2017 Bmw R1200 GS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
14,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 3 complaints (66.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 33.3% |
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 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 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 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 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 (3). 0 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 |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2018: 1; 2020: 1; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11142408 · 2018-10-24 (October 24, 2018)
WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON THE STREET, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE PROBLEM LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MOTORCYCLE THEN PROCEEDS INTO "EMERGENCY OPERATION MODE" WHERE THE RPMS IMMEDIATELY DROP TO 2000 RPMS OR LOWER CAUSING IMMEDIATE DECELERATION. ON A MOTORCYCLE THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD IN TRAFFIC, IN A TURN, OR PASSING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEPARATE TIMES. EACH TIME THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE BMW SHOP FOR REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE SHOP PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE MOTOR…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11142408 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11374290 · 2020-11-12 (November 12, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING 50 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE FRONT BRAKE TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT CALLED TYTLERS CYCLE (2246 MID VALLEY DR, DE PERE, WI 54115, [phone removed]) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAK…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11374290 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11437642 · 2021-10-21 (October 21, 2021)
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of motive power and the motorcycle was going at a slower speed, After an hour the motorcyclist was informed by another rider that the contact needed to pull over because they noticed smoke coming from motorcycle saddle bag due to the bag being next to the fuel pipe on the motorcycle. When the contact pulled over their saddleback was on fire due to the catalytic converter becoming so hot it started to catch the item in the saddleback on fire…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11437642 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V438000 · Suspension:Front
Reported: 2017-07-10 (July 10, 2017)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.
Consequence: If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V481000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-07-28 (July 28, 2017)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗