Is the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure 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 R1200 GS Adventure?

The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure

○ Not enough data

2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:12.717Z

Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 13
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 13 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	2
2007	16
2008	13
2009	0
2010	1
2011	0
2015	4
2016	0
2017	3
2018	1

Known problem areas

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel/propulsion system

5 of 13 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Service brakes

3 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes.

Power train

3 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline.

Show complaint excerpts

2006 gs 1200 BMW motorcycles,lt models also. Motorcycles have seals that are failing on final drive (Rear end of cycle where rear tire mounts) this causes gear lube to escape onto rear tire and brake rotor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-25

Electrical system

2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I was riding on the central freeway on the bay bridge approach when I began to feel heat on my left inner thigh. I also noticed a burning rubber or plastic smell.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-02

Also filed under Structure and seats

Structure

1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2008-08-01Power train08V290000 BMW is recalling 46 my 2008 R1200 R, R1200 GS, and R1200 GS Adventure motorcycles. Due to a material defect in the intermediate shaft of the transmission, the shaft could break. If this occurred…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the gearbox. The recall began during August 2008. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-331-1117.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-08-01Service brakes, hydraulic08V254000 BMW is recalling 4,922 my 2007-2008 R1200R, my 2006-2007 R1200 GS, my 2007 R1200 ST, and my 2008 R1200 GS Adventure motorcycles. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install new brake lines with a modified routing free of charge. The recall began during August 2008. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-10-26Electrical system09V129000 BMW is recalling model year 2008 R1200 GS and R1200 GS Adventure motorcycles. In certain situations, such as high generator speeds combined with large demands for electrical current, spurious…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

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

2017-10-25Exterior lighting17E052000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-01-18Fuel system, gasoline20V471000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V290000 · Power train
Recall 08V254000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 09V129000 · Electrical system
Recall 17E052000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 20V471000 · Fuel system, gasoline

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure 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 R1200 GS Adventure?: The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure have?: 5 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.