Illustration (AI-generated) of a 2012 BMW K 1200 / K 1300 S, R, GT, not a photo of a specific motorcycle. Free to use under CC BY 4.0: credit The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Download and credit text
BMW K 1200 / K 1300 S, R, GT.
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2005 to 2015 models.
292owner complaints
13recalls
4%involved a crash, fire or injury
8,600typical miles at complaint
BMW K 1200 / K 1300 S, R, GT years to avoid. The model years with the most complaints filed with NHTSA.
2009106 complaints
90 of 106 describe the engine stalling, often when slowing down or pulling in the clutch.
1 reported a crash.
Recall 10V488000 (suspension): The bearings could be subject to corrosion.
Recall 09V471000 (engine and engine cooling): Poor fuel quality may lead to small deposits within the throttle bodies.
After 2009, no model year drew more than 22.
Fewest complaints on file: 2011 (6), 2012 (4), 2015 (2). Few complaints is not a clean bill of health, just fewer owners filing.
What each year's complaints describe comes from reading their text. These are counts, not rates: there are no sales figures per motorcycle model year. A complaint is not proof of a defect.
Popular years get more complaints just because more were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect them. There are no U.S. sales figures by motorcycle model year, so these are counts, not rates.
What owners complain about. Share of complaints.
fuel system36%
engine34%
brakes16%
transmission & drivetrain12%
electrical10%
Recalls 13
Fuel System, Gasoline 2020
This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable.
Wheels 2015
In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2013
In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Show all 13
Suspension 10V488000
The bearings could be subject to corrosion.
Engine And Engine Cooling 09V471000
Poor fuel quality may lead to small deposits within the throttle bodies.
Electrical System 09V384000
The switches on the handlebars for both the direction indicator and the emergency engine off/engine-start functions may fail.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 09V202000
In certain riding conditions involving increased vibration, the brake fluid in the front reservoir can foam.
Steering 08V342000
It is possible for the coating to separate from the inside face of the steering damper housing.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 08V245000
The fasteners used to secure the front brake-disc may not be long enough to ensure a secure mounting.
Engine And Engine Cooling 08V239000
A set screw may not have been installed at its specific location within the oil duct.
Engine And Engine Cooling 07V066000
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 ble…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 06V164000
On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of ABS capability could temporarily occur.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 05V363000
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific bike's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Specs The maker's claimed figures for a representative year. ~ means approximate.
BMW K 1200 / K 1300 S, R, GT
2005–2016
173 (K 1300 S) hpClaimed crank figure
Engine
1,293 cc liquid-cooled inline-four, laid forward (1,157 cc K 1200)BMW K inline-four family
Torque
103 lb-ftclaimed
Weight
~562 lbwet or curb, as the maker quotes it
Seat height
32.3 in
Price new
~$17,000 (2012 K 1300 S)base U.S. MSRP before destination, approximate
From the makers' U.S. spec sheets (the EU sheet for horsepower where the U.S. one leaves it out), checked against a sample on Nov 11; years and versions differ.
Filed as: K1300 S, K1200 GT, K1300 GT, K1200 S, K 1200 GT. Source: NHTSA owner complaints (model years 2000-2026) and recalls. Every motorcycle