VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW R 1200 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median R 1200 GS year — the 2009 model ranks #3 of 15 R 1200 GS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 51% of all reports (20 of 39), far ahead of transmission at 6.

39

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other R 1200 GS years?

R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW R 1200 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2051%
Electrical System615%
Transmission615%
Suspension25%
Engine25%
Other13%
Speed Control13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

5 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.

10V276000BrakesJune 18, 2010 · 15,532 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence

IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES, CONTAINING A "SLEEVE" ALONG A PORTION OF THE LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 7, 2023 · fire

“REFER TO ODI NO. 10439549/CAMPAIGN DP12001. DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND MOTORCYCLE REAR TIRE BEGAN TO DRIFT UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOVE SIDEWAYS. PULLED OVER EXIT AND FOUND FINAL DRIVE (DIFFERENTIAL), BRAKE AND REAR TIRE COVERED IN OIL. DISASSEMBLY REVEALED FAILED BALL BEARING (CAGE HAD DISINTEGRATED)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 8, 2013

“The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 7, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR FINAL DRIVE BEARING BECAME SEPARATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE REAR FINAL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 30, 2013

“The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 7, 2023 · fire

2009 BMW R 1200 GS — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2009 model at #3 of 15 R 1200 GS years. It is one of the R 1200 GS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 R 1200 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (20 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.