VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW K 1200 LT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other K 1200 LT years?

K 1200 LT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted55 complaints1999: 55 complaints2000: 51 complaints2001: 28 complaints2002: 38 complaints2003: 26 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 1 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 4 complaints
K 1200 LT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1200 LT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW K 1200 LT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System941%
Brakes418%
Transmission418%
Suspension314%
Speed Control15%
Steering15%

Does the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT have recalls?

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

04V438000Fuel SystemSeptember 9, 2004 · 380 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AT LOWER TEMPERATURES, WIRING WITHIN THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT MAY PRESS AGAINST THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY CONTACTS COULD OPEN, INTERRUPTING THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN STALLING.

Consequence

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2004. CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V304000BrakesJune 23, 2004 · 181 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

Consequence

IF ONLY THE REAR BRAKE WERE APPLIED DURING RIDING, INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE GAS FUEL LINE STARTED SPRAYING GASOLINE OUT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COVER ONTO THE DRIVERS LEG. DEALER ADVISED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BEFORE SEEING THE MOTORCYCLE. SHE SHOWED ME A DISPLAY ON HER DESK SHOWING A PLASTIC FUEL QUICK DISCONNECT VALVE AND A METAL ONE THAT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 17, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW K1200LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH AND DECELERATING, THE BRAKES SEIZED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS LEFT LEG AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 5, 2013 · crash

“REAR WHEEL STARTED MAKING A DRAGGING SOUND AND SEEMED TO BE ON INSIDE OF ROTOR. THOUGHT IT WAS AN OCCLUSION IN THE CASTING BUT THE WHEEL BEARING RETAINER IN THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING WAS CONING OUT. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALER IT WAS FOUND THE BEARING HAD BEEN OBLITERATED WHEN THE BEARING MOVED FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 2, 2009

“WHILE RIDING IN TO A LEFT HANDED CORNER THE FRONT RIGHT FRONT LEG BROKE STANDING THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT UP AND SENDING ME AND THE BIKE INTO THE GUARDRAIL CAUSING A CRASH THAT I WAS LUCKY TO WALK AWAY FROM. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 7, 2015 · crash

“PURCHASED A NEW BMW K1200RS IN AUGUST 2004, EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL. THE THROTTLE IS EXTREMELY STIFF AND WHILE RIDING ON LOCAL AND/OR BACK ROADS, THE RIGHT HAND BECOMES FATIGUED TO THE POINT OF NUMBNESS. THE RIGHT HAND NOT ONLY CONTROLS THE THROTTLE, BUT THE INTEGRATED ABS BRAKING SYSTEM OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 1, 2004

2005 BMW K 1200 LT — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 K 1200 LT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (9 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW K 1200 LT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1200 LT years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002. The cleanest record among K 1200 LT years belongs to 2006.

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.