2008 BMW R1200 GS
Only 18 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 18 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 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 26 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 18 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE, I NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT BOTTOM LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL WAS SPRAYING ON TO MY LEFT LEG SOAKING IT IN FUEL. THE LOCATION OF THE SPRAY WAS DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE FRONT LEFT CYLINDER AND EXHAUST PIPE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120723
4 of 18 total reports mention: power train.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A FREEWAY A SLIGHT VIBRATION WAS FELT WHEN THE SUSPENSION UNLOADED. THE VIBRATION SUDDENLY TURNED IN TO A BUCKING FROM THE BIKE'S REAR AND THE DRIVE SHAFT FROZE, LOCKING THE REAR WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140513
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, IT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARBOX. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
Campaign 08V290000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TH
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.
Campaign 08V254000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SIGNALS
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.
Campaign 09V129000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JANUARY 2008. THE SEALING OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT HOUSING MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT A
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 09V319000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
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.
Campaign 17E052000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V471000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW R1200 GS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V290000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V254000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V129000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V319000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17E052000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V471000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW R1200 GS 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?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS have?
6 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.