VehicleVerdict

1998 BMW R 1200 C problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1998 BMW R 1200 C — 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other R 1200 C years?

R 1200 C NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted19 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 19 complaints
R 1200 C NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 C years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 BMW R 1200 C problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting531%
Engine531%
Brakes213%
Transmission16%
Fuel System16%
Electrical System16%
Suspension16%

Does the 1998 BMW R 1200 C have recalls?

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

01V217000Body & StructureJune 26, 2001 · 3,342 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH CHROME-PLATED FRAMES. COPPER RESIDUE CAN REMAIN IN THE TAPPED HOLE WHERE THE UPPER FORK BRIDGE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. MOISTURE CAN CAUSE CORROSION TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE COPPER RESIDUE AND THE ALUMINUM FRAME. THE STRESS OF THE CONNECTING BOLT ATTACHING THE UPPER FORK TO THE FRAME COULD THEN DECREASE, LEADING TO LOOSENING, AND ULTIMATELY, BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE AFFECTED AND A LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REAM THE HOLE IN THE FRAME HEAD AND INSTALL A HELICOIL THREAD INSERT AND A NEW BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.

97V134000BrakesAugust 8, 1997 · 973 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.

Consequence

THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR FRONT BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TAIL LIGHT ASSY KEEPS CRACKING ON THE UPPER LEFT BOLT, I AM ON MY 4TH TAIL LIGHT AND IT IS ALSO BROKEN. ON THE SAME ASSY THE TURN LIGHT STALKS CAN BRAKE OFF AND JUST HANG BY THE WIRES, THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE TO ME. ON THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL THE LEFT TURN LIGHT BROKE OFF AND WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 24, 1999

“THE HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL UNIT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COLLAPSED, CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOST OF POWER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT COOS BAY, OREGON WHILE I WAS ON A MULTI-DAY TRIP. I HAD TO RENT A U-HAUL TRUCK TO TRANSPORT THE BIKE TO THE PORTLAND BMW DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 29, 2004

“MOTORCYCLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH OR LESS. MOTORCYCLE INSPECTED BY DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE ABS HARNESS HAD CUT INTO A WIRE WHICH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 17, 1999 · fire

“THE FINAL DRIVE STARTED LEAKING GEAR OIL ALL OVER MY REAR DISC BRAKE AND REAR TIRE AND RIM. IT IS UNSAFE TO RIDE LIKE THIS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 16, 2011

“FUEL LEAKED FROM FUEL DISTRIBUTION SPIDER DIRECTLY ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ONTO THE REAR TIRE. DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER WHO SAID THE MOTORCYCLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME FOR THE PARTS NECESSARY TO FIX IT. UPDATED 04/19/06. *NM UPDATED 04/28/06. *NM ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 19, 2003

1998 BMW R 1200 C — common questions

Is the 1998 BMW R 1200 C reliable?

The record is thin — 16 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 1998 R 1200 C problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 BMW R 1200 C have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 BMW R 1200 C. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.