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BMW R 1200 R / R 1250 R / RS (boxer roadsters).

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2007 to 2026 models.

73owner complaints

10recalls

1%involved a crash, fire or injury

6,404typical miles at complaint

BMW R 1200 R / R 1250 R / RS (boxer roadsters) years to avoid. The model years with the most complaints filed with NHTSA.

200714 complaints

5 of 14 describe the fuel gauge reading wrong, some until the bike ran dry.

5 mention a fuel pump problem or a fuel leak.

Recall 20V471000 (fuel system, gasoline): This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable.
Recall 15V141000 (wheels): In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

201312 complaints

9 of 12 describe the fuel gauge (the tank's fuel level strip) reading wrong, some until the bike ran dry.

Recall 21V060000 (fuel system, gasoline): The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Recall 14V065000 (electrical system): Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.

200811 complaints

6 of 11 describe the fuel gauge reading wrong, some until the bike ran dry.

4 mention the ABS.

Recall 20V471000 (fuel system, gasoline): This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable.
Recall 15V141000 (wheels): In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

After 2013, no model year drew more than 4.

Fewest complaints on file: 2015 (1), 2020 (1), 2021 (1). 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.

Every year13 model yearsMost complaints: 2007See every year →ProblemsFuel system74% of complaintsfuel system74%electrical16%engine11%See problems →Recalls & safety10 recallsFree fix at any dealerSee recalls & safety →Specs & enginesEvery versionpower, weight, seat height and priceSee specs →

Complaints by model year.

200714

200811

20097

20104

20116

201210

201312

20151

20164

20201

20211

20221

20261

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 system74%

electrical16%

engine11%

brakes8%

transmission & drivetrain3%

Recalls 10

Fuel System, Gasoline 2021
The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2020
This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable.
Equipment 2017
When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked.

Show all 10

Wheels 15V141000
In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Electrical System 14V065000
Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.
Fuel System, Gasoline 13V617000
In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 10V276000
Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration.
Steering 08V342000
It is possible for the coating to separate from the inside face of the steering damper housing.
Power Train 08V290000
Due to a material defect in the intermediate shaft of the transmission, the shaft could break.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 08V254000
Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, the brake lines could be under strain.

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 R 1200 R / R 1250 R / RS (boxer roadsters)

2007–now

134 hpClaimed crank figure

Engine: 1,254 cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin ShiftCam (1,170 cc before 2019)BMW boxer (GS, RT) family
Torque: 105 lb-ftclaimed
Weight: ~527 lbwet or curb, as the maker quotes it
Seat height: 32.3 in
Price new: ~$15,795 (2019 R 1250 R)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: R 1200 R, R1200 R, R1200 RS, R1200 S, R 1200 R US. Source: NHTSA owner complaints (model years 2000-2026) and recalls. Every motorcycle

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Updated Nov 14, 2026

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