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2005 BMW K1200 S

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 12 of 14 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

3 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2025
Electrical SystemService BrakesCrashInjury

*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system…

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*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system was (off) not operating and as I needed to slow down, the system allowed me to over press/squeeze front power brake lever. Front Power BRAKE turned on and I eminently became a member of The over the Handle Bar's Club. * Woke up in the Hospital with broken Collar Bone, 3 damaged Ribs and a heavy Head Concussion * HPD Officers Report was inadequate

NHTSA ODI #11696711

5,800 miles · Nov 8, 2016
Service Brakes

ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7TH I WAS RIDING MY 2005 BMW K1200S ON A ROUNDTRIP FROM LITTLE ROCK, AR TO PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES FROM HOME ON HWY 300 NEAR THE LITTLE ITALY TOWNSHIP I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE/ABS FAILURE WHILE TRAIL BRAKING THROUGH A TURN. THIS IS A ROAD WITH SEVERAL STEEP AND TIGHT HAIRPIN …

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ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7TH I WAS RIDING MY 2005 BMW K1200S ON A ROUNDTRIP FROM LITTLE ROCK, AR TO PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES FROM HOME ON HWY 300 NEAR THE LITTLE ITALY TOWNSHIP I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE/ABS FAILURE WHILE TRAIL BRAKING THROUGH A TURN. THIS IS A ROAD WITH SEVERAL STEEP AND TIGHT HAIRPIN TURNS AND VERY LIMITED/NON-EXISTENT RUNOFF ROOM. I RAN WIDE ON THE NEXT CORNER AND ENDED UP CROSSING THE DOUBLE YELLOW AND WAS NEARLY HIT BY AN ONCOMING CAR. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO USE THE GEARBOX TO DOWNSHIFT AND USED ENGINE BRAKING TO SLOW MY MOTORCYCLE DOWN TO A SAFE (ALREADY BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT) SPEED. I PULLED OVER ONCE I CAME TO A SHORT STRAIGHT SECTION OF HWY 300 THAT HAD A SHOULDER. I TURNED MY MOTORCYCLE OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON, BUT BRAKING POWER WAS NOT RESTORED. I CALLED A CLOSE FRIEND TO BRING A TRAILER AND WE TOWED MY MOTORCYCLE BACK TO MY GARAGE. I HAVE BEEN A RIDER FOR 30 YEARS AND HAVE OWNED MANY TYPES/BRANDS OF MOTORCYCLES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER LOST BRAKING POWER ON ANY MOTORCYCLE. THIS IS UNSAFE AND UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS ALSO A SHAME BECAUSE THIS IS A HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE SADDLED WITH AN INCREDIBLY UNSAFE BRAKING/ABS SYSTEM. I COULD NOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SELL THIS MOTORCYCLE TO SOMEONE ELSE AT THIS POINT WITH THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I SHOULD NOTE THAT MY 2005 BMW K1200S WAS BOUGHT AT A BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALER IN BENTONVILLE, AR IN MARCH, 2016. THE MOTORCYCLE HAD 4,300 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IT WAS SOLD ORIGINALLY/SERVICED BY THE SAME DEALER. THE MOTORCYCLE CURRENTLY HAS A TOTAL OF 5,800 MILES ON IT. I HAVE INCLUDED BELOW A PICTURE OF THE MOTORCYCLE IN THE CONDITION I BOUGHT IT BACK IN MARCH, 2016. AS YOU CAN SEE THIS WAS/IS NOT AN ABUSED MOTORCYCLE. I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND WHY BMW MOTORRAD USA HAS NOT INSTITUTED SOME SORT OF RECALL/BUY-BACK PROGRAM FOR THESE MOTORCYCLES.

NHTSA ODI #10924990

21,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Service Brakes

RIDING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT TURNED YELLOW, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP USING THE HANDBRAKE. BRAKING WAS NEARLY NONEXISTENT AND IMMEDIATELY A RED WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ACCOMPANIED BY A BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT. THE FOOT BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION AS WELL. AT THIS POINT THE LIGHT WAS TURNING RED AND I HAD NO CH…

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RIDING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT TURNED YELLOW, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP USING THE HANDBRAKE. BRAKING WAS NEARLY NONEXISTENT AND IMMEDIATELY A RED WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ACCOMPANIED BY A BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT. THE FOOT BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION AS WELL. AT THIS POINT THE LIGHT WAS TURNING RED AND I HAD NO CHANCE OF DOWNSHIFTING TO USE ENGINE BRAKING, SO MY ONLY HOPE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WAS TO DOWNSHIFT AND PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. I HAD LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY ON A MOTORCYCLE WHILE TRAVELING OVER 40MPH IN A HEAVY TRAFFIC AREA. ONLY BY PURE LUCK WAS THERE NO ACCIDENT. AFTER TRAILERING THE MOTORCYCLE HOME, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2005-2007 BMW MOTORCYCLES THAT USE THE INTEGRAL ABS PRESSURE MODULATOR PART# 34517698296. IT IS SO COMMON THAT THERE ARE COMPANIES THAT ADVERTISE REBUILDING THAT PART, AND SCRAP YARDS ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS PART AND ADVERTISE IT ON THEIR WEBSITES. SEARCHING "K1200 BRAKE FAILURE" YIELDS AN ASTOUNDING NUMBER OF FORUM POSTS WITH OWNERS EXPERIENCE ERRATIC BRAKING PROBLEMS. UNFORTUNATELY, BMW HAS NOT RECALLED OR REDESIGNED THIS PART, SO I HAVE TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART THAT POTENTIAL MIGHT FAIL AGAIN AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE SEVERE IMPLICATIONS OF BRAKE FAILURES ON ANY VEHICLE CANNOT BE UNDERMINED. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE POSSIBLY HAS, AND LIKELY WILL CAUSE SEVERE AND/OR FATAL ACCIDENTS TO NOT ONLY THE MOTORCYCLE RIDER, BUT OTHERS. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BMW REGARDING THIS MATTER, AND THEY HAVE YET TO COMMENT ON IT. I HAVE AN OPEN CORRESPONDENCE WITH THEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A REDESIGN AND A RECALL OF THESE MOTORCYCLES IMMEDIATELY SO THIS PROBLEM MAY BE ADDRESSED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617881

Official recalls

5

20V471000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 10, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

10V488000 · Suspension:rear

Oct 8, 2010

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

07V066000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Feb 23, 2007

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 BLEED VALVE. IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND BLOCK THE AIR BLEED VALVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE OIL TANK COULD CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE REAR TIRE. AN OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE. OIL ON THE REAR TIRE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW OIL TANK CAP CONTAINING A VALVE TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURE IN THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

06V164000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

May 15, 2006

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

05V363000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Aug 19, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH, AND RUB AGAINST, THE FRONT BRAKE DISK. IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH AN ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIP TO THE IABS SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.