2008 BMW R1200 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 PER YEAR
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 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 23 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS SERIES OF MOTORCYCLES HAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN THE THROTTLE PULLEYS ON THE THROTTLE BODY. FAILURE OF THIS PLASTIC PART WILL RESULT IN INSTANT LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190422
BIKE DIED ENTERING INTERSECTION. ONLY SPACING AVERTED ACCIDENT. BOUGHT USED LESS THAN ONE WEEK AGO. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED JUST UNDER 1/2 TANK AND 120 MILES TO EMPTY. GAS TANK WAS EMPTY WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120825
5 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS PUMP MOTOR IS FAILING ON MANY OF THE SAME MODEL BIKES AND SOME OTHER 2006-2008 MODEL BMW BIKES WITH LOW MILEAGE, BECAUSE THE BRUSH HOLDERS IN THE ABS ELECTRICAL MOTOR ARE TOO TIGHT AND BRUSHES GET STUCK IN THEM - BAD DESIGN OF THE ABS PUMP...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180924
3 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130812
1 of 23 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
2008 BMW R1200RT WITH UNDER 4,000 MILES OF SERVICE. REAR BRAKE PULSES UNPREDICTABLE UPON APPLICATION. NOT RELATED TO ABS. BMW DEALER ANALYSIS DETERMINED THAT IT IS DUE TO IMPROPER SURFACE TEMPERING OF THE BRAKE DISK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100212
1 of 23 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
2008 BMW R1200RT AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED WITH NO WARNING. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE R1200RT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090722
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING 1,535 MY 2007-2009 R1200RT MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO ROUTING AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LINES TO BE UNDER STRAIN. IN COMBINATION WITH VIBRATI
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES WITH NEW FRONT BRAKE LINES, WITH MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-11
Campaign 09V256000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
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 RT — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V256000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V471000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 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 2008 BMW R1200 RT?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW R1200 RT have?
2 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.