2018 BMW R1200 RT

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine2
2. Power train1

Latest complaints

• Apr 20, 2025CA
  Engine

  Motorcycle stops randomly and goes into Limp Mode . BMW dealer does not seem to be able to fix . This has happened several times on the freeway . very dangerous .

• Aug 11, 2021OR8,690 mi
  Engine · Power train
  The contact owns a 2018 BMW R1200 RT. The contact stated while riding approximately 50 mph, the motorcycle went into a limp mode which resulted in the motorcycle losing power. The motorcycle required a restart to regain functionality. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was…

  The contact owns a 2018 BMW R1200 RT. The contact stated while riding approximately 50 mph, the motorcycle went into a limp mode which resulted in the motorcycle losing power. The motorcycle required a restart to regain functionality. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,690.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11006753Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change
• 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
• 10248094Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models - including retroactively. In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change. This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owners manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert. 1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed. No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have the new maintenance schedule in their owners manual.
• 10236237Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
• 10228448BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.
• 10201170When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
• 10200500The hill start control operation may be sporadic.
• 10200493BMW Motorrad has ascertained that incorrect usage, such as overloading, can result in the threaded fasteners of the center stand losing their initial torque.
• 10200269The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
• 10194316The complaint of leaking telescopic forks is the top warranty claim in many current models,
• 10193514The spring strut coveron the left and the hanfwheel cover on the right come loos very easily when being ridden.
• 10165274Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
• 10165251Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
• 10151430Shift assist does not function after performing SIB 23 001 15 (017) DME software upgrade. This is due to a progrm fault in ISTA/p version 3.56.0.
• 10151395Engine sysmbol stays on after software update. Software error which is resolved with upgrade.
• 10151394Seat heating inadequate. The electrical system incorporates functions which serve to protect the battery and may be interpreted as a failure of the seat heating if any of them are active.
• 10151392BMW Motorrad has determiend in th ecourse of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the gasket of the clutch line.
• 10151297During programming ith ISTA/P software version3.58.2.001. a programming abort occurred. Afterwards the vehicle is inoperative and can no longer be started. Repeated programming is not possible with this tversion. Software bug.
• 10151238BMW Motorrad has determined in the course of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the gasket of the clutch line. A vehicle with high mileage can show signs of gradual impairment of the clutch function. The separating action of the clutch can worsen gradually over a period of time.
• 10149288Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
• 10149276During the course of the quality analysis carried out by BMW Motorrad, it has been determined that for the R 1200 models with the gearshift assistant (SA X222A) OE, a few faulty gearshift assistants have been installed in the production period from 09/02/2016 to 09/05/2016. Over the service life of the vehicle, there can be impairment of functions up to a loss of function of the gearshift assistants. In the case of a loss of function, a gear change (without the gearshift assistant) is possible only with the actuation of the clutch lever.
• 10149274Customer complains about an operating failure on the left or right multifunction switch.
• 10147804After activation of the alarm system, the turn indicators remain on for 1 minute with integration levels higher than k001-15-03-510.

Every BMW R1200 RT model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.