VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median R 1200 RT year — the 2005 model ranks #4 of 15 R 1200 RT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 61% of all reports (22 of 36), far ahead of transmission at 4.

36

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted61 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 36 complaints2006: 61 complaints2007: 60 complaints2008: 32 complaints2009: 41 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 13 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 3 complaints
R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2261%
Transmission411%
Brakes38%
Body & Structure26%
Engine26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT 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.

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200 RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS. HE NOTICED GASOLINE DRIPPING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND HIS PANTS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL CHECK VALVE COVER HIMSELF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL VALVE COVER FAILING DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 26, 2008

“FINAL DRIVE FAILURES ARE BECOMING ALL TOO COMMON ON BMW MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM 2005 ON. BMW IS TAKING A NONCHALANT ATTITUDE IN ITS REPLACEMENT OF THESE UNITS. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD A FAILURE, IF YOU WILL LOOK TO ANY OF THE FORUMS YOU WILL FIND NUMEROUS INCIDENTS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 12, 2007

“2005 BMW R 1200 RT REAL WHEEL FLANGE CRACKED THIS FLANGE SUPPORTS THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE DISC AND ALSO THE REAR WHEEL ITSELF COMPLETE FAILURE OF THIS FLANGE WOULD RESULT IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 7, 2012

“CRACKED THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTIONS TO BOTH THROTTLE BODY THROTTLE CONTROL SHAFTS. IF THIS FAILS, THE THROTTLES RETURN TO IDLE WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL. I NEED TO REPAIR PRIOR TO TRAVEL USE TO AVOID THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 24, 2021

“2005 BMW R 1200 RT REAL WHEEL FLANGE CRACKED THIS FLANGE SUPPORTS THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE DISC AND ALSO THE REAR WHEEL ITSELF COMPLETE FAILURE OF THIS FLANGE WOULD RESULT IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 7, 2012

2005 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2005 model at #4 of 15 R 1200 RT years. It is one of the R 1200 RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (22 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. 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 RT under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW R 1200 RT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R 1200 RT years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2009, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among R 1200 RT years belongs to 2016.

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.