VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW R 1200 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 65 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median R 1200 GS year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 15 R 1200 GS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (31% of the total).

65

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other R 1200 GS years?

R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted65 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 65 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 47 complaints2008: 39 complaints2009: 39 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 13 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 18 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 4 complaints
R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW R 1200 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2031%
Transmission1828%
Brakes812%
Tires & Wheels69%
Body & Structure58%
Engine23%
Lighting23%
Electrical System23%
Steering12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

9 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.

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.

06V134000BrakesApril 24, 2006 · 9,260 units

Defect

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 CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION.

Consequence

LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH DURING CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ATTACH ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A MORE SECURE CONNECTION TO THE WHEEL CARRIER. 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.

05V172000EngineApril 27, 2005 · 500 units

Defect

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

Consequence

THIS COULD RESTRICT MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY THAT, IN TURN, COULD AFFECT THROTTLE OPERATION AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER OVER THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

05V082000Fuel SystemMarch 3, 2005 · 3,084 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE DEFECT INVOLVES A WATER LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP THAT IS INTEGRATED WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. AN O-RING SEAL ATTACHED TO THE PUMP'S ELECTRONIC HOUSING DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER CAN BYPASS THIS SEAL AND CONTACT THE PUMP ELECTRONICS.

Consequence

ENGINE STALLING, OR A FAILURE TO START, COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE RIDER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE A SEALING RING. IF THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC UNIT IS CORRODED, IT WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2005. ADDITIONAL MY 2005 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES WERE ADDED TO THIS RECALL IN DECEMBER 2005. OWNERS OF MY 2005 MOTORCYCLES WILL RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION DURING FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V576000BrakesDecember 6, 2004 · 485 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN ADAPTER IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CONNECTS A RIGID SECTION TO A FLEXIBLE SECTION. IF THE RIGID SECTION IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED IN THE ADAPTER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A LEAK TO DEVELOP.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LOSS COULD RESULT. THE REAR BRAKING CAPABILITY WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE LINE AND ADAPTER. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT THE RIGID SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED IN THE ADAPTER, THEN THE ENTIRE ADAPTER WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V297000BrakesJune 22, 2004 · 99 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE INTEGRAL ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (IABS) SENSOR SEALING O-RING CONNECTION AT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING MAY BE DAMAGED. AN OIL LEAK MAY DEVELOP.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, OIL COULD CONTACT THE REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE DISK, AND THE RIDER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE MOTORCYCLE. A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL IABS SENSOR SEALING O-RING. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 14, 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.

DURING SERVICE, TECH NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. BIKE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF FUEL LEAK AND FIRE HAZARD. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE OR SEVERE BURNS. RECOMMEND RECALL ON THIS PART. *TR THE ISSUE IS SO WELL KNOWN, ONLINE PARTS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 15, 2013

REAR DRIVE FAILURE WHILE RIDING TWO UP, OIL SOAKED REAR WHEEL, WHEEL WOBBLE. BETWEEN WOBBLE AND OIL CONTROL LOST (AND SLOW SPEED AT THAT POINT). *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2008 · crash

I EXPERIENCED A 100% NO BRAKES SITUATION COMING INTO A SLOW SPEED 90 DEGREE TURN ON A BACK ROAD. LUCKILY I HADN'T BEEN GOING TO FAST AND WAS ABLE TO DOWN SHIFT AND SCRUB A LITTLE SPEED BUT FORCED WITH ONLY ENGINE BRAKING AND A VERY OLD ASPHALT ROAD COVERED IN GRAVEL I HAD TO LAY IT DOWN TO STOP…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 17, 2015 · crash

REPLACED REAR TIRE AND NOTICED CRACKS ON HUB FLANGE. WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF ANY BODY ELSE HAD SAME PROBLEM . FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. YEARS 2004-2007. PART WAS REDESIGNED AND REPLACED FROM 2008 THRU PRESENT. WANT TO REPORT BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE MOTORCYCLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FRACTURED WHEEL FLANGE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 2, 2014

2005 BMW R 1200 GS — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 65 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 15 R 1200 GS years. It is one of the R 1200 GS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 R 1200 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (20 complaints), transmission (18 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW R 1200 GS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R 1200 GS years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008. The cleanest record among R 1200 GS years belongs to 2018.

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.