VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median R 1200 RT year — the 2009 model ranks #3 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 49% of all reports (20 of 41), far ahead of transmission at 8.

41

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

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

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2049%
Transmission820%
Electrical System37%
Speed Control25%
Engine25%
Brakes25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2009 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.

“2009 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE WITH 50,482 MILES. THROTTLE CABLE PULLEYS/CAMS BOTH SHOWING SIGNS OF MULTIPLE CRACKS. ONCE THEY CRACK COMPLETELY, THE MOTORCYCLE BECOMES UNRIDEABLE AND MUST BE TOWED. THROTTLE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AND MOTORCYCLE JUST RETURNS TO IDLE. MUST EITHER REPLACE ENTIRE THROTTLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 28, 2021

“2009 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE REAR BEARING FAILURE THAT LED TO A FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. At highway speed, heard clicking noise from rear of bike. While parked on center stand and spinning rear wheel, heard a terrible grinding sound. Who knows what would have happened had I not exited when I did. This…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 1, 2017

“THE GAS GAUGE SENSOR STRIP STOPS WORKING AND WILL READ THAT YOU HAVE MORE GAS THAN YOU ACTUALLY DO. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE THE RIDER TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND BE STRANDED IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS TO IGNORE THIS PROBLEM ANY LONGER!…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 18, 2012

“TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUTS. DISCOVERED LEFT AND RIGHT THROTTLE BODY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT DUE TO CABLE CAMS ARE BROKEN. BOUGHT THIS BIKE FOR PARTS. CHOSE TO FIX IT UP GIVEN LOW MILEAGE. LOOKS LIKE PLASTIC CAM FRACTURES FREQUENTLY. LUCKY I FOUND OUT BEFORE I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 2, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW R 1200 RT. THE CONTACT STATED UPON MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, THE MOTORCYCLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE HIMSELF. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS THEN RIDDEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 25, 2020

2009 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2009 model at #3 of 15 R 1200 RT years. It is one of the R 1200 RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (20 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

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

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.