VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW R 1200 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2006 BMW R 1200 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 10 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other R 1200 GS years?

R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 GS years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System660%
Tires & Wheels220%
Brakes110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2006 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

10 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.

17E052000LightingAugust 21, 2017 · 9,000 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. 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.

09V319000Fuel SystemAugust 7, 2009 · 4,839 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JANUARY 2008. THE SEALING OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT HOUSING MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT AND WATER COULD INTRUDE INTO THE CONTROL UNIT HOUSING CREATING A HUMID ATMOSPHERE. UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP COULD CORRODE AND THEN FAIL.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP WILL CAUSE INADEQUATE FUEL TO REACH THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING. A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

08V254000BrakesJune 5, 2008 · 4,922 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 4,922 MY 2007-2008 R1200R, MY 2006-2007 R1200 GS, MY 2007 R1200 ST, AND MY 2008 R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINES COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK. IF THE LEAK BECAME SIGNIFICANT, BRAKE FLUID COULD ESCAPE. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR OF THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM COULD DROP.

Consequence

IF FLUID LEVEL DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES WITH A MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

06V486000Tires & WheelsDecember 21, 2006 · 144 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE TIRE INFLATION VALVE HOLE IN THE RIM OF THE CROSS-SPOKE WHEEL WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPM) WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED. A LEAK MAY DEVELOP AT THIS LOCATION POSSIBLY CAUSING SUDDEN DEFLATION OF THE TIRE.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, MOTORCYCLE HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEMPORARILY DEACTIVATE THE TPM SYSTEM, REMOVE THE CORRESPONDING VALVES AND INTEGRAL TPM SENSORS, AND THEN REPLACE THEM WITH STANDARD VALVES. WHEN A PERMANENT REPAIR IS AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REACTIVATION OF THE TPM SYSTEM AND REPLACEMENT OF THE INTEGRAL TPM SENSORS AND VALVES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.

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.

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.

06V104000TransmissionApril 4, 2006 · 453 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLUTCH COMPONENTS COULD BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, THE COMPONENTS COULD EXIT THROUGH THE ENGINE CASTING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CLUTCH COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. ALL MOTORCYCLES ARE LOCATED AT DEALERS. NO MOTORCYCLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

WITH TURNING ON THE KEY, FUEL LEAKED OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE LEAK COMES FROM THE FUEL LINE ATTACHMENT TO THE FUEL PUMP MOUNT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL SPRAYS OUT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP MOUNT WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED ON. THE PLASTIC CONNECTION IN THE FUEL LINE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 12, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW R 1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL CARRIER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FLANGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 13, 2014

THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY/SWINGARM IS DESCRIBED BY BMW AS "MAINTENANCE FREE," MEANING THAT THE OIL LEVEL IN THE REAR SWING-ARM CANNOT BE CHECKED OR REFILLED. MY MOTORCYCLE HAS DEVELOPED AN OIL LEAK FROM SAID ASSEMBLY, AND HAS BEEN SLOWLY LEAKING FOR THE LAST 10,000+ MILES. IF THE OIL LEVEL DROPS LOW…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 17, 2010

HAND GUARD ROTATED INTO A POSITION THAT RESTRICTED THE BRAKE LEVER FROM FULLY DISENGAGING THE BRAKES. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKES TO OPERATE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN MOTION. THE OPERATOR NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE SLIGHTLY ENGAGED (DUE TO THE NOISE OF THE BRAKE SERVOS) EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE LEVER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 26, 2008

2006 BMW R 1200 GS — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 10 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 R 1200 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 2006 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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 2006 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.