2008 BMW R 1200 R
Only 5 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 5 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 |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS MODULE SUDDENLY QUIT, RENDERING THE ABS FUNCTION INOPERABLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20140614
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120820
2 of 5 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
MY 2008 BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE FUEL GAUGE CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION OR DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110702
THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS FUEL REMAINING AND THE WARNING LIGHT IS NOT ON AND THE ENGINE RUNS OUT OF FUEL AND DIES WITH NO WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED TO MY BIKE AND TO MY SISTERS BIKE. MY FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AFTER I RAN OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100924
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120820
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS FUEL REMAINING AND THE WARNING LIGHT IS NOT ON AND THE ENGINE RUNS OUT OF FUEL AND DIES WITH NO WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED TO MY BIKE AND TO MY SISTERS BIKE. MY FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AFTER I RAN OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100924
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 P
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
Campaign 10V276000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
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 m
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
Campaign 13V617000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V141000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW R 1200 R — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V276000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V617000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V141000 (wheels) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW R 1200 R 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 2008 BMW R 1200 R?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R 1200 R have?
3 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.