AI Damage2011 BMW R1200 GS: common problems
Owners of the 2011 BMW R1200 GS filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 43% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 29% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 14% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (43% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (14% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While under hard acceleration to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, the engine power suddenly cut out completely that created a dangerous situation and suddenly put me at risk for a collision.
Fuel pump flange failure resulting in leaking fuel while I was riding the bike. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the bike could have caught fire while riding and also potentially could have caused me to crash.
The location of the fuel drip falls directly on the exhaust pipe header on the front right side of the motorcycle which could lead to a fire causing property damage and or bodily harm. The motorcycle has not been inspected by the local dealer as they are backlogged with a summertime influx of customers.
First reported front brake failure to BMW Motorcycle dealer in Chattanooga TN in fall of 2019. Lever went to grip and had to be pumped several times to engage. Dealer could not replicate problem or find anything wrong.
The fuel leaks onto the engine and exhaust. Fire and life hazard!!!! Failure leaks fuel on engine and exhaust.
After few km (16.700) a lot of noise comes from gear box. I search on the web if somebody else had the same problem and I found a lot. Many customer claims that out of warranty the gear fault causing serious noise and in some case crash and injuries.
The electronic suspension adjustment equipped, non-serviceable, rear shock failed at only 15,500 miles. The replacement unit is $2000. I take the position that bmw north america's expectation that the consumer should bear the burden of the failure of such an expensive part after only 4 years and 15,500 miles is…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 12,538 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the R1200 GS has 16 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 7, below average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
- R1200 GS 20044 sources
- R1200 GS 200551 sources
- R1200 GS 20069 sources
- R1200 GS 200742 sources
- R1200 GS 200832 sources
- R1200 GS 200930 sources
- R1200 GS 20108 sources
- R1200 GS 201210 sources
- R1200 GS 201312 sources
- R1200 GS 201414 sources
- R1200 GS 201510 sources
- R1200 GS 201630 sources
- R1200 GS 201716 sources
- R1200 GS 201817 sources
- R1200 GS 201914 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW R1200 GS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, powertrain, service brakes. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (43%), fuel system, fuel smell (29%), brake failure (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 BMW R1200 GS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2011 BMW R1200 GS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2011 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.