1998 BMW K1200RS
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 19990217
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, 19980919
MASSIVE LEAKING OF GASOLINE FROM TANK APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO HOT WEATHER AND EXPANSION OF GASKET INTERFACE BETWEEN TANK BLADDER AND FUEL PUMP, REPAIR WORK ON TANK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980822
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
(NOTE THAT THE INCIDENT DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE REPORTED ARE APPROXIMATE.) WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE TWO ABS WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH PANEL FLASHED ALTERNATELY AS THEY NORMALLY DO UPON ENGINE START-UP, BUT DID NOT STOP FLASHING ONCE THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120423
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
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, 20120413
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 REMO
Campaign 97V134000 — check if this car was fixed
REDUCED CLUTCH AND BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS
FUEL TANK LEAK
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 TANK
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP-TO-TANK GASKET.
Campaign 98V258000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ASSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEALING PLUGS WITH A STAINLESS STEEL PLUG DESIGN.
Campaign 00V266000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PR
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.
Campaign 00V264000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 BMW K1200RS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V134000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V258000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V266000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V264000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW K1200RS have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.