VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW K 1200 R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2006 BMW K 1200 R — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other K 1200 R years?

K 1200 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted19 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 19 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 1 complaints
K 1200 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1200 R years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 BMW K 1200 R problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System947%
Brakes421%
Transmission316%
Electrical System211%
Engine15%

Does the 2006 BMW K 1200 R have recalls?

6 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.

07V066000EngineFebruary 23, 2007 · 6,631 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, FREQUENT SHORT TRIPS PARTICULARLY DURING COLD TEMPERATURES, CAN CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE OIL TANK, AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESCAPING WATER VAPOR CAN CONDENSE ON THE OIL TANK AIR BLEED VALVE. IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND BLOCK THE AIR BLEED VALVE.

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE OIL TANK COULD CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE REAR TIRE. AN OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE. OIL ON THE REAR TIRE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW OIL TANK CAP CONTAINING A VALVE TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURE IN THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

06V164000BrakesMay 15, 2006 · 13,200 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.

Consequence

TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY 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.

“My motorcycle developed a large fuel leak running over the hot engine. i found the leak to be coming from the fitting where the fuel line attaches at the fuel pump. This motorcycle already had a repair several thousand miles ago for the same issue. Apparently it wasn't fixed. correctly because it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2024

“WHILE DEMONSTRATING THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON MOTORCYCLES FOR A NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INSTRUCTORS (IN A PARKING LOT,) I HAD RIDDEN WITHIN 5 MINUTES A HANDFUL OF SUCCESSFUL ABS DEMO RUNS. I WAS STARTING AT ONE SIDE OF THE LOT, GETTING UP TO 30-40 MPH, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH ENOUGH FORCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 21, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW K1200 R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 17, 2013

“THERE ARE SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE FLANGE WHERE FUEL LINE HAS A CONNECTION. THESE CRACKS ARE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE MOTOR AND ALTERNATOR CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. FUEL ALSO POOLS IN AREAS WITH SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS WHERE FUEL WASN'T MEANT TO BE STORED. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 28, 2013

“I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MULTIPLE TIMES TO MULTIPLE BMW DEALERS AND ALL ACT LIKE THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF WHAT I AM DESCRIBING. IT'S ALL OVER THE MESSAGE BOARDS AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PULLED IN AND THE IDOL DROPS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2009

2006 BMW K 1200 R — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW K 1200 R reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 K 1200 R problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (9 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2006 BMW K 1200 R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 BMW K 1200 R. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 BMW K 1200 R under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.