECTIVE BOLTS. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED ON AUGUST 20, 2010, THE FINAL DRIVE ON HIS MOTORCYCLE FAILED. THE SUPER-HEATING FRO

Mileage: 33,700

20090626POWER TRAIN

UPON RETURNING HOME FROM A RIDE ON MY 2005 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE, I ATTEMPTED TO LOWER MY SIDE STAND AND NOTICED THAT THE CENTER STAND ASSEMBLY WAS DANGLING BY MERELY A RETRACTION SPRING. FORTUNATELY, IT HAD NOT COME COMPLETELY UNDONE AND BECOME ENTANGLED IN THE REAR WHEEL, WHICH WOULD MOST CERTAINLY HAVE CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE CRASH. BOTH BOLTS THAT HOLD THIS ITEM TO THE BIKE'S UNDERCARRIAGE HAS SHEARED OFF MID-WAY. I CONTACTED BMW NA ABOUT THIS, AND RECEIVED ONLY A BRIEF APOLOGY, BUT NO ADMISSION OF FAULT OR COMPENSATION. I INVESTED APPROX. $45 IN OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM A BMW DEALER TO REPAIR THE UNIT, WHICH THE DEALER STATES IS NOW PERMANENTLY 'BENT.' SIMILAR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (SKID MARKS ON PAVEMENT CONSISTENT WITH WIDTH OF CENTER STAND LEGS) IMPLICATED IN TWO DEATHS (10/05/08 - MONROE CO., PA - DETAILS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST). I HAVE RETAINED THE DEFECTIVE BOLTS. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED ON AUGUST 20, 2010, THE FINAL DRIVE ON HIS MOTORCYCLE FAILED. THE SUPER-HEATING FRO

Mileage: 33,700

20080828FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200 RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS. HE NOTICED GASOLINE DRIPPING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND HIS PANTS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL CHECK VALVE COVER HIMSELF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL VALVE COVER FAILING DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC WAS A COMMON ISSUE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,750.

Mileage: 11,750

Compare 2005BMWR1200 RT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 BMW R1200 RT have?
The 2005 BMW R1200 RT has 24 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?
Yes, the 2005 BMW R1200 RT has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?
The most-complained component for the 2005 BMW R1200 RT is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2005 BMW R1200 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.