2009 BMW R1200 RT recalls and problems

The 2009 BMW R1200 RT has 2 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 BMW R1200 RT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 BMW R1200 RT recalls

Recall 20V-471: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 10, 2020 · 16,926 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Recall 09V-256: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 8, 2009 · 1,535 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: 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 vibration during riding, the brake lines could develop a leak. The level of fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir could drop rendering the front brakes inoperative.

Risk: In the event that only the rear brakes were operational, severe loss of control during hard braking could result. This could result in a serious crash.

Fix: 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 1-800-831-1117.

2009 BMW R1200 RT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Power Train4
Electrical System1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Wheels1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 26,422 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 BMW R1200 RT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 2 miles · reported Jan 29, 2019
After entering the interstate fuel began spewing from the upper left fairing area. I pulled off and shut it down. I couldn't tell where it originated from. It didn't appear any longer so I decided to return home, about 2 miles. Upon entering the interstate again fuel spewed out with such force it covered my entire left side and leg. I pulled off asap. A motorist saw me and stopped to help. He was afraid of a fire, as I was, and pulled out an extinguisher. Fuel was everywhere. He helped me tow it home.
Power Train · at 24,564 miles · reported May 10, 2018
Catastrophic failure of the rear differential (Final drive). The drive began making grinding and squealing noises. I then felt the rear wheel loosing traction. I pulled to the shoulder immediately. I noticed at that time a brake failure warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. My rear brake was ineffective. Upon examining the drive area there was gear oil all over the rear brake caliper, disc and rear wheel, including the tire. The final drive was serviced approximately 1200 miles prior to this failure, it had been filled with the correct viscosity oil at the recommended level of…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 37,000 miles · reported May 8, 2018
2014 recall on the fuel pump flange was issued and it was completed at a bmw dealer in june of 2014. Now may 6, 2018 the fuel pump flange has failed spraying fuel over the engine. I contacted the bmw customer service department they informed me that due to the part being over 2 years old and they no longer responsable for the replacement of the part. This is the same issue for the 2014 recall and now it has happened again.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 52,500 miles · reported Sep 17, 2017
The vehicle has 52500 miles. After fueling the motorcycle I attempted to reset the trip odometer in the normal way by turning the throttle to maximum while holding the bc button on the dashboard. Bike was on, engine not running. The plastic pulleys on both throttle bodies snapped suddenly, leaving the throttle body set to full throttle. I verified this by starting the bike. If this pulley failure had happened while in motion it could have resulted in an accident. The throttle body pulleys are not replaceable nor are the throttle bodies serviceable. After a period of time the plastic pulley…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 29,843 miles · reported Jan 10, 2015
When shifting into second gear, the engine speed dropped to idle and I lost all power and the ability to control engine speed. I coasted to the shoulder and had to call for a tow as the bike would only idle. Upon further inspection after I got the bike home, I discovered that the plastic pulleys on the throttle bodies had sheared off. This requires replacement of the throttle bodies. I was shocked to find out the pulleys are plastic. Previous models were metal and most cars/bikes use metal, which would be more resistant to failure. To quote another complaint: "if or when the plastic fails…

Other BMW R1200 RT years

Compare all BMW R1200 RT years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW R1200 RT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 BMW R1200 RT: 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 09V-256 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW R1200 RT?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (7 reports), followed by power train (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 26,422 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.