2009 BMW R 1200 RT
Only 23 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 23 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 23 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
12 of 23 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
2009 BMW R1200RT motorcycle with 50,482 miles. Throttle cable pulleys/cams both showing signs of multiple cracks. Once they crack completely, the motorcycle becomes unrideable and must be towed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-28
Riding on the interstate with traffic, the fuel gauge began acting erratically, showing more fuel, then less fuel for a few miles before the motorcycle ran out of fuel, almost causing a crash as the engine quit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-19
The digital strip fuel gauge simply froze in the full position, it no longer registers nor does the miles remaining digital readout.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-20
Also filed under Electrical system
Power train
4 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and driveline.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW R1200 rt motorcycle. The contact stated that the rear wheel locked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered that the drive shaft had exploded. The para lever and boot were destroyed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-27
Service brakes
2 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.
Engine
2 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Technician found that the engine does not respond to throttle inputs. Discovered left and right throttle body require replacement due to cable cams are broken. Bought this bike for parts. Chose to fix it up given low mileage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-02
The throttle bodies on this motorcycle are cable-actuated, with plastic pulleys molded onto the throttle spindles. These plastic pulleys were severely cracked and I have replaced them (I still have the old parts).
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-10
Electrical system
2 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Side stand interlock switch failure on a 2009 BMW R1200RT motorcycle. The switch is designed to prevent the motorcycle from being driven with the side stand in the down position.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-10-15
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 BMW R 1200 RT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports 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 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200 RT?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.