VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW K 1200 GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median K 1200 GT year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 6 K 1200 GT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (39% of the total).

36

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other K 1200 GT years?

K 1200 GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted36 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 7 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 15 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 36 complaints
K 1200 GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1200 GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW K 1200 GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1439%
Fuel System1131%
Transmission822%
Electrical System13%
Engine13%
Other13%

Does the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V471000Fuel SystemAugust 10, 2020 · 16,926 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

15V141000Tires & WheelsMarch 11, 2015 · 43,426 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V617000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2013 · 50,184 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

10V488000SuspensionOctober 8, 2010 · 11,826 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.

Consequence

THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

10V276000BrakesJune 18, 2010 · 15,532 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

08V245000BrakesJune 4, 2008 · 548 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.

Consequence

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTIONS, COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

08V239000EngineJune 2, 2008 · 39 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING ROD AND CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE. IF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN GEAR, ENGINE SEIZING COULD RESULT IN LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BMW MOTORCYCLE K1200GT,2008, RED EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT NOTIFYING THE RIDER OF UNSAFE BRAKE PADS COMES ON IN ERROR, CAUSING AN EMERGENCY STOP, BMW DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PROB. BUT DEALERS, SOME HAVE DEALT REPEATEDLY WITH THE PROBLEM, ACKNOWLEDGE, DEALER REFUSED TO TREAT AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 10, 2010

“7/19/11 SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT, 5-10 MPH, WHEN GAS CAP CAME OPEN AND FUEL DUMPED ALL OVER VICTIM AND MOTORCYCLE. RIDER 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS OVER 40% OF HIS BODY, ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN AMPUTATION OF BOTH LEGS. PREVIOUS TO THE ACCIDENT, DRIVER TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 19, 2011 · crash · fire

“FINAL DRIVE FAILURE 2008 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE. BEARING BAD IN FINAL DRIVE. THIS MODEL/YEAR NOT LISTED AS A CHOICE SO I PUT K1200GT AS THE CLOSEST ONE. FOUND LARGE OIL LEAK FROM DRIVE WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT, DEALER STATED DRIVE BEARING IS SHOT NEEDS NEW BEARING AND SEALS. FIRST TIME, ALMOST NEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 7, 2009

“THE BIKE AS DEVELOPED A LOW SPEED LOW RPM HESITATION AND STALLING, IT IS A REAL DANGER WHEN IT SUDDENLY CLEARS AND THE BIKE WILL ACCELERATE HARD, MAKING REAR WHEEL TRACTION A CONCERN. THE BIKE RUNS WELL AND HIGHER RPM AND SPEEDS WITH GOOD ,NORMAL FUEL CONSUMPTION AROUND 40 MPG, IN TOWN LOW SPEED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 16, 2011

“BMW K1200GT (MOTORCYCLE) - SURGING IDLE - POTENTIAL HAZARD - BIKE WILL BE RUNNING FINE AND THEN, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, BEGIN IDLING AROUND 3000 RPM. FAILURE OCCURRENCE IS VERY INCONSISTENT. AIR BOX HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 21, 2006

2008 BMW K 1200 GT — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 6 K 1200 GT years. It is one of the K 1200 GT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 K 1200 GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW K 1200 GT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1200 GT years to avoid are 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among K 1200 GT years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.