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 80% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R 1200 R have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 BMW R 1200 R

○ Not enough data

2008 BMW R 1200 R
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:38.283Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 5
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 5 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	2
2008	5
2009	5
2010	4
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.

Service brakes

4 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

ABS module suddenly quit, rendering the ABS function inoperable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-14

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, 2012-08-20

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Fuel system, gasoline

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 It has been replaced by the dealer multiple occasions.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, 2011-07-02

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, 2010-09-24

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2010-09-20Service brakes, hydraulic10V276000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-11-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-07-22 Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
I
2013-07-12Engineering analysisClosed 2014-01-31 Fuel Leak - Motorycle
R

2014-04-16Fuel system, gasoline13V617000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-05-07Wheels15V141000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW R 1200 R — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10V276000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 13V617000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 15V141000 · Wheels

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 80% 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.