VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 61 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median R 1200 RT year — the 2006 model ranks #1 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 51% of all reports (31 of 61), far ahead of transmission at 16.

61

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

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

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3151%
Transmission1626%
Brakes711%
Speed Control23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Latches & Locks12%
Body & Structure12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

6 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.

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.

“FUEL PUMP AT FUEL LINE CONNECTORS DEVELOPED CRACKS, FUEL LEAKING ALL OVER EXHAUST PIPES, ENGINE AND RIDER. EXTREME FIRE DANGER TO RIDER AND PASSENGER. PRESENTLY VEHICLE IS AT BMW DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT OF COMPLETE FUEL PUMP UNIT AT OWNERS EXPENSE. SHOULD BE RECALLED BY BMW AND FAULTY CRACKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 14, 2011

“AFTER 3500 MILES OF NORMAL USE MY 2006 BMW R1200RT'S REAR WHEEL BEGAN TO COME OFF THE REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY POSING A SAFETY THREAT TO ME. THE MECHANICAL LINK BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND FINAL DRIVE APPARENTLY FAILED CAUSING EXCESS PLAY IN THE REAR WHEEL AND RESULTING IN ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR, POOR HANDLING,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 9, 2006

“WHILE RIDING MY BIKE ON 280 SOUTH, I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, & THE BIKE'S REAR SLID OUT. THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, DUE TO A FAULTY ABS MODULATOR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHICH BMW IS WELL AWARE OF. THEY REFUSE TO HAVE A FACTORY RECALL ON THIS PART. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 8, 2014

“I WAS CRUISING ALONG ON MY BMW R1200 RT AT THE 70MPH SPEED LIMIT WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT FLASHED REPEATEDLY ON THE DASH, ALONG WITH A RED WARNING TRIANGLE. I IMMEDIATELY LOOK FOR THE NEXT EXIT, BUT BEFORE I GET TO THE EXIT, I ENCOUNTER A HEAVY RAIN. WHEN I TRY TO SLOW THE BIKE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 27, 2014

“WHILE CHANGING MY REAR BRAKES, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR SPACER FLANGE THAT ATTACHES THE WHEEL TO THE ROTOR IS CRACKED IN 3 DIFFERENT MOUNTING AREAS. I DO NOT RIDE OFF ROAD OR OTHERWISE ABUSE THE BIKE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 26, 2014

2006 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 61 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 15 R 1200 RT years. It is one of the R 1200 RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (31 complaints), transmission (16 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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 2006 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.