VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW R 1200 RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1659%
Speed Control27%
Electrical System27%
Lighting27%
Engine27%
Transmission14%
Other14%
Suspension14%

Does the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V060000Fuel SystemFebruary 8, 2021 · 20,963 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SPONTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF A COPIOUS FUEL LEAK AFTER STARTING BIKE, SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE ORIGINATING FROM FUEL PUMP AROUND HIGH PRESSURE FITTING. VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO, AS FUEL DRIPS CLOSE TO HOT ENGINE. I ASKED AROUND AND APPARENTLY IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE. HARD TO BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 15, 2020

“THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED 4 TIMES. THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH CONTROLS THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AND NUMEROUS OTHER ITEMS. THE FOUR FAILURES HAVE INCLUDED FAILURE OF THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH TWICE, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TWICE, THE HORN ONCE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 20, 2011

“THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED 4 TIMES. THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH CONTROLS THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AND NUMEROUS OTHER ITEMS. THE FOUR FAILURES HAVE INCLUDED FAILURE OF THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH TWICE, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TWICE, THE HORN ONCE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 20, 2011

“THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED 4 TIMES. THE LEFT COMBINATION SWITCH CONTROLS THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AND NUMEROUS OTHER ITEMS. THE FOUR FAILURES HAVE INCLUDED FAILURE OF THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH TWICE, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TWICE, THE HORN ONCE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 20, 2011

“THE COMBINATION ENGINE RUN / START SWITCH DOES NO ENGAGE IN THE RUN POSITION DURING HOT DAYS, THUS NOT ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO START. AFTER COOLING THE SWITCH DOWN WITH AN INSTANT COOLING COMPOUND (IN THIS CASE SUPERFREEZE 2000 FROM LEONARD INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY) THE SWITCH WOULD ENGAGE, BUT THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2014

2011 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (16 complaints), speed control (2 complaints), lighting (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.