MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW K1200RS

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW K1200RS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:22.096Z

Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
6

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 6 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 2002: 18 complaints 2002
1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 6 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 2002: 18 complaints 2002
1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 6 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 2002: 18 complaints 2002

1998: 6 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19971
19986
19992
20004
20017
200218

Known problem areas

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

4 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Recall 14401 from oct. 14, 1988. This vehicle was fixed under warranty in 2001 under this recall. It failed again recently and fuel started leaking. The parts to do the remedy are no longer available per my dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-13

Motorcycle had the original and replaced gas tanks develop leaks. About one gallon per hour. No accident, but close. Almost caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17

Motorcycle parked in 90 degree garare after ride. One half hour later gas puddle 3' in diameter under bike dripping from tank onto hot engine then hot exhaust and garage filled with vapors. No smell of fuel when parking, sudden failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-19

Service brakes

1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Power train

1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-08-11Service brakes, hydraulic97V134000 Vehicle description: motorcycles. The adjusting screw for the pressure point of either the brake or clutch levers may not be sufficiently tight, due to grease contamination of the threads.

    Remedy: Dealers will check the adjustment screws of the front brake and clutch levers for movement. If the screws are tight, no further action will be taken. If a screw is found to be loose, it will be…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1997-11-14SQClosed 1997-12-22 Reduced clutch and brake effectiveness
  3. I
    1998-08-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-10-15 Fuel tank leak
  4. R
    1998-12-30Fuel system, gasoline98V258000 Vehicle description: motorcycles. During extended operation in high ambient temperature conditions, the area of the pump mounting surface of the fuel tank can deform, forming a gap between the…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump-to-tank gasket.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2000-10-12Engine and engine cooling00V266000 Vehicle description: motorcycles. The cylinder head contains two sealing plugs covering holes in the area near the spark plugs. One or both plugs may not have been fully seated during vehicle…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the sealing plugs with a stainless steel plug design.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2000-10-13Engine and engine cooling00V264000 Vehicle description: motorcycles. A spring-loaded thermostatic element in the oil thermostat housing is held in place by a cover that is retained by a snap ring. The snap ring may not have been…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the snap ring installation and if the snap ring is not fully seated, the complete oil pump intermediate flange will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 BMW K1200RS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V134000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 98V258000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 00V266000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 00V264000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 BMW K1200RS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW K1200RS?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW K1200RS have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.