2005 BMW R1200 RT
Only 22 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 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 22 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 31 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
9 of 22 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 BMW R1200. When the contact attempted to start the cycle, it failed and fuel was leaking from the front. There were no warning indicators illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-15
This failure is not limited to the 2005 BMW R1200RT. The same fuel pump is used from 2005-2009 in the RT1200RT and R1200GS.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-08
Fuel tank quick disconnect cracked spilling fuel while riding.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-22
Fuel system, gasoline
5 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Power train
4 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and axle shaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Final drive failures are becoming all too common on BMW motorcycles manufactured from 2005 on. BMW is taking a nonchalant attitude in its replacement of these units.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-12
Service brakes
2 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS modulator failed. $3500 repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-19
Visibility
1 of 22 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing rearview mirrors/devices.
Show complaint excerpts
Rearview mirrors on BMW R1200RT motorcycle are inadequate. View is 75-80% blocked by hands and rear saddlebags.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-07-26
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2005-05-10Engine and engine cooling05V172000 On certain motorcycles, exposure of the throttle housing to road debris could fall and become caught between the throttle-body and the engine block.
Remedy: Dealers will install a cover over the throttle-cable pulley free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2005. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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R
2006-06-05Service brakes, hydraulic06V134000 On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the ABS sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled…
Remedy: Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the ABS sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. The recall began on June 5, 2006, and will…
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I
2012-11-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-07-22 Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
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I
2013-07-12Engineering analysisClosed 2014-01-31 Fuel Leak - Motorycle
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 BMW R1200 RT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V172000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 06V134000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 20V471000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2005 BMW R1200 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 2005 BMW R1200 RT?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 BMW R1200 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.