VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median R 1200 RT year — the 2008 model ranks #5 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 56% of all reports (18 of 32), far ahead of brakes at 7.

32

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW R 1200 RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1856%
Brakes722%
Transmission413%
Electrical System13%
Engine13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2008 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.

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.

09V256000BrakesJuly 8, 2009 · 1,535 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 1,535 MY 2007-2009 R1200RT MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO ROUTING AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LINES TO BE UNDER STRAIN. IN COMBINATION WITH VIBRATION DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD DEVELOP A LEAK. THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR COULD DROP RENDERING THE FRONT BRAKES INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT THAT ONLY THE REAR BRAKES WERE OPERATIONAL, SEVERE LOSS OF CONTROL DURING HARD BRAKING COULD RESULT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES WITH NEW FRONT BRAKE LINES, WITH MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2009. 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.

“MOTORCYCLE GAS GAUGE SHOWED HALF FULL WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING, HAD TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC DURING RUSH HOUR TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. BIKE WAS OUT OF GAS....THIS HAS HAPPEN 5 TIMES NOW ( RUNNING OUT OF GAS ).. ONE DAY SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED BECAUSE BMW WILL NOT STEP UP AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 20, 2011

“THE ABS AND REAR BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED. THIS WAS INDICATED BY AN INSTRUMENT PANEL RED WARNING LIGHT, "BRAKE FAILURE". AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE, THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE DID NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED (INTEGRAL BRAKES) AND THE ABS SYSTEM WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE SCANNED CODES STATE THAT THE POWER SUPPLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 15, 2013

“WITH JUST 16124 MILES, MY MOTORCYCLE HAS A FINAL DRIVE RING BEARING FAILURE. THE BMW DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WHEN CONDUCTING THE REAR FLANGE RECALL REPAIR. THIS FAILURE IS SO COMMON THAT IT HAS BECOME ENDEMIC. BMW OFFERS NO HELP WITH THE REPAIR AN OBVIOUS DESIGN ERROR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 28, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R 1200 RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V141000 (WHEELS); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE REMEDY WHICH MENTIONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ALUMINUM REAR WHEEL FLANGE WITH A STEEL ONE. THE DEALER ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 12, 2015

“2008 BMW R1200RT (MOTORCYCLE) ENGINE STALLS WHILE IN OPERATION. THIS OCCURRED 3 OCCASIONS DURING A COMMUTE. FIRST STALL AFTER ACCELERATION. RESTARTED ENGINE. APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD TRAVELING 45 MPH SECOND ENGINE STALL OCCURS. RESTARTED ENGINE.. THIRD ENGINE STALLS OCCURS WITHIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2010

2008 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 2008 model at #5 of 15 R 1200 RT years. It is one of the R 1200 RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (18 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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 2008 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.