2005 BMW R1200 RT recalls and problems

The 2005 BMW R1200 RT has 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 BMW R1200 RT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 BMW R1200 RT recalls

Recall 20V-471: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 10, 2020 · 16,926 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-134: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 24, 2006 · 9,260 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: Loss of ABS function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-172: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 27, 2005 · 500 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: On certain motorcycles, exposure of the throttle housing to road debris could fall and become caught between the throttle-body and the engine block.

Risk: This could restrict movement of the throttle-cable pulley that, in turn, could affect throttle operation and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2005 BMW R1200 RT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Power Train4
Visibility1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Structure1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Unknown or Other1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft — 1
  • Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,191 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 BMW R1200 RT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 110,000 miles · reported Oct 6, 2016
Drive shaft u-joint failure riding on interstate 5. Bike started to vibrate and when clutch was depressed, vibration stopped. Released clutch and vibration started again. Depressed clutch again and pulled to side of the road before drive shaft locked up. Pulled back rear boot on final drive and there was smoke coming out of the swing arm shaft. Bmw dealer diagnosed it as a failed u-joint but could not repair unless they removed transmission to remove u-joint stuck on transmission spline. Price for drive shaft alone was $1,100 dollars plus labor to remove transmission.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 169,500 miles · reported Feb 27, 2016
While pulling away from a stop sign the motorcycle increased speed and RPM's in excess of the amount of throttle I was twisting. I immediately pulled in the clutch and released the throttle. The RPM's continued to climb over 4000 and the engine sustained this level. The motorcycle would only return to a normal idle level (1100 RPM) if I forced the throttle closed (Forward twisting motion). This matter could have been very dangerous and life threatening. I delivered the motorcycle to the bmw dealer to have the matter diagnosed. The bmw mechanic advised that the throttle cable pulley's had…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 21,000 miles · reported Nov 11, 2013
After filling my bmw motorcycle with gas I parked it to visit with some other riders. After a short time returned to my bike to find gas running onto the hot engine and pooling on the ground. Left the bike went home got a trailer and took it home. I drained the gas, took the cover off the gas tank and found the quick disconnect on the fuel line cracked allowing fuel to run down the tank and onto the engine.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 49,753 miles · reported Oct 6, 2013
While riding my bmw r1200rt today I started smelling gas. I returned home and put the motorcycle in the garage. It had a very strong gas smell coming from it. I removed the left upper fairing to inspect the fuel pump area. On top of the fuel pump raw gasoline was pooled and leaking down the side of the gas tank towards the left cylinder exhaust pipe near the cylinder head. Thank goodness enough gas had not leaked yet to run all the way down to the exhaust pipe! I turned the key on to energize the electric fuel pump and pressurize the fuel system to see where the gas was leaking from. It is…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 11,750 miles · reported Feb 23, 2013
The fuel strip failed on the motorcycle. This is a well known issue with these motorcycle, even by bmw. This could create a serious safety issue if the fuel quantity depletes on a busy interstate or in a busy intersection.

Other BMW R1200 RT years

Compare all BMW R1200 RT years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 BMW R1200 RT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 BMW R1200 RT: 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-134 (service brakes, hydraulic), 05V-172 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (9 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,191 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.