2012 Bmw R 1200 RT problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
20,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 11 complaints (18.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 18.2% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 9.1% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 9.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Engine: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal: 1; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2012: 1; 2013: 2; 2017: 1; 2019: 2; 2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11013128 · 2017-08-06 (August 6, 2017)
FINAL DRIVE FAILURE ON BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE REAR WHEEL CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILED. OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR WHEEL SEAL BECAUSE OF THE BEARING FAILURE . OIL FROM THE FINAL DRIVE SATURATED THE REAR BRAKE RENDERING IT USELESS. INSPECTION OF THE WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY REVEALED THAT THE REAR WHEEL/FINAL DRIVE SEAL WAS LEAKING. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE FINAL DRIVE WAS REPAIRED/REBUILT BY BMW AUTHORIZED MECHANICS SHOP.
Owner-reported narrative. 36,391 miles reported. Look up ODI 11013128 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11634105 · 2025-01-04 (January 4, 2025)
Front brakes- Front brake lever will not pull in (hard to pull) front brakes do not work, was unable to stop, rear brakes limited and was unable to stop through intersection.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11634105 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10464658 · 2012-07-09 (July 9, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER STOPPED AND IN FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AS OFTEN AS ONCE A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464658 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11419962 · 2021-06-07 (June 7, 2021)
The contact owns a 2012 BMW R1200 RT motorcycle. The contact stated that the handlebars loosened and were not secured. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the steering head bearing failure was undetermined. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11419962 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11171018 · 2019-01-20 (January 20, 2019)
FUEL LEAK AT THE FUEL PUMP QUICK DISCONNECT. THE DISCONNECT IS LEAKING AS WELL AS THE FUEL PUMP NECK. IT HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON AND THE PUMP COMES ON, PUTTING PRESSURE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 8,664 miles reported. Look up ODI 11171018 at NHTSA ↗