Is the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT 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 RT?

The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

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

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 BMW R 1200 RT

○ Not enough data

2008 BMW R 1200 RT
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:54.709Z

Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 9
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 9 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	1
2005	10
2006	17
2007	21
2008	9
2009	23
2010	5
2011	10
2012	11
2013	6
2014	6
2015	2
2016	1

Known problem areas

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel/propulsion system

4 of 9 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Show complaint excerpts

The bike is a 2008 BMW R1200RT. The throttle bodies for each cylinder has a plastic cam that is the point of attachment for the throttle cable. That plastic cam broke and completely detached from the bike.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-12

My forth vehicle with throttle body cams that are cracked and broken on both sides. No symptoms or warning lights of a problem that could have lead to a catastrophic failure, total engine propulsion failure, breakdown.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-24

This is a two-cylinder engine with an independent throttle body for each cylinder. The throttle is actuated by a cable and pulley which rotate the throttle plate on a shaft. The pulley is attached to the shaft with molded plastic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-04

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

Cracked fuel pump inlet bushing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-30

Fuel control housing cracked and leaked fuel all over the place including my leg. While under pressure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-21

Wheels

1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200 RT motorcycle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-18

Service brakes

1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

The ABS and rear braking system failed. This was indicated by an instrument panel red warning light, "Brake failure".

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-02

Power train

1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

I am writing in response to your investigation concerning BMW motorcycle final drive failures and wish provide supporting information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-08

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 RT — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel/propulsion system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
Wheels: 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 RT 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 RT?: The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT 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.