2005 BMW K1200 S recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel…
What could happen: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V471000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
What could happen: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS M…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06V164000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
Consequence: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
What could happen: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V488000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ROUTING OF THE INTEGRAL ANTI-LOCK-BRAKE SYSTEM (IABS) SENSOR CABLE IF SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE MOTORCYCLE, FOR EXAMPLE, A FRONT TIRE CHANGE.
What could happen: THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH, AND RUB AGAINST, THE FRONT BRAKE DISK. IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO THE IABS SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V363000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ROUTING OF THE INTEGRAL ANTI-LOCK-BRAKE SYSTEM (IABS) SENSOR CABLE IF SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE MOTORCYCLE, FOR EXAMPLE, A FRONT TIRE CHANGE.
Consequence: THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH, AND RUB AGAINST, THE FRONT BRAKE DISK. IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO THE IABS SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
5. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, FREQUENT SHORT TRIPS PARTICULARLY DURING COLD TEMPERATURES, CAN CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE OIL TANK, AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESCAPING WATER VAPOR CAN CONDENSE ON THE OIL TANK AIR BLEED VALVE. IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND BLOCK THE AIR BLEED VALVE.
What could happen: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE OIL TANK COULD CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE REAR TIRE. AN OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE. OIL ON THE REAR TIRE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW OIL TANK CAP CONTAINING A VALVE TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURE IN THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V066000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, FREQUENT SHORT TRIPS PARTICULARLY DURING COLD TEMPERATURES, CAN CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE OIL TANK, AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESCAPING WATER VAPOR CAN CONDENSE ON THE OIL TANK AIR BLEED VALVE. IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND BLOCK THE AIR BLEED VALVE.
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE OIL TANK COULD CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE REAR TIRE. AN OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE. OIL ON THE REAR TIRE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW OIL TANK CAP CONTAINING A VALVE TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURE IN THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2005 BMW K1200 S owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (7), Brakes (3), Engine (3), Gasoline (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/31/2025 · Electrical system · crash
*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system was (off) not operating and…
06/24/2019 · Fuel system
MY MOTORCYCLE IS LEAKING GASOLINE SOMEWHERE. I CAN'T LEAVE IT IN THE GARAGE DUE TO THE STRONG GAS SMELL. I'VE REMOVED THE FAIRING, BUT STILL CAN'T FIND WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM.
11/08/2016 · Brakes
ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7TH I WAS RIDING MY 2005 BMW K1200S ON A ROUNDTRIP FROM LITTLE ROCK, AR TO PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES FROM HOME ON HWY 300 NEAR THE LITTLE ITALY TOWNSHIP I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE/ABS FAILURE WHILE TRAIL BRAKING THROUGH A TURN. THIS IS A ROAD WITH SEVERAL STEEP AND TIGHT HAIRPIN TURNS AND VERY LIMITED/NON-EX…
07/31/2014 · Brakes
RIDING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT TURNED YELLOW, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP USING THE HANDBRAKE. BRAKING WAS NEARLY NONEXISTENT AND IMMEDIATELY A RED WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ACCOMPANIED BY A BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT. THE FOOT BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION AS WELL. AT THIS POINT THE LIGHT WAS TURNING RED AND I HAD NO CHANCE OF DOWNSHIFTING TO USE E…
05/26/2014 · Fuel system
APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE BIKE I WAS RIDING WHEN I SMELLED GASOLINE, MY LEFT LEG FELT WET AND I RETURNED TO THE HOUSE. GASOLINE PUDDLED UNDER THE BIKE LEAKING FROM BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE BIKE. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATED THIS WAS PROBABLY THE FUEL TANK QUICK DISCONNECT FAILING. IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE BMW BLOGS. I THEN…
12/19/2013 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK STARTED LEAKING FUEL ENOUGH TO DRIP ALL OVER ENGINE AND EXHAUST. WAS ABLE TO STOP BIKE BEFORE FIRE STARTED. BROUGHT BIKE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS ABLE TO REPLACE. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING UNDER PRESSURE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUES WITH ALL OF THE 2005-2008 BMW K1200S MOTORCYCLES. BMW DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FILLED…
10/23/2013 · Fuel system
FUEL FLANGE LEAK...PLEASE SEE COMPLAINT # 10549250 FOR DETAILS. THANK YOU *TR
01/30/2013 · Steering · crash
THE DRIVER LOST STEERING ON A CURVE AND RAN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT HIS HEAD ON A MAILBOX POST. *TR