2005 BMW K1200 Lt recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
What could happen: IF ONLY THE REAR BRAKE WERE APPLIED DURING RIDING, INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 LT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V304000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Consequence: IF ONLY THE REAR BRAKE WERE APPLIED DURING RIDING, INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATION HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2 DOT ( 1-888-327-4236).
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AT LOWER TEMPERATURES, WIRING WITHIN THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT MAY PRESS AGAINST THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY CONTACTS COULD OPEN, INTERRUPTING THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN STALLING.
What could happen: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2004. CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 K1200 LT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V438000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AT LOWER TEMPERATURES, WIRING WITHIN THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT MAY PRESS AGAINST THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY CONTACTS COULD OPEN, INTERRUPTING THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN STALLING.
Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2004. CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (9), Gasoline (9), Transmission / drivetrain (4), Suspension (3), Brakes (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/08/2015 · Suspension · crash
WHILE RIDING IN TO A LEFT HANDED CORNER THE FRONT RIGHT FRONT LEG BROKE STANDING THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT UP AND SENDING ME AND THE BIKE INTO THE GUARDRAIL CAUSING A CRASH THAT I WAS LUCKY TO WALK AWAY FROM. *TR
03/06/2013 · Brakes · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW K1200LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH AND DECELERATING, THE BRAKES SEIZED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS LEFT LEG AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS A FAIL…
05/03/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001. *TR
02/06/2012 · Steering
THE UPPER THREADED PORTION OF THE SHAFT OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT BROKE OFF, WHICH IS THE CONNECTION POINT FROM THE LEADING LINK TO THE FRONT FORK BRIDGE, AN INTEGRAL PART OF BMW'S TELELEVER FRONT SUSPENSION. LOSS OF THIS CONNECTION POINT ALLOWS THE FRONT FORKS TO MOVE FRONT TO REAR CAUSING DANGEROUS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. NORMAL OPERATION OF…
11/28/2011 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE COUPLERS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…
08/20/2011 · Fuel system
MAJOR GAS LEAK WHILE DRIVING - SPRAYED GAS ON RIGHT LEG AND FOOT. MY PANTS LEG, SOCK, AND SHOE ON THE RIGHT SIDE WERE COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH GAS. DECIDED TO HAVE THE BIKE TOWED INSTEAD OF RISKING IT REPAIR PLACE SAID IT WAS THE PLASTIC GAS CONNECTOR AND HE WAS GOING TO HAVE TO ORDER A METAL ONE. SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IN THE CH…
11/08/2009 · Suspension
REAR WHEEL STARTED MAKING A DRAGGING SOUND AND SEEMED TO BE ON INSIDE OF ROTOR. THOUGHT IT WAS AN OCCLUSION IN THE CASTING BUT THE WHEEL BEARING RETAINER IN THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING WAS CONING OUT. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALER IT WAS FOUND THE BEARING HAD BEEN OBLITERATED WHEN THE BEARING MOVED FROM ITS SPOT INSIDE THE REAR HUB. DEALER WILL REPLACE REAR WHEEL D…
09/13/2009 · Fuel system
DURING A 12,000 MILE SERVICE, I WAS ADVISED BY A BMW SERVICE ADVISOR TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE CONNECTORS ON MY 2005 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE WITH METAL FUEL LINE CONNECTORS. THE REASON WAS THAT THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER'S EQUIPMENT OCCASIONALLY FAILS; AND THE COST TO ME TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINE CONNECTORS WAS MORE THAN $200. I DECLINED THE PURCHASE.…