Is the 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS reliable?

The 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: FUEL SYSTEM problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS?

Top problems: FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Bmw R 1200 GS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is fuel system problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: fuel pump starting leaking while engine is running. this is a known problem for this model, but not for my model year 2012. obviously, the defect wasn't corrected on my bike, causing a dangerous situation. i am planning on bringing the motorcycle to the shop tomorrow for remediation.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

FUEL SYSTEM

5 complaints

38%

• FUEL PUMP STARTING LEAKING WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL, BUT NOT FOR MY MODEL YEAR 2012. OBVIOUSLY, THE DEFECT WASN'T CORRECTED ON MY BIKE, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM PLANNING ON BRINGING THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SHOP TOMORROW FOR REMEDIATION.
• FUEL PUMP FLANGE HAS A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE INSIDE OF THE BOSS, WHERE THE THREADS ARE.
• SPRAY LEAK FROM FUEL PUMP, QUICK CONNECTOR ON THE FLANGE BROKE AND HAD A STRONG SPRAY OF FUEL LEAKING ON THE HOT ENGINE AND MY CLOTHES, THIS HAPPEND ON THE FREEWAY WHILE RIDING AT 70MPH. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS BIKES UP TO 2011, MINE IS 2012.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“FUEL PUMP STARTING LEAKING WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL, BUT NOT FOR MY MODEL YEAR 2012. OBVIOUSLY, THE DEFECT WASN'T CORRECTED ON MY BIKE, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM PLANNING ON BRINGING THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SHOP TOMORROW FOR REMEDIATION.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS

Based on 13 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 38K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Later than typicalmedian 55K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP08/02/2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Bmw R 1200 GS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw R 1200 GS Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2012 R 1200 GS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
FUEL SYSTEM: FUEL PUMP STARTING LEAKING WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL, BUT NOT FOR MY MODEL YEAR 2012. OBVIOUSLY, THE DEFECT WASN'T CORRECTED ON MY BIKE, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM PLANNING ON BRINGING THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SHOP TOMORROW FOR REMEDIATION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: BMW MOTORRAD USA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES PO BOX 1227 WESTWOOD, NJ 07675-1227 DEAR SIR: I HAVE RECENTLY HAD A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE WITH MY NEW 2012 R1200GS ADVENTURE. I BROUGHT MY MOTORCYCLE TO MY DEALER FOR THE 600 MILE BREAK-IN SERVICE AND MENTIONED TO SERVICE MANAGER THAT I HAVE BEE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I WAS TRAVELLING SAFELY IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT SPEED LIMIT IN HEAVY INTERSTATE TRAFFIC. I CHANGED LANES INTO THE FAST LANE UNDER SLIGHT ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY. I COULD NOT RESTART THE BIKE AND SO TRIED TO GET INTO THE SLOW LANE AS THERE WAS NO ROOM ON THE INSIDE SHOULDER. I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: BMW MOTORRAD USA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES PO BOX 1227 WESTWOOD, NJ 07675-1227 DEAR SIR: I HAVE RECENTLY HAD A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE WITH MY NEW 2012 R1200GS ADVENTURE. I BROUGHT MY MOTORCYCLE TO MY DEALER FOR THE 600 MILE BREAK-IN SERVICE AND MENTIONED TO SERVICE MANAGER THAT I HAVE BEE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)